At any given moment, a number of cultures are competing for your attention, each trying to assert its relevance and establish its place in the zeitgeist. Cultural theorist Raymond Williams describes this phenomenon as “structures of feeling”, where dominant, emerging, and residual cultures intermingle, collectively shaping the mood and consciousness of an era. This dynamic interplay is not static; rather, it is an ongoing process where the dominant culture of today gradually becomes the residual culture of tomorrow, while emerging cultures—particularly emerging music genres—take inspiration from both the dominant and residual elements.
Table of Contents
This complex cultural dialectic is most easily observed in hindsight, as the slow and steady evolution of cultural norms and values becomes more apparent over time. However, by analysing the clues present in the dominant culture, we can attempt to understand and even predict the trajectory of emerging cultural movements.
Examining the Dominant and Residual Cultures in Contemporary Music
In the realm of music, Williams’ theories underscore the difficulty of discussing emerging genres without first comprehending the intricate relationships between dominant and residual cultures. Each aspect of culture subtly influences others, working together in a dialectical process that produces what we often refer to as the “new” or avant-garde. Much of what we encounter in contemporary music is built upon, or explicitly borrows from, older forms, often through the use of samples, references, or stylistic nods to previous eras. Therefore, when examining emerging music genres, it is crucial to consider how the residual culture informs the foundation of the dominant culture and, in turn, how the dominant culture shapes the emergent.
The year 2024 has seen a clear dominance of electronic music and dance music, manifesting in a variety of forms and styles. This trend is not an isolated phenomenon but rather a culmination of years of experimentation and evolution within these genres. The current cultural climate, sometimes whimsically referred to as “brat summer”, reflects the widespread influence of electropop and electronic dance music (EDM).
Charli XCX, in particular, has played a pivotal role in shaping this cultural moment. Her sixth studio album, brat, serves as a prime example of how the dominant culture is being defined in 2024. Brat represents a new chapter in Charli’s career, as well as for her peers at PC Music, a label known for its innovative approach to pop music.
Cultural Recycling: The Influence of Early 2000s Nostalgia
Unlike some of her earlier, more experimental works, brat leans more heavily into the mainstream, albeit with notable exceptions. The album is heavily influenced by club hits of the early 2000s, a period that has recently re-entered the cultural consciousness as a point of nostalgia and inspiration.
The frequent references to “Club Classics” and other elements of Y2K culture on brat are not coincidental; they illustrate the ways in which residual culture (specifically the sounds and aesthetics of the early 2000s) has been revived and recontextualized within the current dominant culture. This process of cultural recycling is not new, but in the case of brat, it feels particularly fresh and innovative.
However, to focus solely on the influence of residual culture would be to overlook the equally important role of emerging culture in shaping the current landscape. The dominance of brat and similar works owes much to the groundwork laid by Charli XCX herself, as well as by other pioneering artists like the late SOPHIE, who helped bring experimental electronic music into the mainstream.
Charli’s 2020 album how i’m feeling now offers valuable insight into her journey towards cultural dominance. The opening track, ‘Pink Diamond’, exemplifies the album’s forward-thinking approach, pushing the boundaries of dance music by abstracting it into more complex, sometimes confounding forms. This album, like much of Charli’s work with SOPHIE, represents a more avant-garde iteration of electronic music, one that laid the foundation for the more accessible, yet still innovative, sound of brat.
PC Music as a label has always been at the forefront of merging the experimental with the mainstream, and Charli’s evolution from the hyperpop sensibilities of how I’m feeling now to the more polished, club-ready sound of brat illustrates this trajectory perfectly. SOPHIE’s influence on this process cannot be overstated; her work in deconstructed club and bubblegum bass helped mature and refine the sound that would eventually permeate the dominant culture. By the time brat was released, the experimental elements of EDM had sufficiently infiltrated the cultural imagination, making it possible for a more accessible, mainstream-friendly album like brat to emerge as a defining work of 2024.
Genres to Watch in 2024: Emerging Trends and Influences
While brat is a significant cultural artefact, it represents just one aspect of the broader musical landscape. To fully grasp the emerging music genres to watch in 2024, it’s essential to look at both the subgenres within EDM and other burgeoning styles that are gaining traction:
Hyperpop: A genre that has already made waves in the past few years, hyperpop continues to evolve and push boundaries. Defined by its maximalist approach, blending pop, electronic, and experimental sounds, it is characterised by its high-energy beats, pitch-shifted vocals, and a playful approach to genre conventions. Artists like 100 gecs and Dorian Electra are pushing this genre forward, and we can expect it to continue influencing mainstream pop and electronic music.
Electroclash Revival: Electroclash, a genre that originally peaked in the early 2000s, is seeing a resurgence with a new generation of artists. The Dare, a rising artist and Charli XCX collaborator, is at the forefront of this revival, bringing a fresh take on the genre’s blend of punk attitude, synth-pop, and dance music. As more artists explore this retro-futuristic sound, we may see electroclash re-enter the mainstream in a significant way.
Eurodance and House Revival: European dance music styles, particularly from the late 2000s and early 2010s, are making a comeback. Kesha’s single ‘JOYRIDE’, influenced by Romanian popcorn and other European dance styles, signals a renewed interest in the infectious, upbeat sounds that once dominated clubs. Alongside this, the resurgence of house music, with artists like Fred again.. leading the charge, suggests that these genres will continue to grow in popularity, influencing pop music and club culture alike. Kesha and Madison Beer have been the earliest pop artists to adopt these styles in a mainstream way, and we can expect to see more to come.
Deconstructed Club: A more underground movement, deconstructed club music is gaining attention for its avant-garde approach to dance music. Artists like Arca and SOPHIE have been pioneers in this genre, which takes traditional club music elements and deconstructs them into more experimental forms. As this genre gains more recognition, it’s likely that elements of deconstructed club will seep into more mainstream electronic music, challenging listeners’ expectations and expanding the boundaries of what dance music can be.
Latin Trap and Reggaeton: While not new, Latin trap and reggaeton continue to grow and evolve, blending with other genres and gaining global popularity. Artists like Bad Bunny and Rosalía are not only dominating the charts but also influencing a new wave of artists who are pushing the boundaries of these genres. The fusion of Latin rhythms with electronic and hip-hop elements is creating fresh, innovative sounds that are sure to shape the future of global pop music.
Alternative R&B and Neo-Soul: A quieter, yet equally important movement, is the rise of alternative R&B and neo-soul. Artists like Steve Lacy and FKA Twigs are blending elements of traditional R&B with experimental production and introspective lyrics. This genre is becoming a space for innovation, where artists can explore complex emotional landscapes while pushing the sonic boundaries of what R&B can be.
The music landscape is rich with emerging genres that reflect the complex interplay of dominant, residual, and emerging cultures. While EDM, in its many forms, continues to dominate, there are several other genres and movements worth watching. Hyperpop, electroclash, and the revival of eurodance and house are poised to reshape mainstream music, while deconstructed club, Latin trap, and alternative R&B offer innovative sounds that will likely influence the next wave of musical trends. As these genres evolve, they will undoubtedly contribute to the ever-changing structures of music that define our cultural moment, making 2024 an exciting time for music discovery and innovation.
