How Did Pop Music Evolve into HYPERPOP? What Is Hyperpop

What is Hyperpop?

Introduction to Hyperpop

• Last year, Charli XCX tweeted about hyperpop, sparking varied responses from the community, indicating that there is no singular definition for the genre.

• The video aims to explore the question "What is hyperpop?" by examining its musical origins and creating a hyperpop-inspired track.

Evolution of Hyperpop

• Hyperpop has rapidly evolved over recent years, gaining popularity through platforms like Spotify and TikTok. Many tracks have gone viral on these platforms.

• Viral content often stems from music that challenges listeners initially but becomes catchy upon further listening, highlighting the unique appeal of hyperpop.

Origins of Hyperpop

• The roots of hyperpop can be traced back to the mid-2000s Nightcore scene on YouTube, characterized by increased pitch and tempo in existing songs paired with anime visuals.

• The term "hyperpop" began being associated with the UK-based PC Music collective in 2014, founded by A.G Cook, which blended perky melodies with frenetic digital production. Critics were initially skeptical of this new sound.

Characteristics of Hyperpop

• Key elements include heavy-hitting drum samples and a balance between shiny sounds and distorted effects; distortion differentiates hyperpop from traditional pop music. Mixing techniques involve aggressive mastering to achieve a specific sound profile.

• Newer artists have combined eclectic elements from PC Music with hip-hop influences, particularly cloud rap and heavily distorted beats alongside playful melodies and auto-tune effects. Artists like Osquinn (P4RKR) are notable examples in this evolution.

Influential Figures in Hyperpop

• Scottish producer Sophie is highlighted as a pivotal figure within the hyperpop scene; her influence permeates many contemporary tracks even after her tragic passing in January 2021 at age 34 following an accident. Her debut album received critical acclaim for its innovative sound evolution.

• Charli XCX's collaboration with Sophie marked a significant moment for both artists; their work together on Charli's EP "Vroom Vroom" faced initial confusion but later became foundational for defining hyperpop's direction moving forward into mainstream awareness through playlists like Spotify’s hyperpop playlist created in August 2019 due to 100 Gecs' success.

The Evolution of Hyperpop

Birth of the Hyperpop Playlist

• The hyperpop playlist emerged as a significant cultural phenomenon, largely due to Spotify playlists and articles that helped artists gain recognition within their community.

• Initially, many artists did not identify with the hyperpop label; they were simply creating music from their bedrooms like typical SoundCloud musicians. The genre unexpectedly grew beyond initial expectations.

Controversy Surrounding the Playlist

• A notable controversy arose when A.G. Cook took over the hyperpop playlist, adding mainstream artists such as Iggy Azalea and Madonna, which sparked confusion about what defines hyperpop.

• Cook's actions led to smaller artists being removed from the playlist and prompted discussions on representation in the genre. He later defended his choices and released a revised version featuring more underground acts.

Hyperpop as a Community

• For many, hyperpop transcends being just a musical genre; it represents an online community and movement encompassing various smaller subcultures.

• The term "Digicore" emerged in 2021 from SoundCloud, characterized by its diverse representation primarily of queer people of color, contrasting with earlier PC music scenes.

Characteristics of Hyperpop

• Digicore is recognized for its unique sound that often deviates from traditional pop elements, incorporating genres like hyper-electronic and ambient music.

• Artists describe hyperpop as an amalgamation of sounds where multiple melodies coexist simultaneously. This reflects an ethos where there are no wrong answers in creative expression.

Emotional Expression Through Production

• Hyperpop artists utilize production techniques to convey emotions effectively in their songwriting, showcasing innovative approaches to lyrical sentiment.