The term hyperpop originated in the mid-2010s, shaped by the DIY ethos and experimental soundscapes of artists from the PC Music collective. AG Cook, the founder of PC Music, is credited with defining the early sound and aesthetic. Hyperpop blends elements of pop, electronic, and experimental music, characterized by its maximalist production style, high-pitched vocals, and eclectic mix of sounds and influences.
The genre gained traction through artists like SOPHIE and Charli XCX, whose collaborative works blurred the lines between mainstream pop and experimental electronic music. SOPHIE’s 2013 releases like Bipp and Lemonade established the genre’s unique sonic identity—mixing glossy, futuristic textures with raw, emotional undertones. Charli XCX’s Vroom Vroom EP (2016), produced by SOPHIE, brought hyperpop into wider recognition.
Hyperpop’s rise can be largely attributed to platforms like TikTok in the late 2010s. The genre’s catchy hooks, high-energy beats, and playful unpredictability made it ideal for short video content, where it found a new audience and rapidly spread through viral challenges and meme culture.
The genre’s visuals are as bold and diverse as its sound, often drawing from subcultures like rave, cyberpunk, and kawaii, while fashion trends tend to be androgynous and experimental. This blend of sonic and visual experimentation makes hyperpop a distinct genre resonating deeply with Gen Z, influencing both music and broader cultural trends.
Despite facing criticism for its heavy reliance on autotune and the perceived appropriation of elements from other genres like hip-hop and RnB, hyperpop has continued to evolve, pushing boundaries and redefining modern pop music. Its impact has been so profound that it’s become a key influence on mainstream pop, proving that its reach extends far beyond its niche beginnings.