Why 100 gecs embodies the new generation.
The new generation is fueling their insanity and it’s great.
100 gecs is a hyperpop band with a very experimental sound, with their first EP being self-titled and released in 2017. The duo consists of Laura Les and Dylan Brady, having met at a high school rodeo, and later having the idea to collaborate at a house party in 2012. Many took their music as a joke at first, however upon further listening, their songs quickly grew across the internet. Most fans admit that 100 gecs is trash, but also admit to loving their songs. Why is this? What makes their music so terribly enjoyable? Let’s start at the beginning…
100 gecs EP
As previously stated, Laura Les and Dylan Brady had the idea to collaborate while at a house party in 2012 but didn’t make it official until the winter of 2015, releasing their EP in July of 2016. The EP, while still having the chaotic nature of their more recent songs today, was a lot more toned down and less experimental. A trademark from back then that persists even now is the disturbing noise walls at the end of most of their songs, loud deep bass with high pitched, autotuned vocals, and slightly disturbing lyrics while keeping an upbeat melody. What makes their songs memorable is the way they stray from normal song structure, and taking the standards of pop and pushing them far beyond their boundaries to get the most strange elements from the genre.
The EP gained a small following on SoundCloud but didn’t get too popular. Laura and Dylan took some time off to work on solo projects, but continued to work on a new album behind the scenes. This EP is where they established their main style, something they would further develop and experiment over the next few years… until 2019.
1000 Gecs Album
In 2019, they released their album: 1000 gecs. With a total of 10 songs, 1000 gecs is the first of their works to get wide acclaim from fans and critics alike. Pushing the boundaries of pop music, along with other genres, even further beyond what they did with their self-titled EP from a few years prior. With their hit songs “money machine” and “ringtone,” it wasn’t long before the band became known on social media as a joke and a meme. It’s possible that 100 gecs being a meme helped them rise to their current social status.
Values
So, what makes 100 gecs special outside of their music? Being young adults, Laura and Dylan both grew up during the internet explosion. Like a lot of us, they grew up surrounded by internet culture, and their music reflects that. They say their music is a love letter to the internet, with it influencing them so much when they were younger. But to say that 100 gecs represents the current generation with no further explanation would be confusing at best. Allow me to explain…
One of the things that makes 100 gecs so memorable is how they break the traditions of music as we know it today, borrowing from musical trends such as nightcore, hip-hop, harsh noise, and many more to create a new creative and unique sound that is both disturbing and catchy. They establish a new norm based on freedom and creativity. And today, what are we seeing? Black Lives Matter protests, movements for people to be whoever they want to be, breaking gender norms, and others fighting for their freedom. Both 100 gecs and Gen Z are creating a future they want to see, where happiness and understanding are dominant. As well as that, both are very ironic and blunt with their messages. It’s for these reasons that, upon giving the musical duo another listen, their music quickly grows on people.
Now that you know my reasoning, what do you think? Do you agree? Tell me why or why not! And while you’re at it, go support 100 gecs directly! Their music is available for purchase on their Bandcamp. Thank you for reading!
