Hyperpop

The word "hyperpop" was first used within SoundCloud's nightcore scene to refer to an emerging music collective that had been gaining popularity on the Internet in the late 2010s.[1] In the belief of Vice journalist Eli Enis, hyperpop itself cannot be limited to one strict word or definition. She writes that its identity is less so rooted in musical technicalities and more so is "a shared ethos of transcending genre altogether, while still operating within the context of pop."[1] Writing for American Songwriter, Joe Vitagliano described "hyperpop" as a movement that flourished throughout 2020. He added that he was uncertain whether it should be considered a genre.[5]

According to Pitchfork critic Chal Ravens, hyperpop is primarily influenced by the PC Music label and includes "neon-brushed characters like Dorian Electra, Rina Sawayama, and 100 gecs".[7] Spotify playlist editor Lizzy Szabo referred to the founder of PC Music, A.G. Cook, as the "godfather" of hyperpop.[1] Variety and The New York Times described the work of PC Music-affiliate Sophie as pioneering the style.[8][9] Enis states that the influence of cloud rap, emo and lo-fi trap, trance music, dubstep, and chiptune is evident in the PC Music sound is also found in the hyperpop genre. However, she believes that hyperpop diverges with its more surreal and haphazard qualities that are pulled heavily from hip hop within the last half-decade.[1]

• Post-Internet