Kendra Brea Cooper
The MTV Video Music Awards celebrate the up and comers with the "Artists to Watch" category. For these artists, this is just the beginning. For us, they're the promise of what's next as they ripple out beyond their music and make waves all over culture.
The Australian band's hit song "She Looks so Perfect" explicitly highlights American Apparel underwear, so it's not surprising a band this big would boost sales for the brand. The song is about fantasy and so is any brand's "extra" that sits beyond the basic utility of the product. In other words, the thing that makes it stand out from other underwear brands and the lifestyle it promises. This promise is ever changing, made to fit the dreams of the moment, and right now, 5 Seconds of Summer are the dream.
By now, everyone knows that 5 Seconds of Summer opened for One Direction. 1D's fan bases are culture creators in themselves, with the ability to launch any group into stardom, just through Tumblr posts alone.
Sam Smith has recently commented on Grindr and Tinder apps by stating that "they're ruining romance". Hooking up and finding ways to do so has been around long before these apps were even thought of, so this isn't abnormal, it's almost expected. It's interesting how this entire conversation fits perfectly with his hit song.
Sam Smith talks of romance as if it has an essential quality that can somehow be ruined. He's likely thinking in the traditional sense, one that is semi-ruled by ideological myths pushed by novels and movies. But romance is an idea, and because it is, it changes. One might actually feel like finding a lover on Grindr is romantic, even if it's a one night stand.
Sofia Coppola has taken on coming-of-age stories from the aristocratic world of Marie Antoinette, to the complicated need for consumption in The Bling Ring. For a young artist like Charli, the visual beauty of Sofia's films, and the dynamic quality of youth are helpful inspirations for writing.
Charli has claimed that the rave scene inspires her. Raves create a space beyond the assumptions of just being full of drug hungry party goers.Raves are spaces of freedom and an escape from the everyday, so that even for a few hours, one might think outside the box. Maybe Charli XCX is our out-of-the-box girl.
It's a brand new sunrise for pop groups these days, and it looks like Fifth Harmony is having a good morning. This uprising of the pop group genre is thanks to shows like the X Factor, which build loyal fan bases of people who feel connected as actual supporters by voting for their favourites. The fans are part of the creation, not just witnesses any more. Before the show is even over, these groups have line-ups just for them.
Fifth Harmony is a group that can fit into your consciousness by singing your favourite song. Cover songs are one of the best ways to get noticed by people who might otherwise not even consider you. Some are bias towards the original, but others might be looking for their favourite tune under a different light.
Schoolboy Q feels a lot less manufactured than most. His stage name comes from a nickname he earned in high school, one that clearly stuck, in his mind at least. Using music to release frustration, Schoolboy started rapping in his teen years which was a life-changing moment for him.
Schoolboy mixes his two greatest loves, music and his daughter. She is mentioned in his work, seen in his videos, and has graced the cover of his Oxymoron album. She is his forever muse and inspiration.
Pop culture and all that ideology sitting in the blind spot. Also crafts.
