By Monique McCormack
Electropop is characterized by catchy lyrics and melodies reminiscent of the pop you hear on the radio, but with a unique twist: the electronic scene. The sometimes “mainstream” pop is revitalized by the introduction of manufactured instruments unavailable in the natural world, creating endless possibilities for artists to create their own sound. Synth, textured bass and up-tempo breaks and drops have made electropop an up-and-coming modern genre of music.
“Carried Away” by Passion Pit
I would be remiss to not mention by introduction to this genre at about eleven years old. Other than exposure to Kraftwerk by way of my “cool” dad, I was unfamiliar and skeptical of electronic-sounding songs. “Carried Away” and “Take a Walk” opened my eyes to the exciting, energetic world of electropop.
“Oh Devil” by Electric Guest
If the album cover wasn't already entrancing, the combination of staccato chords with a ghostly falsetto is sure to capture you. With playful lyrics like “Oh, Devil, I made my own hell,” and a contrasting chorus featuring the smooth voice of Jamaican artist Devin Di Dakta, this song is sure to keep you wanting more.
“go with u” by BAYNK
The deceivingly tranquil introduction of this song has layers of dissonant vocals, soon broken by the introduction of a pulsing chord progression and some textured percussion. Before you know it, your head is bobbing along to the rhythm as the vocalist peppers in some verses about unexpectedly falling in love, culminating in an addition of synth for exhilarating chorus.
“Caught Up” by Goldwater
It seems that the artist is inadvertently “Caught Up” with “the one that got away.” The vocalist's relaxed and smooth voice does not hinder the energy of the song, and instead compliments the many features electronic music has to offer. My particular favorite is the introduction of arpeggios at 1:04, which sets the verses apart.
“Lemonade by Peech., Anna Ross
This duet is a call-and-response banter of a couple as they discuss the causes of their breakup. As the song progresses, the couple reminisces and tries to figure out how they will work things out with one another. This sweet and honest song has a cheerful background and whistle-like overlay despite its contentious lyrics.
“Space Makes Me Sad” by Fiji Blue
The artist reflects how the space between him and his love interest troubles him, with lyrics like “Feeling like Pluto/ You already knew though” and “How come the sky at night makes me this way?/ Why're you so far away?” The theme of love with adorable allusions to outer space makes this groovy tune enjoyable from both wordplay and musical perspectives.
“milk” by Reagan Capaci, Moflo Music
The background of “milk” is reminiscent of chiptune, the seemingly simplistic sound associated with early video game soundtracks. Don't be deceived: there is much more added, including some upbeat high hats and heavy bass. Las Vegas-based artist Reagan Capaci, with her unique soprano, is bound to take the electropop scene by storm.
“Pretend” by okaywill
By far my favorite electropop artist, okaywill has already created countless jams at the age of 21. Thoughtful lyrics are sung by a voice that perfectly complements the genius of the music itself, neither overpowering the other. If you enjoy “Pretend”, check out “Emotional” and “The Journey.”
“Slowing Down” by Bronze Whale
“Slowing Down” unabashedly begins with a lone, doctored vocal with minimal accompaniment, growing into an electronic masterpiece. Despite the relative consistency of chords and rhythm, the medium in which they are presented varies throughout the song. It is hard to imagine the countless hours that must have gone into the production and technicality of this song, but the Austin-based duo Bronze Whale manages to convert a painstaking process into incredible music.
“moniker” by underscores
By far the least conventional song in this playlist, “moniker” begins with a slow, heavily-edited, uneasy buildup to a complete switch up in rhythm and content. It seems as though the artist is being haunted by the mantra “Leave it to me/ Give me a week.” Then at 0:52, a music box-like piano introduces the second phase of this one-of-a-kind song. There is no doubt that self-described “dropdead manic pixie dreamthing” underscores will continue to produce his signature sound.
