Establishing the mood with a whirring bassline and a fierce rising electric guitar with cerebral synth frequencies, Art Pop open teenage scum with a notion of dimensionality akin to the opening moment of a Gregg Araki film.

The opus expands with a grunge vocal with a vintage tinge and self-realized prose about being “teenage scum…”. It reminds us a bit of Nada Surf‘s Popular, especially with regard to the delivery and themes that the song touches upon.

The message itself is hugely zeitgeist and what a lot of Gen Alpha might be feeling right now – despondent, overworked despite being in their teens, and living in a reality that might appear to be crumbling around them, whilst only being able to make friends on apps alone because of the dystopian reality that has emerged. Art Pop confess, “teenage scum is a cathartic release of always feeling put down for being yourself.”

We learn that the track was recorded in their parents’ home in Austin, and serves as a preview of Art Pop‘s upcoming LP, This Is Art Pop. The creators, Max and Miles tell us how the track is a reflection on themes of “loneliness, longing, and frustration with the world”. Despite Miles’ departure for college, the brothers overcame the distance by collaborating virtually.

Art Pop cite LCD Soundsystem, Lou Reed, Radiohead, The Strokes, Pavement, Car Seat Headrest, and Randy Newman as influences, which we can feel manifest with their raw authenticity, but there is also no doubt that Max and Miles are creating a universe unto their own.

Naturally, we have added teenage scum to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Art Pop, including December Sun, and Blue House, and preview the release of their album via Bandcamp!

The post Art Pop tap into a cerebral energy for cathartic and authentic new single, teenage scum appeared first on KIMU.

Speaking broadly, the most surreal part is that if you are reading this (and care), it feels like you just experienced a global pop cultural historic moment because what we see in our timeline is what we get lost in and cannot see beyond. As much as I want to believe and currently feel like the entire world experienced what I just experienced (in a Michael Jackson Thriller kind of way), I can’t help but feel that it isn’t the case.

Which I think that Gaga is finally actually ok with. Letting the art speak to those who are capable of actually appreciate it.

The work of art that is Lady Gaga – G.U.Y. – An ARTPOP Film is a statement far beyond traditional statements or those of any predecessors. This is intrinsically linked to the resurrection/cloning of Michael Jackson, Ghandi and Jesus. In a way this is her TROPICO (which also made these statements of alignment of Lana against Marilyn, Elvis, Jesus and Mother Mary). She’s claiming her stake and creating history by essentially removing any female artists from the legacy of pop.

This post is slightly 420 skewed which makes it probably over analytical and probably means that I am digging up things that no-one else has thought of (depending on how quickly I get this written).

Any moving onto the credits (this isn’t a linear review, this is something I am writing for fans) – the credits make as much if not more of a statement than any of the rest of the video. It is her thanks. This generosity is rarely seen in pop, fashion or even film to an extent. This is a list of names of the people who supported and believed in this, not as a simple comeback but a statement of art. It was also the announcement of her new manager, Bobby Campbell.

Which brings me onto Andy Cohen and The Real Housewives. These additions are going to be questioned heavily in terms of (a) affecting the timelessness of the video, and (b) the assumption that it was some grotesque media partnership idea implemented by powers beyond her control. It might, and it may well have been – but take a step out and appreciate that not only did seven months of promotional budget go into this, but weeks of strategic planning and we’d hope, understanding of the cultural landscape. Low and behold the very SAME week that the world’s most famous reality TV star (Kim Kardashian, duh) graces the cover of American Vogue, the world’s most recognisable pop star features the essence of reality TV in her music video. Both are mainstream cultural statements from a trend that has been bubbling up in fashion since Gaultier turned Nabilla Benattia into his muse (to the awaking of much controversy and many an open letter).

Moving onto the choreography and set design collectively – aside from a reaction that is literally “holy shit that was incredible”, the nods to past music videos were utterly ingenious (nice one Richy Squirrel). Enough for the fans but not obvious enough to the general public who would only opt to tear it apart. GIFs will no doubt be on tumblr now with side-by-side comparisons of thrusting, white rooms and poses with male models alongside GIFs from Just dance, Poker Face and Bad Romance. I’m looking at you T Kyle.

In terms of fashion moments, the Versace, Gaultier, Philip Treacy and Charlie Le Mindu looks were her most iconic since the Bad Romance/McQueen. Nice one Brandon Maxwell.

There are things I am probably forgetting to write about like, oh the fallen angel. I can’t, words can’t. The symbolism of the “business man”, the stylised robbery scene and (loud) commentary on the record industry – phenomenal. Oh and lastly, the gesture of including VENUS was a beautiful gift to the fans (along with everything else).

The post Some Symbolism and Thoughts on: Lady Gaga – G.U.Y. – An ARTPOP Film appeared first on KIMU.