“Hyperpop? Sounds familiar, but I don’t really get what it is…”
If you’ve ever thought that, you’re not alone.
This genre has become a hot topic among Gen Z on platforms like TikTok and Spotify.
And now, it’s even made its way onto Google’s Doodle—a symbolic stamp of cultural impact.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- What exactly is Hyperpop?
- Why is it so popular with Gen Z?
- Who are the key artists like 100 gecs and Charli XCX?
- What’s the connection with LGBTQ culture?
- Which songs are best for beginners?
As a system engineer, I’ll also share my thoughts on this chaotic yet captivating musical movement.
Let’s dive in together!
Why Is Hyperpop Gaining Attention? Understanding Its Musical Identity
Hyperpop has quickly emerged as a genre that grabs attention with its explosive sound and chaotic visuals.
Let’s begin by defining what Hyperpop is and why it resonates so deeply in today’s internet culture.
As someone in their 40s who’s worked in system development for decades, I’ll share my perspective on how this genre parallels the evolution of technology itself.
Definition and Origins of Hyperpop
Hyperpop exaggerates every element of pop: heavily autotuned vocals, distorted beats, compressed sound, glitch effects, and surreal aesthetics.
It first surfaced in the early 2010s through UK-based label PC Music, led by figures like A.G. Cook and SOPHIE.
As a tech engineer, I find the sound design fascinating—it feels like breaking and rebuilding software code, but in audio form.
The deliberate use of “errors” or over-processing reminds me of creative coding: imperfect, yet authentic.
It’s less of a genre and more of a mindset.
Let’s explore how TikTok helped this sound spread like wildfire.
How TikTok and Gen Z Propelled Hyperpop to Global Fame
TikTok played a pivotal role in Hyperpop’s rise.
The platform favors short, catchy audio—perfect for Hyperpop’s fast tempo and dramatic hooks.
Because most Hyperpop songs are brief, they fit neatly into 15-second videos and memes.
As someone who edits audio and video in a corporate setting, I see TikTok as a highly optimized format.
It’s about cramming emotion and creativity into just seconds—and Hyperpop thrives in that space.
Gen Z’s openness to genre-blending also contributed.
They don’t ask, “Is this real pop?” They ask, “Is this fun?”
Hyperpop’s chaos, gender fluidity, and DIY feel align perfectly with that attitude.
Let’s now look at the artists behind this sound.
Discovering the Artists Who Define Hyperpop
To truly understand Hyperpop, you have to hear it.
Two of the genre’s most influential figures are 100 gecs and Charli XCX.
Let’s look at what makes their music so addictive and boundary-pushing.
The Chaos and Catchiness of 100 gecs
100 gecs are known for their “everything-at-once” style—mixing emo, trap, ska, noise, metal, and more.
Their song money machine shocked me at first.
But later, I found myself humming it during work.
Their music plays with “errors” that we usually try to avoid as engineers.
But that raw, unpolished sound is exactly what makes it memorable.
Charli XCX as a Gateway to Hyperpop
Charli XCX bridges Hyperpop with mainstream pop.
Her 2020 album how I’m feeling now, created during lockdown, is a great introduction.
She balances chaos and melody beautifully—accessible to younger and older audiences alike.
For me, Charli’s music opened a door to a new kind of pop: one that’s experimental but still grounded.
Now, let’s dig into the social side of Hyperpop—especially its LGBTQ connections.
Hyperpop and LGBTQ Culture: A Powerful Connection
Hyperpop isn’t just about sound—it’s a space for identity.
For many LGBTQ individuals, especially trans and nonbinary artists, the genre offers creative freedom and emotional release.
LGBTQ Artists Shaping the Genre
Artists like SOPHIE (a trans icon) have used Hyperpop to break gender norms through audio manipulation.
High-pitched or gender-ambiguous vocals are common—not to hide identity, but to express it freely.
At first, this fluidity felt unfamiliar to me.
But now I see it as an evolution of musical and cultural expression.
Vocal Editing as Gender Expression
Autotune, pitch shifting, and voice modulation are not just effects—they’re tools of self-definition.
Hyperpop allows artists to sound like whoever they want to be.
It creates a space where gender doesn’t need to be binary.
For many young LGBTQ listeners, this genre becomes a safe and creative outlet.
Ready to explore Hyperpop for yourself? Let’s look at beginner-friendly tracks.
Beginner-Friendly Hyperpop Songs You Can Try Today
If you’re curious but overwhelmed, start here.
These tracks offer a balanced introduction to Hyperpop’s wild side.
5 Essential Songs to Begin With
- 100 gecs – money machine
- Charli XCX – claws
- ElyOtto – SugarCrash!
- Slayyyter – Mine
- SOPHIE – Immaterial
They’re quirky, loud, and weird—but very addictive.
Once you get used to the “noise,” you might find yourself vibing along.
Where to Listen: Spotify and YouTube
Search “Hyperpop” on Spotify to find curated playlists.
On YouTube, look for “Hyperpop mix” or “TikTok Hyperpop” for visual and audio immersion.
I personally use these playlists for creative inspiration while coding and editing—it really boosts focus.
Q&A Summary
Q: What makes Hyperpop different from regular pop music?
A: It’s pop music pushed to extremes: highly processed, genre-bending, and unapologetically chaotic.
Q: Are 100 gecs considered Hyperpop?
A: Yes and no. While they’re closely associated with the genre, even fans debate whether they truly fit the label.
Q: Why is Hyperpop so tied to LGBTQ culture?
A: Many of its creators are LGBTQ, and the genre’s vocal editing tools allow free gender expression through sound.
Q: Is Hyperpop beginner-friendly?
A: It can be intense at first, but many tracks are catchy and short. It grows on you quickly.
Q: Why did Google choose Hyperpop for a Doodle?
A: As a reflection of youth culture, internet aesthetics, and inclusivity, Hyperpop represents today’s digital diversity.
Here’s what we covered in this article:
- Hyperpop is a chaotic, over-processed reimagining of pop
- It rose through TikTok and became a Google Doodle
- 100 gecs and Charli XCX helped define the genre
- LGBTQ artists use it as a space for identity and voice
- You can start exploring through beginner playlists and songs
Hyperpop isn’t just a genre—it’s a movement.
Give it a listen, even if it sounds strange at first.
You might be surprised at how much it resonates.
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