Electropop

Description

Dense, layered, and compressed production, usually coupled with a distinct fuzzy and “warm” low-frequency synthesizer style.

Though heavily influenced by Synthpop, Electropop’s crisp and crunchy production traits are often contrasted with synthpop’s reliance on more traditional 1980s production methods:

Electropop’s crackly, warm, and even distorted synth textures vs. synthpop’s more dreamy, sparser space-like synth sounds
Synthpop is mostly centred around a synthesizer and accompanied by live instruments, contrasting with electropop’s focus on fully digital production

Electropop also has frequent crossover with Pop Rap and Contemporary R&B, which is much rarer in Synthpop.

History

Electropop developed from a number of preceding scenes.

Early history

Early on, we had:

Early 2000s artists influenced by Electroclash (e.g.: Goldfrapp, Ladytron)
- They added more catchy and radio-friendly elements to the genre
EDM-centric producers that began to write pop music (e.g.: The Knife)

Despite the development of the genre from underground electronic scenes, many pop artists such as Britney Spears, Robyn and Lady Gaga quickly adopted the sound.

Continued development

The 2010s experienced a surge of EDM and pop crossovers (Porter Robinson) and styles directly inspired by 1980s Synthpop (CHVRCHES, Grimes)

Later on, many artists would be inspired by the influence of 2000s electropop popstars, leading to satirical approaches such as Bubblegum Bass, and eclectic plays on 2010s Electroclash through Hyperpop.