A preview of feral pop’s maximalist edge through underscores
Based on the show notes, this Switched On Pop episode explores “feral pop,” a microgenre defined by pop pushed to wild extremes, with underscores as its central example. The notes point to a conversation about internet-shaped production, genre collision, and the lineage behind her album U.
This is a preview based only on the published show notes, not a recap of the audio itself. If you’re curious about where hyper-online pop keeps mutating next, this episode looks like a strong entry point. Switched On Pop frames the conversation around “feral pop,” a microgenre that pushes pop music toward chaos, intensity, and maximal energy. The featured artist is underscores, whose work the notes describe as blending dubstep, trance, and Timbaland-style influence with unusual ease. The episode also seems positioned to connect underscores’ latest album, *U*, to a broader pop lineage. The song list suggests a map of reference points rather than a single-artist spotlight: SOPHIE, Madonna, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Nelly, and PinkPantheress all appear alongside underscores tracks. That mix hints at a discussion of how contemporary internet-native pop can pull from early-2000s mainstream hits, club music, and experimental production at the same time. For listeners deciding whether to press play, this one looks especially suited to anyone interested in microgenres, pop history, or the way online culture reshapes sound and style. If you already know underscores from opening slots for 100 gecs, PinkPantheress, Porter Robinson, or the upcoming Charli XCX tour mentioned in the notes, this preview suggests an episode that may help place her music in a wider pop context.
About this episode
This week on Switched On Pop, we’re looking at all things feral pop, the microgenre that takes pop music to its most wild extremes. And no feral pop artist is more tapped into that ethos than underscores. Her music synthesizes dubstep, trance, and Timbaland with ease, and her latest album ‘U’ is filled with boundless energy. She’s already opened up for 100 gecs, PinkPantheress, and Porter Robinson; this fall, she’ll open up for Charli XCX on her upcoming Music, Fashion, Film tour. She said it best on her debut album, Fishmonger: “it’s the new wave of the future!” Links: Newsletter, YouTube Songs discussed: underscores – Music SOPHIE – Ponyboy underscores, 8485 – your favorite sidekick Nelly – Country Grammar (Hot Shit) Madonna – Music Madonna – American Life underscores – Do It Britney Spears – Piece of Me PinkPantheress, Zara Larsson – Stateside Justin Timberlake – SexyBack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices