Graphic courtesy of ringtonemag.com

  San Luis Obispo High School students listen to a wide range of music genres, one of which being hyperpop. This genre is still relatively up and coming in the music world, only gaining widespread acknowledgement in 2019. 

“Hyperpop is less of a subcategory to pop music and more of a movement itself. It’s this sort of exaggerated and maximalist take on music like you’ve never heard it before. For example, you could combine like 20 chaotic noises together, put it over a simple beat, add some vocals, and that would be a hyperpop song,” said senior Ryan Schisler.

  The genre is very popular in the LGBTQIA+ community because many of the artists themselves identify as queer. Some well known names associated with hyperpop are: recording artist A.G. Cook, late recording artist SOPHIE, recording artist Charli XCX, recording artist Dorian Electra, and the hyperpop duo 100 gecs. 

  “Charli XCX’s album ‘how i’m feeling now’ that was released over quarantine was my introduction to hyperpop, it’s a really cool genre. My personal favorite track was ‘claws.’ I found out about it on Tik Tok,” said senior Fiona Stevens. 

  The genre is defined by its upbeat and eclectic nature. Typically it is very synth heavy and has a glitchy sound. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s important to keep an open mind. 

“My favorite hyperpop artist is probably A.G. Cook. I think knowing that he was one of the innovators of what hyperpop has become today is really cool. He also just has such a wide range of talent, and every track he has ever made is different from the others. He’ll go from the simplest best and chorus ever to the most intricate and hyper song you will ever hear,” said senior Schisler.

  As hyperpop becomes increasingly influential, it’ll be interesting to see how the genre impacts the music industry.