Hyperpop is an experimental genre that fuses elements of pop, electronic, and avant-garde music. Known for its exaggerated, glitchy production, bright, pitched-up vocals, and chaotic energy, hyperpop has become a dominant genre in the digital music scene. Artists like SOPHIE, 100 gecs, and Dorian Electra have pushed the boundaries of pop music, creating tracks that are both challenging and exhilarating. If you’re interested in creating your own hyperpop song, follow this detailed guide that covers everything from concept to production.
Understand the Hyperpop Sound
Before you begin making a hyperpop song, it’s essential to understand the core elements that define this genre. Hyperpop is often characterized by:
High-pitched vocals: Vocals in hyperpop tend to be highly processed, often pitched up or down to create a robotic or otherworldly effect.
Glitchy, distorted beats: The production of hyperpop songs is filled with extreme edits, distortions, and unusual sound manipulations.
Fast tempos: Hyperpop songs often have a quick pace, usually ranging from 140 to 180 BPM (beats per minute).
Experimental sound design: The use of unconventional sounds and sound design techniques is crucial in this genre.
Understanding these elements will guide your approach to making hyperpop music. Now that you’re familiar with the basics, let’s dive into the step-by-step process.
How to Make a Hyperpop Song: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Conceptualize Your Song
Every good song starts with an idea. Hyperpop is no different, but the genre allows for a lot of creative freedom. Whether you want to explore themes of futuristic love, societal commentary, or pure chaos, your concept will guide the production.
Decide on a Theme: Hyperpop often thrives on emotional extremes. Some songs may focus on themes of vulnerability and angst, while others might embrace humor, surrealism, or rebellious energy. Be bold in your concept—hyperpop is all about pushing boundaries.
Create a Story: Think about the narrative you want to tell. Hyperpop is often about creating an atmosphere that connects with listeners on an emotional level, so ensure your lyrics match the energy of your production.
Step 2: Write Your Lyrics
Writing lyrics for a hyperpop song requires balancing emotional depth with playful absurdity. The genre often features catchy hooks and playful wordplay, sometimes mixing serious topics with fun or surreal concepts.
Use Exaggeration: Hyperpop thrives on exaggeration, so feel free to take lyrical themes to extreme levels. For instance, if you’re singing about love, explore it in an over-the-top way—obsessive, impossible, or surreal.
Focus on Catchy Hooks: Hyperpop songs are known for their infectious choruses. Make sure to craft hooks that are memorable and energetic, using repetition to solidify them in the listener’s mind.
Experiment with Vocal Arrangement: Since hyperpop relies heavily on vocal manipulation, think about how you can play with your vocal lines. You can use pitch-shifting, autotune, or harmonies to create an otherworldly effect.
Step 3: Choose Your DAW and Sound Libraries
The production process of a hyperpop song can be done in any modern DAW (digital audio workstation), but certain DAWs have advantages when it comes to sound manipulation and experimentation.
Popular DAWs for Hyperpop: Some popular DAWs for making hyperpop include Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro. Each of these DAWs offers powerful tools for sound design, pitch manipulation, and arranging.
Get the Right Sound Libraries: Hyperpop relies on an array of electronic sounds, so having access to synths, drums, and effects libraries is crucial. Consider downloading sound packs that specialize in glitch, industrial, or experimental sounds.
Step 4: Create the Beat
The beat of your hyperpop track will set the tone for the entire song. It’s essential to focus on rhythm and glitchy textures that give your track that signature hyperpop vibe.
Fast Tempo: Start by setting your tempo between 140-180 BPM. This is the usual range for hyperpop songs, but you can experiment outside of it to achieve the desired effect.
Layer Complex Drum Patterns: Hyperpop beats are often full of complex, glitchy percussion. Use unconventional drum sounds—like distorted 808s, high-pitched snares, and stuttering hi-hats—to create a chaotic, energetic rhythm section.
Experiment with Sound Design: Try using stuttering or glitching techniques on your percussion. You can also use “glitch” effects on the drums by manipulating the audio with pitch shifts, reversals, or delay effects to make the rhythm more unpredictable.
Step 5: Craft the Synths and Melody
Hyperpop production relies heavily on the use of synths and melodies that sound futuristic and otherworldly. Think about your arrangement and how you can create soundscapes that are both melodic and chaotic.
Use Bright, Digital Synths: Start by choosing bright, digital-sounding synths for your melodies. These can include lead synths, bass synths, and atmospheric pads.
Create Melodic Hooks: Your song should have a catchy and memorable melody that complements the energy of the song. Focus on melodies that feel futuristic or artificial, with rapid movement or pitch bends.
Experiment with Sound Effects: Hyperpop is all about sound manipulation, so don’t be afraid to use extreme effects on your synths. Consider using pitch-shifting, reverb, delay, or even distorting the sound completely.
Step 6: Manipulate Your Vocals
The vocal performance is one of the defining characteristics of hyperpop. Experiment with pitch-shifting, autotune, and vocal chops to achieve that distorted, otherworldly sound.
Pitch the Vocals: Hyperpop vocals are often heavily pitched up or down. You can do this manually with pitch-shifting tools in your DAW or use autotune to create robotic effects.
Layer and Manipulate: Hyperpop vocals are rarely solo. Use layers of vocals, including harmonies, ad-libs, and vocal chops, to create a chaotic vocal landscape. Apply effects like delay, reverb, or distortion to make the vocals sound more artificial.
Play with Vocal Timing: Don’t hesitate to experiment with vocal timing and rhythm. You can make your vocals sound more robotic or glitchy by manipulating the timing with quantization or stuttering effects.
Step 7: Add Effects and Transitions
Hyperpop relies on dramatic effects to keep the energy high and unpredictable. Here are a few key techniques to incorporate:
Use Glitch Effects: One of the most recognizable features of hyperpop is its glitchy production. Use tools like stutter edits, bit-crushing, and distortion to create the chaotic, erratic textures that define the genre.
Incorporate Soundscapes: Add unconventional sound effects like robotic voices, futuristic bleeps, or background noise to create a sense of atmosphere. These sounds should feel alien and digital.
Add Extreme Transitions: Hyperpop songs often feature abrupt transitions, such as sudden breaks or hard drops. Use stabs, risers, and sound effects to create dramatic changes in energy throughout the track.
Step 8: Mix and Master Your Track
Once your song is fully arranged and you’ve added all your layers, it’s time to mix and master it. Mixing is essential in hyperpop, as it helps ensure that every sound, no matter how chaotic, fits together cohesively.
Balance the Levels: Hyperpop often involves a dense mix, with many layers fighting for space. Pay attention to the levels of each sound, ensuring that the most important elements (like the vocal and bass) come through clearly.
Use Automation: Automation is a key tool in hyperpop. Use it to create dynamic changes in volume, effects, and panning. This will give your song an added sense of movement and unpredictability.
Master for Loudness: Hyperpop tracks are known for their loud and aggressive sound. When mastering, ensure the track is as loud as possible without causing distortion or clipping. You may need to use compression and limiting to achieve the desired volume.
Step 9: Final Touches and Polish
Before releasing your hyperpop song, take the time to add the final touches. Listen to the track in different environments (headphones, speakers, etc.) to make sure it translates well across all platforms.
Check for Consistency: Ensure that all elements of the song are cohesive and that the levels of your vocals, drums, and synths are balanced.
Give It a Listen: Play the track multiple times and listen for any areas that may need refinement. This could involve adjusting small details like vocal timing or synth placement to ensure the song has the desired impact.
SEE ALSO: 9 Catchy Electropop Tracks to Add to the List
Conclusion
Creating a hyperpop song is an exciting and rewarding process that allows for endless creativity and experimentation. With its signature glitchy production, pitch-shifted vocals, and futuristic sound design, hyperpop is a genre that encourages bold artistic expression. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to producing a unique and energetic hyperpop track that captures the essence of this innovative genre.
Whether you’re making your first hyperpop track or refining your sound, remember that the genre is about pushing boundaries and embracing creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and most importantly, have fun with the process!
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