Dark Pop

Dark pop is a genre characterized by its moody, introspective soundscapes, often featuring minimalist electronic production, haunting vocal melodies, and lyrics that explore themes of emotional turmoil, existential crisis, and social critique. Emerging in the 1990s, dark pop drew from trip-hop, gothic rock, and avant-garde traditions, evolving into a distinct style that emphasized atmospheric texture and introspective storytelling. During the 2010s, dark pop gained mainstream traction, particularly among young audiences seeking authentic, emotionally charged music. The genre's cultural significance lies in its validation of vulnerability and its provision of a sonic outlet for marginalized voices. Dark pop's relationships to trip-hop and electronic music are evident in its use of downtempo beats and distorted synths, while its affinity with indie rock and singer-songwriter traditions is reflected in its focus on lyrical storytelling and emotional intensity. What sets dark pop apart is its willingness to confront the darker aspects of human experience, creating a sense of cathartic release and communal connection with listeners.

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Latest Dark Pop Release
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The Secrets to Altering Reality
Album - 13 Tracks - Released February 20, 2026
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Sasha Alex Sloan
Livingston
Fiona Apple
Neoni
Jade LeMac
Portishead
Top Playlists
weird girl music 8 Dark Pop artists
She'll be the death of me, but what a way to go 5 Dark Pop artists
Björk Top Radio 4 Dark Pop artists
PressPLAY OK: New Music Friday 4 Dark Pop artists
Imogen Heap Top Radio 4 Dark Pop artists
Weekly Indie A&R Chart by We Are: The Guard (Indie Pop, Hip Hop, EDM, R&B, Hyperpop, Indie Folk) 3 Dark Pop artists

RecentMusic users are tracking 198 Dark Pop artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 4,890 releases

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  1. February 20, 2026
  2. February 20
  3. February 13
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  5. February 13
  6. February 13
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    Roses
    5 tracks
  7. February 13
  8. February 9
  9. February 6
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  11. February 3
  12. January 30
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    VENOM
    8 tracks
  13. January 30
  14. January 23
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  18. January 16
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  21. January 9
  22. January 7
  23. January 5
  24. January 2
  25. December 31, 2025
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    Maps
    1 tracks
  26. December 19
  27. December 17
  28. December 12
  29. December 12
  30. December 5
  31. December 4
  32. November 30
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    SLOW
    1 tracks
  33. November 28
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  38. November 21
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  40. November 21
  1. February 20, 2026
  2. February 13
  3. February 13
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    Roses
    5 tracks
  4. February 6
  5. January 30
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    VENOM
    8 tracks
  6. January 23
  7. January 23
  8. January 23
  9. January 16
  10. January 9
  11. January 7
  12. December 5, 2025
  13. November 25
  14. November 21
  15. November 21
  16. November 11
  17. November 7
  18. October 31
  19. October 31
  20. October 31
  1. February 20, 2026
  2. February 13
  3. February 13
  4. February 13
  5. February 9
  6. February 6
  7. February 3
  8. January 30
  9. January 23
  10. January 16
  11. January 16
  12. January 5
  13. January 2
  14. December 31, 2025
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    Maps
    1 tracks
  15. December 19
  16. December 17
  17. December 12
  18. December 12
  19. December 4
  20. November 30
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    SLOW
    1 tracks