PREMIERE: Dublin's Apollo Monroe shares bubblegum bass anthem 'soda pop'

BIMM Dublin graduate Apollo Monroe brings together unconventional sounds, distorted 808s and reverberating synths for an infectious hyperpop anthem in 'soda pop'.

Combining elements of dance-pop, trap, EDM, and bubblegum bass, it's undoubtedly the perfect debut for Monroe to make his mark with. Hot Press are excited to showcase the blistering track from an emerging creative ready to burst onto the Irish music scene.

“Sonically, I wanted to explore experimental subgenres of electro-pop such as hyperpop and bubblegum bass," Monroe explains about his sugary-sweet debut.

"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.”

Monroe himself wrote the song and co-produced it with a new collaborator, 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.

“On the surface, the song presents a sexually suggestive narrative using sugary metaphors to push the aspiration to be used, consumed, and discarded afterwards," Monroe says.

"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.”

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 scene - and artists such as SOPHIE, Charli XCX and A.G. Cook - he creates music that is chaotic, futuristic, sweet, vulnerable, and full of attitude.

The musician recently returned to BIMM to pursue an MA in Popular Music Practice after completing his undergraduate degree. 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.

Check out 'soda pop' below: