Hyperpop is for the Yutes! The eclectic, exaggerated and self-referential approach to Pop music characterised by brash synth melodies and autotuned vocals is cater-made to the sonic sensibilities of a chronically online generation. Short tracks bursting with energy, irresistible “earworm” choruses and sonic landscapes that are simultaneously familiar yet different from what you’ve heard before, have had Gen-Z hooked since the genre first blew up. Durban-based Hyperpop artist Swoger might only be 19 and have just five tracks behind him but he is already making waves with his unique blend of Alternative Hip-Hop and Hyperpop.

With yesterday’s release of the irresistibly catchy “avant-garde” he continues to showcase his ear for a distinctive melody. Jaxobz‘s high-octane production featuring heavy-hitting 808s, a room-shaking bassline, melodic synth lines, and a shredding lead guitar riff, create a beat that is absolutely tailor made for Swoger. Swoger’s vocals alternate between aggressive and tender, flowing in perfect sync with the ebbs and flows of the production. The chemistry on display between Swoger and Jaxobz is something special with the production and vocals working together to create one of the dopest local Hyperpop tracks I’ve heard in a while.

Boldly stating “I drop when I want, okay” Swoger makes it clear that he is here to do things on his own terms. The lyrics follow the angst-filled sound of the track with themes of anger at the world and grappling with intense feelings towards an ex. Although only a minute long the track is a short but sweet ride through an alternate sonic dimension, with richly emotive vocals that will have anyone who has experienced similar heartbreaks and feelings towards the world in their feelings.

Since the release of his debut single “Another Day” in September 2021 Swoger has been on a steady upward rise peaking at 2000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and garnering over 15 000 streams on last year’s hit track “Accela“. Having recently been put on to Swoger’s music by a younger and more tapped-in colleague, I have been hooked since, and am very excited to see where this incredibly talented and authentic artist goes next. If you are a fan of acts like Midwxst, Quadeca and brakence or local Hyperpop adjacent acts like Internet Girl and Jaxobz then I highly recommend you give “avant-garde” a listen and checkout the rest of Swoger’s discography.