The new wave of pop is here, and it’s feral
16 June 2026

The new wave of pop is here, and it’s feral

Switched on Pop

About
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


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