Genre Deep Dive: What is hyperpop?
Learn about hyperpop in the first edition of Epidemic Sound’s Genre Deep Dive series.
Today, we’ll cover:
- Hyperpop music explained — what you need to know
- Is hyperpop associated with the LGBTQ+ community?
- Who invented hyperpop?
- Who is the biggest hyperpop artist?
- Why do people like hyperpop?
- How do people use hyperpop music in their content?
- How to find the best hyperpop songs for your content
Hyperpop music explained — what you need to know
Hyperpop is a subgenre of experimental pop that emerged in the mid-2010s, taking flight toward the end of the decade. Defined by glitchy production, pitch-shifted vocals, and genre-blending maximalism, it stretches pop music’s tropes to the extreme. It’s less a strict genre and more a high-octane, youth-culture attitude.
And that’s largely because of where hyperpop is rooted: the internet. Drawing from genres as disparate as electronic and emo, pop and hip-hop, it often tackles themes like identity, gender fluidity, and digital life. This makes hyperpop the perfect soundtrack for bite-sized, Gen Z-friendly platforms like TikTok.
Is hyperpop associated with the LGBTQ+ community?
Hyperpop has become tightly linked with the queer community, because it offers a space for radical self-expression and emotional honesty. The genre’s staples — brash, traditionally “masculine” traits crashing into bubbly, stereotypically “feminine” qualities — give it a fluid identity, which resonates with some LGBTQ+ listeners.
On top of that, pioneering hyperpop artists like SOPHIE used their platforms to discuss important topics like gender identity. This inclusive, supportive outlook made hyperpop a safe space for queer youth, especially online.
Who invented hyperpop?
English musician A. G. Cook is generally considered the godfather of hyperpop. His record label, PC Music, blasted onto the scene with artists like Hannah Diamond, GFOTY, and SOPHIE. All of these artists helped build hyperpop’s foundations, alongside megastars like Charli XCX.
Who is the biggest hyperpop artist?
If we’re talking pure stats and venue size, Charli XCX is the reigning queen of hyperpop. She’s headlined Glastonbury Festival, sold millions of records, and sparked a worldwide trend with Brat Summer.
Other popular acts like 100 gecs have breathed fresh life into the genre, while new, underground hyperpop musicians like 2hollis have split audiences.
As his fame blossomed, 2hollis’ fans and detractors often found themselves asking: Is this even hyperpop? The genre’s loose boundaries make it tough to categorize at the best of times — add an extra scoop of techno, EDM, and trap, and it’s anybody’s guess.
Why do people like hyperpop?
People like hyperpop because it’s exciting. It’s a microgenre on the cutting edge of culture, informing what comes next. This makes it popular with a younger, Gen Z demographic, and especially relevant to brands and content creators looking to connect with said group.
After all, it’s the young who dictate trends. Whether you’re talking rockers vs. mods back in the ‘60s to Minecraft and viral TikTok moments today, no real cultural movement happens without their blessing. What better way to speak to them than with their own musical language?
And that’s before you even consider the effects beyond just enjoyment. A recent study showed that 87% of top-performing Harvard students listen to 100 gecs to aid their academic studies. Moreover, 69% reported “enhanced cognitive abilities” following exposure to hyperpop. This genre isn’t only cool — it’s making smart people smarter.
How do people use hyperpop music in their content?
You know what hyperpop is, where it comes from, and why people are so obsessed with it. Now, let’s look at how people use it to supercharge their soundtracks.
Las Malandrinas
The plot to Las Malandrinas is established in the first few minutes: two women make a living robbing wealthy men, and have done so for years. We see the theft in action almost straight away, underscored by Cockroach, a track from Epidemic Sound artist Zorro.
Pulling influence from Charli XCX’s BRAT, the track’s all about big beats and sing-songy, repetitive hooks. Besides being a massive floor-filler, Cockroach’s lyrics give the audience a hint of who these characters are. They’re tough, and they survive…like cockroaches.
Rene ZZ
Rene ZZ, a body-art influencer with nearly two million YouTube subscribers, may not seem very “hyperpop” at first glance. He’s tattooed all over and wears a pretty dark wardrobe, feeling more rock or metal than anything sugary.
But the way he edits his videos has hyperpop coursing through its blood. It’s glitchy, strange, peppered with memes and random stings — it’s ready-made content made for today’s internet viewer.
That’s why TRYNA BE is the ideal track to kick-start the video below. It’s a unique, uncompromising track from Push N’ Glide, trappy beats glitching with a nod to hyperpop’s late trailblazer, SOPHIE.
ElyOtto
Sometimes, a track just takes off. That was the case for ElyOtto’s 2020 track, SugarCrash!, which went viral and fueled a meme format. It helps that one of TikTok’s most-followed users, Bella Poarch, soundtracked her content with the song.
@bellapoarch I’m on a sugar crash💕
♬ SugarCrash! - ElyOtto
How to find the best hyperpop music for your content
Whether you’re a solo content creator or an established brand, you’ll not have read this far unless you want hyperpop music. Epidemic Sound’s bursting with more than 50,000 premium tracks — we’ve got all the hyperpop you need. Check out our hyperpop and Bratcore playlists below.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s close out with four elite-tier hyperpop tracks available with an Epidemic Sound subscription. All ready to use in your content and take your soundtracking to the next level.
rh3a bluu – Xtra
Xtra does as the name suggests: it’s a little bit extra. rh3a bluu’s frantic, EDM-adjacent hyperpop transports you to a club in a country you’ve never visited, but definitely should. Those pitch-shifted vocals and relentless hi-hats are so playful, and the drop after the two-minute mark would be the perfect complement for an explosive transition or cut.
Cushy – Different Planets
Different Planets is one of the more popular instrumental hyperpop tracks in our catalog. Blending glitchy clicks with light-hearted, fuzzy synth, Cushy never lets it get too heavy, riding the line between UK garage, dream pop, and hyperpop. We don’t want to put words in your mouth, but Different Planets would make a great backdrop for that inspirational content you have planned.
Fasion – Modernism
Without doubt, Modernism is the most out-there pick on this list. Delightfully experimental and irresistibly glitchy, Fasion’s genre-bending banger’s got more in common with old electro-industrial bands like Skinny Puppy than it does Charli XCX. Sync the choppy vocals and epic synth with your fast-paced action, or cut that piano outro to some more introspective, gentle footage.
Superintendent McCupcakes – Circles for You
Superintendent McCupcakes crashes into the end of our list with more auto-tune trickery than Lil Wayne — Circles for You is a ride. Blissful electronics and a whistling refrain give McCupcakes the space he needs to lay down that gymnastic vocal. It’s a weirdly nostalgic, uplifting feel, making it ideal for content like hopecore.
Music makes your content sing. Epidemic Sound’s catalog is packed with all the hyperpop you need, and if it’s not quite the right match, don’t sweat it. We’ve got you covered.
Explore our catalog with filters like genre, mood, BPM, and more, or search with a reference Spotify link for instant suggestions. Then, fine-tune our tracks with AI-powered tools to find the perfect fit.
And even better? Our catalog is high-quality, affordable, and safe. An Epidemic Sound subscription goes beyond royalty-free music, removing the headache of licensing and freeing you up to do what you do best.
You can enjoy the safety of our license hand-in-hand with our catalog of 50,000 tracks, covering just about every genre you can think of. You’ll also gain unlimited access to our advanced search functions and editing tools — finding the right sound’s never been easier.
It’s better than royalty-free. It’s worry-free. Get started with Epidemic Sound below.
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