The Post-Hyperpop Landscape

How Hyperpop’s Wild Childs Are Shaping the Future of Music

In the constantly evolving world of music, the hyperpop genre has carved out a distinctive and influential niche. Hyperpop emerged as a genre that embraced maximalism, distortion, and a playful approach to pop conventions. It was marked by an audacious blend of sugary melodies, glitchy beats, and an overall sense of exuberant rebellion. The genre became a playground for artists who wanted to push the boundaries of conventional pop music, creating a unique auditory experience that is both chaotic and cohesive. As we move into a post-hyperpop landscape, it’s essential to examine the artists who are shaping this new wave of sound, moving beyond the initial hyperpop surge.

Charli XCX

While Charli XCX has been a central figure in hyperpop, her latest album BRAT and its deluxe edition (Brat and it’s the same but there’s three more song so it’s not) signify a maturation and evolution of the genre. The albums combine brash, high-energy tracks with moments of vulnerability, reflecting a more nuanced and emotionally complex approach to music-making. Charli’s work serves as a bridge between the raw, experimental roots of hyperpop and a new era where emotional depth and lyrical introspection are at the forefront​.

100 gecs

Laura Les and Dylan Brady of 100 gecs are perhaps the quintessential hyperpop duo. Their music is an explosive mix of genres, creating a sound that is both anarchic and infectious. Tracks like “Money Machine” and “Stupid Horse” from their debut album 1000 gecs epitomize the hyperpop ethos with their frenetic energy and irreverent lyrics. 100 gecs continue to influence the scene with their boundary-pushing sound and are key players in the ongoing evolution of the genre.

SOPHIE

The late SOPHIE’s contributions to hyperpop cannot be overstated. Her groundbreaking album Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides remains a cornerstone of the genre, blending hyper-real production with emotionally potent themes. Tracks like “Immaterial” and “Faceshopping” showcase her ability to transform pop music into something deeply avant-garde and profoundly moving. SOPHIE’s influence continues to resonate, inspiring a new generation of artists to experiment boldly with sound and form.

Dorian Electra

Dorian Electra brings a theatrical flair to hyperpop, infusing their music with elements of glam rock and baroque pop. Their albums Flamboyant and My Agenda explore themes of gender, sexuality, and identity with a hyper-stylized aesthetic that challenges traditional norms. Songs like “Man to Man” and “Gentleman” highlight Electra’s knack for combining catchy pop hooks with provocative, thought-provoking content.

Slayyyter

Slayyyter’s music is a celebration of 2000s pop, reimagined through a hyperpop lens. Her self-titled debut mixtape and subsequent releases blend bubblegum pop with hyperpop’s glitchy, over-the-top production. Tracks like “Mine” and “Daddy AF” are unapologetically bold, reflecting her unique approach to pop music that is both nostalgic and cutting-edge.

Glaive

Glaive, a young prodigy in the hyperpop scene, represents the next generation of the genre. His music, characterized by its introspective lyrics and catchy, glitchy beats, captures the essence of teenage angst in the digital age. Songs like “Astrid” and “Cloak n Dagger” showcase his ability to merge hyperpop’s eclectic sound with raw emotional honesty, marking a significant shift in the genre’s evolution.

Rina Sawayama

Rina Sawayama, though not strictly hyperpop, incorporates many of the genre’s elements into her music. Her album SAWAYAMA blends nu-metal, R&B, and hyperpop, creating a genre-defying sound that is uniquely her own. Tracks like “XS” and “STFU!” are perfect examples of how hyperpop’s influence extends beyond its own boundaries, shaping the broader landscape of contemporary pop music.

As we navigate the post-hyperpop landscape, it’s clear that the genre’s influence continues to permeate the music industry. Artists are not only pushing the boundaries of sound but are also embracing a more emotionally nuanced approach to their music. This evolution reflects a growing desire for authenticity and depth, even within the hyper-stylized framework of hyperpop.

The post-hyperpop landscape is an exciting frontier, characterized by a fusion of styles, emotional authenticity, and a fearless approach to musical experimentation. Artists like Charli XCX, 100 gecs, SOPHIE, Dorian Electra, Slayyyter, Glaive, and Rina Sawayama are leading the charge, each contributing their unique voices to the ongoing evolution of pop music. As the genre continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative and boundary-pushing music to emerge, reshaping the future of pop and beyond.