How To Find New Artists in the Hyperpop Scene

The rise of hyperpop as a genre has been one of the most exciting and revolutionary developments in music in recent years. With its fusion of electronic, pop, experimental, and avant-garde elements, hyperpop has captivated a wide array of listeners, influencing not just music but also fashion, identity, and culture. However, finding new artists within this niche scene can often be challenging, given how rapidly the genre evolves and the sheer volume of independent music being released.

In this article, we will explore how to find new hyperpop artists, offering insights into discovering fresh sounds, understanding the genre's evolution, and navigating the dynamic, sometimes elusive, nature of hyperpop. Whether you are a long-time fan or someone just beginning to explore this vibrant world, this guide will help you dive deep into hyperpop's vast, ever-expanding landscape.

Understanding Hyperpop

Before diving into the search for new hyperpop artists, it's essential to grasp the essence of the genre. Hyperpop is an experimental form of pop music that emerged around the mid-2010s. It blends elements from a variety of genres, such as EDM, glitch, trance, punk, and hip-hop, creating a sound that is both futuristic and chaotic. Its hallmark features are distorted vocals, rapid tempo shifts, hyperactive beats, and a penchant for synthetic and digital textures.

The genre's origins can be traced back to a few key figures and movements. Artists like SOPHIE, A.G. Cook (founder of the label PC Music), and artists within the PC Music collective played pivotal roles in shaping the genre's early sound. Hyperpop's avant-garde nature has led it to be a genre that resists traditional commercial success, instead fostering a vibrant underground scene that often thrives in niche communities online.

Hyperpop's sound and aesthetic appeal to a younger, internet-savvy audience, blending a sense of nostalgia for early 2000s pop with futuristic elements. It is often seen as a rebellion against the formulaic and commercially safe pop music that dominates mainstream radio. The genre's fluidity and boundless creativity make it an exciting genre to explore.

Exploring Hyperpop Communities Online

One of the most powerful ways to discover new hyperpop artists is to tap into online communities that cater to fans and creators of the genre. These communities are often the breeding grounds for new sounds and ideas, and they can provide you with a steady stream of emerging talent. Here are a few platforms and methods to explore:

A. Social Media

Social media platforms, particularly Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, have become pivotal in the discovery of new music. Hyperpop artists, like many indie musicians, often use these platforms to engage with their fans and promote their work. Here are some strategies for using social media:

• Hashtags: Searching for hashtags like #hyperpop, #hyperpopmusic, #experimentalpop, and #PCMusic can lead you to posts about new songs, albums, and upcoming artists. Many fans and creators use these hashtags to share and promote their latest discoveries and releases.
• Follow Hyperpop Labels and Collectives: Labels like PC Music, Nuxxe, and other independent platforms often share updates about new artists. Following these accounts can expose you to the newest names in the genre.
• TikTok: TikTok has become a powerful platform for music discovery, particularly for niche genres like hyperpop. Many artists use TikTok to showcase snippets of their songs or even build viral trends that introduce their music to a wider audience.

B. Reddit and Other Forums

Reddit hosts several communities dedicated to hyperpop, where users share new music, recommend artists, and engage in deep discussions about the genre's evolving sound. Subreddits like r/Hyperpop and r/PCMusic are excellent starting points. Here, you'll find everything from popular mainstream hyperpop artists to underground bedroom producers trying to break through.

Other forums like Discord servers and even Bandcamp's community features provide great ways to interact with both artists and fans. These platforms often allow for real-time interaction, giving you access to lesser-known, emerging talents.

C. YouTube Channels and Playlists

Many hyperpop fans and curators have YouTube channels where they showcase new music, album reviews, and artist interviews. Channels like "Hyperpop Hits" and "Hyperpop Weekly" curate content that includes tracks from rising artists, so subscribing to these channels can provide a steady stream of new finds.

D. SoundCloud and Bandcamp

SoundCloud and Bandcamp are crucial platforms for discovering new hyperpop artists, especially those who are not signed to major labels. SoundCloud allows artists to upload and share their music freely, often giving rise to experimental and underground sounds. By exploring tags like "hyperpop" or "experimental pop," you can unearth fresh tracks from up-and-coming artists who might not yet have mainstream recognition.

Similarly, Bandcamp is a great platform for discovering indie artists, with many hyperpop musicians offering their music on a "pay what you want" basis. Bandcamp also allows fans to directly support their favorite artists, fostering a deeper connection between creators and listeners.

Explore Hyperpop Label Roster

One way to discover new hyperpop artists is by checking out the rosters of labels that specialize in this genre. Labels often work with a group of artists that share similar aesthetic and musical sensibilities, making their releases a good starting point for finding artists who align with your taste. Here are a few key labels that have been instrumental in shaping the hyperpop scene:

A. PC Music

PC Music, founded by A.G. Cook, has been at the forefront of hyperpop's development. The label is known for its shiny, glossy pop music that often incorporates extreme vocal manipulation, experimental sound design, and digital effects. While A.G. Cook himself is one of the most well-known artists in the genre, PC Music has a roster of diverse artists that offer unique takes on hyperpop. Artists like Hannah Diamond, QT, and easyFun have all made significant contributions to the sound of hyperpop.

B. Nuxxe

Nuxxe is another label gaining prominence in the hyperpop scene, with a more aggressive, edgy sound compared to PC Music's hyper-polished aesthetic. Nuxxe has helped bring attention to artists like Shygirl and Sega Bodega, who blend elements of trap, rap, and experimental music with the hyperpop framework. Exploring the Nuxxe roster will expose you to a different side of hyperpop---one that embraces darker, grittier themes.

C. 100 Gecs and DistroKid

100 Gecs, a duo comprising Laura Les and Dylan Brady, have been influential in pushing the boundaries of hyperpop's sound. While they are not strictly a label, their work with various collaborators and their own music releases have had a massive impact on the genre. 100 Gecs' approach to music is an excellent gateway to discovering artists who share their experimental, genre-blurring approach. Additionally, platforms like DistroKid allow independent artists to distribute their music, so using DistroKid's release radar feature may help uncover hidden hyperpop gems.

Collaborations and Guest Features

Another effective way to discover new hyperpop artists is by following collaborations and guest features. Hyperpop is a genre that thrives on experimentation, and it is common for artists from different backgrounds or musical scenes to collaborate. These collaborations often bring new, fresh talent into the spotlight and provide listeners with a window into the broader hyperpop world.

For example, you might hear a relatively unknown artist guest-featured on a song by a more established hyperpop act. By exploring the artist's solo work, you can unearth new talent that may be just on the cusp of recognition.

A. Collaborations Within the Scene

Many hyperpop artists frequently collaborate with others in the scene. By keeping track of which artists are working together, you can uncover hidden talents and rising stars. Pay attention to who is collaborating with producers like A.G. Cook, Dorian Electra, and others, as these collaborations often highlight promising new voices within the genre.

B. Guest Features Across Genres

Given hyperpop's genre-blending nature, you may also find hyperpop artists collaborating with musicians from other genres, such as electronic, rap, or indie. These cross-genre collaborations are often fertile ground for discovering exciting new sounds and fresh talent.

Hyperpop Festivals and Live Shows

While the hyperpop scene remains relatively niche, it has a growing presence at live events and festivals. Many of these events focus on avant-garde and experimental music, making them perfect for discovering new artists in the scene. For instance, events like the Hyperpop Festival in Los Angeles or shows hosted by independent promoters often feature emerging talents alongside more established artists.

By attending these festivals or keeping an eye on their lineups, you can discover lesser-known artists who are just beginning to build a following. Live performances also offer a more intimate way of experiencing hyperpop, allowing you to witness artists' creative vision in real time.

Keep an Open Mind and Embrace the Experimental

Finally, when exploring the hyperpop scene, it's important to keep an open mind. Hyperpop is all about experimentation, breaking boundaries, and defying traditional musical structures. As you explore new artists, don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace sounds that might initially seem strange or unfamiliar. The beauty of hyperpop is in its unpredictability and constant evolution. By allowing yourself to enjoy its unpredictability, you will discover new artists who are pushing the genre in exciting directions.

In conclusion, finding new hyperpop artists requires a multi-faceted approach. By diving into online communities, following labels and festivals, exploring collaborations, and embracing the genre's experimental nature, you'll be well-equipped to discover the next wave of hyperpop talent. The genre's ever-evolving landscape offers something for every listener, and as the scene continues to grow, so too will the opportunities to uncover fresh, innovative voices. So keep searching, stay curious, and let hyperpop take you on a wild musical journey.

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