cooked

first i wake up. usually its because my alarm went off, but sometimes, im sleeping and then im not. then i hit snooze on the alarm too many times, my parents tell me im late, which makes me want to be late, then im late. i leave the house with the same thing every day: my cross body bag i wear to be a little cooler, my computer, a scrappy lunch, my dirty and tagged water bottle, and my school binder. its actually an accordion folder if youre keeping track. purple, if youre picturing it. on my way to the bus stop i walk on this street that always smells like shit - not just bad but actual shit. like, the dog kind. the bus comes, and when its empty that means im wayy late. i walk in and tell myself ill be on time tomorrow. its kind of just part of the routine now. dont really remember the last time i was.

i wrote this for my school newspaper, hope u like it

The very first band that pops into many people’s heads when they hear the word “hyperpop” is 100 Gecs, for good reason. If you’re into any sort of new and weird music, I can’t recommend them enough. Completely unafraid of the barriers between genres, I truly believe that there’s something for everyone in their discography.
The early music on their self-titled EP is more poppy, generally sticking to a twinkly and light sound. Heavy use of pitched-up and auto tuned vocals are the main focus of this EP, with minimal and quiet instrumentation (which somehow manages to sound busy). The general avoidance of instruments is heavily contrasted by short moments of distorted and grinding bass. Short and sweet, this 13 minute EP is a good representation of what 100 Gecs would come to be, carving out the basis for their later work. However, it was just that: a basis.
Two years later, 100 Gecs released what would be their ticket to stardom: their first full album, 1000 Gecs. When I think of revolutionary albums, 1000 Gecs is one of the first I think of. It completely redefined hyperpop, to the point that if someone doesn’t sound like 1000 Gecs, they don’t sound like hyperpop. Aided by TikTok, many of the songs on this album blew up, notably “money machine,” “stupid horse,” and “hand crushed by a mallet.”
Their next album was 10,000 Gecs, which was a huge step up in both ambition and production value from both of their previous releases. I am not exaggerating when I say this album is perfect. Its sound is truly unique, while also weaving influences seamlessly throughout. Nu-metal influence can be heard on “Billy Knows Jamie” and “Dumbest Girl Alive,” pop punk on “Hollywood Baby,” along with tens of other influences I alone can’t name. Along with these references to music the Gecs love, 10,000 Gecs brings an entirely new sound. Unmistakable on every track, this album is something no one has ever heard before.
With copious references to niche internet culture, it’s only natural that the internet is where 100 Gecs thrives. However, this gives them both the fame they have now, and a stigma that they cannot shake. Their perceived audience is chronically-online 12 year olds, and this reputation causes music snobs to disregard 100 Gecs’ music as immature and unworthy of their precious time. While that is an undeniable part of their fanbase, it isn’t a reason to dismiss them—who decided all 12 year olds have bad music taste?
It might sound a little crazy, but I judge people’s characters based on their opinion of 100 Gecs; I believe it is a good way to gauge how open minded someone is. If their music just isn’t for you, then there’s no judgment from me, I get it. The problem arises when you haven’t given them a real chance, or if you believe they are less sophisticated because of their reputation or audience.
If there’s one thing that 12 year olds have right, it’s unashamedly liking what they want to. They don’t yet have the idea of “objectively good” music in their heads, or any pressure to exclusively like high-brow and critically acclaimed music. Broadening one’s music horizons only has benefits; not only does it provide new perspectives on music we already like, but it also offers a glimpse into other people’s worlds. If you can’t be true to yourself with the music you listen to, how can you expect to be true to the other parts of yourself? We’d all be a little more authentic if we left our biases behind and liked what we enjoy, no matter what public opinion is.

this is my first blog entry. just saying hi!