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Pop Waves

Analysing the cultural currents of pop music


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  • 7. Ep 7: Charli XCX

    41:21||Season 1, Ep. 7
    Charli XCX From playing illegal raves as a teenager to playing two huge stadium tours back to back, Charli XCX has finally broken through into the mainstream with her unique electro-pop sound. In this episode of Pop Waves we go right back and explore where she came from and why we think Brat has finally given her her moment in the spotlight.Listen to !Franchesckaar! from Charli's first album!Naomi Cannibal teaches us about Recession PopCharli's Documentary Alone TogetherCompanion PlaylistFollow us on Instagram and TikTok @popwavespod, or drop us an email at popwavespod@gmail.com.Join the conversation over on Substack we’d really love to hear from you! What are your memories of the years and artists we touched on in this episode? Have we missed anything? We want to know!

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  • 6. Ep 6: FKA Twigs

    36:54||Season 1, Ep. 6
    FKA Twigs: Escaping the mundaneFKA Twigs is an incredibly talented multidisciplinary artist whose work has been informed not only by her pain but her passion for pushing boundaries. In this episode of Pop Waves we look back at some of Twigs’ biggest influences and how they broke new ground as far back as the 70’s. CW TimestampsRacism10:01-10:49, racist abuse from Twilight fans (no details)11:45-15:00, alt r&b and stereotyping of black artistsDomestic abuse29:39-32:16, discussion of the lawsuit with Shia LeBeouf (no details) Sistah spaceDomestic abuse help Help for male victimsFurther Reading, Links & CitationsCompanion PlaylistPoly Styrene: I am a ClicheGrounded with Louis Theroux Even with Cat Burns and Rachel ChinouririFollow us on Instagram and TikTok @popwavespod, or drop us an email at popwavespod@gmail.com.Join the conversation over on Substack we’d really love to hear from you! What are your memories of the years and artists we touched on in this episode? Have we missed anything? We want to know!
  • 5. Ep 5: Girls Aloud

    44:32||Season 1, Ep. 5
    In today's episode we explore the post-brit pop, new millennium, reality TV induced perfect storm that shaped one of the UK's most influential girl bands.Watch: Pop Stars: The Rivals, Episode 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9_Na9LkByYRead: The Independent article - https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/girls-aloud-2024-what-will-the-neighbours-say-b2511399.htmlListen: our companion playlist of all the tracks mentioned in this episode - SpotifyFind us on Patreon to join the conversation and access bonus episodes and extra content - www.patreon.com/popwavespodPop Waves on Instagram @PopWavesPod
  • 4. Ep 4: SOPHIE

    48:38||Season 1, Ep. 4
    We look at the lasting legacy of SOPHIE, an avant-garde producer who pushed the boundaries of pop music. Exploring her influence on hyperpop, her trans identity, and the profound mark she left on the music industry and queer culture.CW time stamps:17:35-18:55: Discussion of reality TV show ‘There’s Something About Miriam’19:58-28:38: Discussion of gender recognition legislation and media coverage including visibility politics, social media, bathroom access and health care. This episode was reviewed by sensitivity editor Eris Young erisyoung.comListen to our companion playlist of all the tracks mentioned in this episode - SpotifyJoin our Patreon to add to the conversation and listen to join our bonus episode with Eris Young - www.patreon.com/popwavespodPop Waves on Instagram @PopWavesPod
  • 3. Ep 3: Raye

    28:14||Season 1, Ep. 3
    We dispel the myth of Raye's "over night success" and dig in to the resilience she's shown in order to final be heard. CW time stamps: 11:15 - 13:05 and 14:07 - 16:20 contains mention of sexual assault and associated themes. There are no details or graphic descriptions but please skip this part if you'd prefer to avoid the topic.Listen to our companion playlist of all the tracks mentioned in this episode - SpotifyJoin our Patreon to add to the conversation and listen to join our bonus episode on the mystery that is Jess Glynne - www.patreon.com/popwavespodPop Waves on Instagram @PopWavesPod
  • 2. Ep 2: Sugababes

    35:43||Season 1, Ep. 2
    We dissect the pop landscape of the late 90's and early 00's to understand the Sugababes careers and the impact they had on pop music, with a healthy dose of nostalgia on the side! Listen to our companion playlist of all the tracks mentioned in this episode - SpotifyJoin our Patreon to add to the conversation and listen to join our bonus episode on the Sugababes solo projects and reunion - www.patreon.com/popwavespodPop Waves on Instagram @PopWavesPod
  • 1. Ep 1: Doja Cat

    37:40||Season 1, Ep. 1
    We explore how #MeToo, the BLM movement and that Oscar's selfie shaped Doja's career and her catapult to fame and analyse how she responded to joining the A list.CW time stamps: 8:20 - 10:44 contains mention of police brutality and the #BLM movement. There are no details or graphic descriptions but please skip this part if you'd prefer to avoid the topic.Listen to our companion playlist of all the tracks mentioned in this episode - SpotifyJoin our Patreon to add to the conversation and listen to join our bonus episode on Doja Cat's controversies - www.patreon.com/popwavespodPop Waves on Instagram @PopWavesPod