Hypnagogic Pop

Hypnagogic pop is a dreamy, nostalgia-tinged genre characterized by its use of distorted, fuzzy synths, laid-back rhythms, and often, hazy, effects-heavy vocal styles. Emerging in the mid-2000s, hypnagogic pop drew inspiration from 1970s and 1980s popular culture, including VHS tapes, cassette culture, and retrofuturism. The genre's heyday spanned the late 2000s to early 2010s, with artists experimenting with the intersection of psychedelia, indie rock, and electronic music. Hypnagogic pop's cultural significance lies in its fascination with the blurring of reality and fantasy, reflecting the anxieties and disorientations of the digital age. While related to chillwave and vaporwave, hypnagogic pop distinguishes itself with its more pronounced emphasis on melodic songcraft and sonic texture, often evoking a sense of wistful, nostalgia-tinged longing.

HOWWEFLOW

Liv.e•

Karriem Riggins

Single - Released December 11, 2025