Louis Mandelbaum, also known as DJ Louie XIV and host of “Pop Pantheon” podcast, discussed the changing landscape of pop stardom. In the past, pop music was geared towards the widest possible audience, with a specific formula for success. However, as different genres gain popularity, artists are finding success with niche sounds. This is evident in the diversity of genres in the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Artists like Billie Eilish and SZA are making music that may not be mainstream but has still garnered a significant following. Rather than conforming to a traditional pop sound, artists like Roan, XCX, Carpenter, and Tinashe are building upon the genre of pop with unique approaches. Live performances have also played a crucial role in creating communities around these artists.
Roan, for example, saw a slow climb up the charts after opening for Olivia Rodrigo and gaining exposure at festivals. Similarly, Carpenter’s popularity surged after performing at major festivals and snagging the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
These artists are resonating with fans by being authentic and unapologetically themselves, creating a sense of community and camaraderie. In today’s cultural and political climate, where the rights of women and LGBTQ individuals are under threat, the authenticity of these artists is refreshing.
Mandelbaum emphasizes that today’s pop music fans crave idiosyncratic musicians like Roan who speak to the representation of queer people in mainstream pop. Despite their unconventional path to success, these artists are breaking through and connecting with their fans on a deeper level, making hit singles almost incidental to their overall career.
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