At the core, I am a fan of all genres of music. Yet, when tuning in to the radio, it's the college radio stations that captivate me the most. One such station growing up was 88.3 The Sting from Baldwin Wallace University, which has led me to discover a treasure trove of eclectic sounds. Their playlist traverses from Top 40 hits to obscure underground gems, unveiling artists such as Krooked Kings, Winnetka Bowling League, and Slow Pulp. In this article, I embark on a deep dive into the recent music that has resonated with me, with a focus on Charli XCX and her magnetic connection to the evolving genre of hyperpop.
What I like so much about this genre and artist is similar to why I like college radio stations. This is because they both veer away from the mainstream and what has been done before. Charli XCX started out with mainstream success in the early to mid-2010s with pop songs such as "Boom Clap," "I Love It," and "Fancy," but she soon took a detour into the experimental realm of 'hyperpop’ with her "Vroom Vroom" EP, and even further on her "Pop 2" album (which is the album that has been in my heavy rotation) and subsequent work.
Hyperpop found its voice in artists such as SOPHIE, A.G. Cook, and 100 gecs. It's a genre or anti-genre that defies categorization, thrives on its uniqueness. It's a new-wave pop characterized by shorter, energetic tracks that push the boundaries of traditional pop. As VICE aptly puts it, hyperpop is a 'parody of pop,' playfully nudging the genre's quirks while steadily evolving through the contributions of young creators. The genre resists labels and is known for drawing inspiration from a diverse array of influences. The genre thrives on its association with alternative and LGBTQ+ communities, further pushing against established norms.
Hyperpop's uncanny blend of maximalist pop elements and edgy experimental sounds plays a key role in this transition. As Sam Carpenter from The Chronicle at Duke University concisely put it, "A typical hyperpop song features vocals that are auto-tuned past the point of sounding human, unrecognizably distorted bass, and chaotically messy cheerfulness. The sounds are very crunchy and frequently off-putting. Mixed with a fast tempo, aggressively upbeat melodies, and a hook that is catchier than it should be" (Carpenter, The Chronicle).
Listening to hyperpop is an experience that defies convention. The music can convey an energetic and vibrant vibe, even in songs that are depressing and sad. Personally, hyperpop is a perfect blend of EDM-style beats and pop music that has become my soundscape for everyday activities from working out to reading. A scene where hyperpop music thrives is in dance or club environments, but it can virtually be played anywhere for those seeking a pick-me-up.
Although hyperpop has been as distant from the mainstream as possible, its influences and elements are beginning to emerge within mainstream spaces. "Speed Drive" by Charli XCX is one of the most front-and-center songs in the soundtrack (and in the film) to the biggest blockbuster movies of 2023, Barbie. Although I am limited to the free version of Chartmetric, the impact of "Speed Drive" can still be seen.
Over the past month, the hyperpop-influenced track featured on a movie soundtrack has garnered a total of 2,915 airplay spins on the radio alone, not to mention 50+ million steams on Spotify. The entire Barbie Soundtrack was a phenomenon, but even if Charli XCX is already a mainstream popstar. The fact that this song is getting attention this level of attention is surprising. Throughout the past couple years she has had dance hits that have made the rounds, but this is one of her first heavier hyperpop leaning songs to trend in this way, especially on the radio. Although her hyperpop albums "Number 1 Angel", "Pop 2", "Charli'', and ''How I'm Feeling Now'' have a cult following and a dedicated fan-base. She has not really been able to translate this sound into the mainstream. It was ultimately with her recent 2022 album ''Crash'' (which she refers to as her "sell-out era"), which was a return to more mainstream pop that achieved her her biggest chart-topping success. So the fact that the hyperpop-influenced "Speed Drive" is performing so well is a testament to the evolution and mass popularity of the genre, even if Charli XCX is already regarded as more mainstream than most hyperpop artists.
Furthermore when looking at Charli XCX’s viewership statistics on www.onesheet.club, I was able to categorize Charli XCX’s audience by age, specifically her YouTube viewing data. It’s evident that she resonates with a younger audience. Not only that, but her popularity continues to grow. According to Chartmetric, in the past month, her overall artist rank rose 53 positions to 177, and in the United Kingdom, it rose 2 positions to 21.
Charli XCX’s journey from mainstream pop to hyperpop experimentation mirrors the genre's evolution. Her continuing popularity in a musical realm that resonates with those who seek unconventional sounds and a community that embraces inclusivity and individuality is a testament to the genre’s capacity to evolve, challenge norms, and continue shaping the future of music.
Sources that assisted in the creation of this piece:
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