Why “feral pop” might be Gen Z’s wildest new pop breakout
This preview, based only on the episode notes, points to a Switched On Pop discussion about “feral pop,” a hyper-digital, dubstep-tinged sound emerging from Gen Z artists. The episode appears to use Ninajirachi, underscores, and 2hollis to explore why this chaotic, post-genre style may be ready for a mainstream moment.
This is a preview based on the published show notes, not a recap of the audio itself. Switched On Pop seems to be making the case that a new pop mutation is moving from the underground toward a wider breakthrough: “feral pop.” From the notes, the term describes a sound that is hyper-digital, shaped by the electronic avant-garde of the 2010s, and aimed at a post-genre audience that’s less interested in neat categories than in energy, surprise, and intensity. The episode appears to center on how that sensibility shows up in artists like Ninajirachi, underscores, and 2hollis. If you’re curious about where pop might be heading next—or why younger listeners are gravitating toward something more chaotic than the current charts—this sounds like a strong entry point. The notes suggest the hosts begin with Australian DJ Ninajirachi and then widen the lens to explain why this dubstep-influenced style feels newly important. The song list hints at the episode’s map of influences. Alongside recent tracks, it includes touchstones like Skrillex, SOPHIE, Imogen Heap, Justice, and LCD Soundsystem, which suggests a conversation connecting today’s artists to earlier electronic and pop disruptors. That could make this especially appealing for listeners who enjoy hearing genre history tied to emerging scenes. If the phrase “feral pop” catches your ear, this episode looks designed to explain both the sound and the moment around it—without treating pop as static or settled.
About this episode
What would it sound like if pop music was reverted to its most wild state of being? It would sound hyper-digital, influenced by the electronic vanguard of the 2010s, and speak to a post-genre audience. And while the charts have been stagnant, Gen-Z has been crafting this exact sound: one that is exciting, unpredictable, and above all else, feral. After bubbling underground for the past few years, the subgenre we’ve coined “feral pop” is finally poised to have a breakout, best exemplified by the popularity of the computer-loving Ninajirachi, pop star underscores, and rave-rapper 2hollis. This week on Switched On Pop, Reanna, Charlie, and Nate are going to tap into all that this dubstep-influenced sound has to offer, starting with the Australian DJ Ninajirachi, and explore why everyone in pop music is finally getting feral. Links: Newsletter, YouTube Songs discussed: Ninajirachi – CSIRAC underscores – Music 2hollis – girl Skrillex – Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites Imogen Heap – Headlock SOPHIE – BIPP Ninajirachi – iPod touch Ninajirachi, Izzy Camina – Ninacamina Skrillex – Rock ’n’ Roll (Will Take You to the Mountain) Skrillex, Sirah – Bangarang Ninajirachi – Fuck My Computer Ninajirachi – London Song LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver Justice – Genesis Justice – Civilization Justice – Stress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices