Apollo Monroe: "Soda Pop"
Dublin-based singer/songwriter Apollo Malone charges onto the music scene with an explosive debut single, “soda pop.” Non-conventional sounds, distorted 808s, and reverberating, crunchy synths create an infectious hyperpop anthem that combines elements of dance-pop, trap, EDM, and bubblegum bass. The song is being distributed by HyperPop Records.
Monroe says, “Sonically, I wanted to explore experimental subgenres of electro-pop such as hyperpop and bubblegum bass. I wanted to create a song that combines sweet, bubblegum bass sounds with trap and EDM influences, where a bright bubblegum chorus contrasts with heavier verses.”
About the track, Monroe says, “On the surface, the song presents a sexually suggestive narrative using sugary metaphors to push the aspiration to be used, consumed, and discarded afterwards. But it's actually a narrative on how the public and the industry consume pop artistry. It is both a parody of and a love story to the industry, drawing comparisons between a highly manufactured, mass produced, sugary substance like soda pop and pop artists. Yet ironically, still an industry I love and aspire to be part of.”
Monroe solely wrote the song, and co-produced it with artist/producer Viscose. During the COVID lockdown, Monroe built a home studio and self-recorded, so that the collaboration could continue long-distance - essentially becoming a bedroom pop artist.
As a pop culture fan throughout his childhood, Monroe garnered a passion for songwriting, performance and fashion in his early teens. He now has his sights set on a future in pop music - intending to innovate and push boundaries within the Dublin music scene. Influenced by the British PC Music collective, and artists such as SOPHIE, Charli XCX and A.G. Cook, he creates music that is chaotic, futuristic, sweet, vulnerable, and full of attitude, standing at the forefront of Irish hyperpop. He’s a BA graduate of BIMM Dublin and recently returned to BIMM to pursue an MA in Popular Music Practice. During his time in BIMM, he also helmed an 80s inspired synth pop band called Apollo 6, spending just over a year with them before pursuing a solo career.
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