Easily Identifiable 21st Century Music Trends
The Millennial Whoop. Coined by musician Patrick Metzger, the Millennial Whoop is a melodic sequence involving a series of alternating notes—usually the fifth and third notes of a major scale—creating a distinctive, recognizable pattern. This pattern can be heard in songs like “California Gurls” by Katy Perry or “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga.
Vocal Chops. This technique involves taking snippets of vocal recordings and chopping them and rearranging them for use as melodic or rhythmic elements. You can hear vocal chops in the chorus of “Sorry” by Justin Bieber or “I Took a Pill in Ibiza” by Mike Posner and Seeb.
ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) Sounds: In a unique twist, some artists have incorporated ASMR elements into their music. These include gentle whispers, tapping sounds, and other auditory triggers designed to evoke a tingling sensation. This trend adds a sensory and immersive layer to certain tracks. In the intro to Billie Eilish’s debut album, she pulls out her mouthguard right up on the mic. By employing a bit of nasty ASMR, Eilish pulls the audience into her world.
Polystylism. This is the use of multiple styles or techniques in music. This can be a jarring juxtaposition of unique styles or a seamless interlacing of different techniques. The jazz breakdowns in Rosalia’s Reggateon “Saoko” and the rock ending of Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever” come to mind in this regard.
808 Bass Drops. The use of the Roland TR-808 drum machine's bass sounds, often in the form of deep, resonant bass drops, has become a hallmark of modern pop and electronic music. This technique, which originated in hip-hop and electronic genres, has become a go-to element for creating impactful moments in songs. Usher’s “Yeah” and Kanye West’s “Love Lockdown” are two songs that employ this technique.
Trap Hi-Hats: The rhythmic use of hi-hats, particularly the quick and skittering patterns associated with trap music, has become a defining feature of Hip Hop. This rhythmic element has transcended genres, influencing pop music and creating a distinctive texture in many contemporary tracks. To hear quintessential trap hi hats listen to songs like “Bad and Boujee” by Migos, “Black Beatles” by Rae Sremmurd, or “Hotline Bling” by Drake.
