today’s pop picks lean into contrast. dark electro-rock anthems, cinematic alt-r&b, shimmering synth confessionals, and sharp modern pop storytelling. it’s exactly what you need to get you through february – four artists pushing their own corners of pop forward in different ways.
bloody mary – joyce tratnyek
“joyce tratnyek delivers campy, cathartic electro-rock with a forbidden bite”
bloody mary feels like neon lights, halloween lipstick, and defiance on the dancefloor. gritty electro-rock textures collide with theatrical flair, turning personal shame into something loud, proud, and empowering. it’s playful, biting, and knowingly dramatic without losing emotional sincerity.
nyc-based joyce tratnyek blends shoegaze tones with alt-pop punch, writing from lived experience and flipping vulnerability into power. bloody mary is bold, unapologetic, and built for the misfits who want their pop a little darker. a real banger.
thank u for making this joyce tratnyek 🩸
who do i call? – sophie breton
“sophie breton crafts interesting, introspective pop that feels intimate yet expansive”
who do i call? sits in that quiet space between doubt and connection. built on thoughtful lyricism and clean melodic lines, the track carries a soft ache while still feeling hopeful. there’s warmth in the way the song unfolds, a late-night confession – with incredible, minimal synths, and an incredible vocal performance – that turns into reassurance.
born in quebec city and carving her own path, sophie breton writes with sensitivity and clarity. her pop world feels inclusive and reflective, drawing listeners into something personal without ever closing the door behind them. we love this.
thank u for making this sophie breton ☎️
voices – valiancy
“valiancy delivers a synthy banger with dark,moody textures and emotionally direct storytelling”
voices builds atmosphere slowly, moog-driven layers and haunting vocal tones shaping a track that feels cinematic and internal at the same time. it explores negative self-talk and inner struggle without overcomplicating the message. it feels a bit tv on the radio, with production that stays immersive, but delivering a clear hearted-message.
self-written and self-produced, valiancy leans into minimalism and texture, drawing inspiration from art-pop and emotive electronic storytelling. voices is reflective, raw, and really powerful. it’s great.
thank u for making this valiancy 🌒
closer/harder – qeeran
“qeeran returns with wonderfully dark, genre-bending alt-r&b”
closer/harder is moody and precise. warped vocal layers sit over heavy, restrained drums before shifting into something more fractured and unexpected. the track captures intimacy and detachment in the same breath, tension simmering beneath minimalist production. it’s an incredible sound world.
melbourne-based qeeran writes from emotional upheaval and reinvention, crafting alt-r&b that feels like the perfect late night driving music. it’s a genuinely confident return, refined, vulnerable, and unafraid to sit in the shadows. we love this.
thank u for making this qeeran 🖤
Follow Pop Bangers 26 for more of the most exciting, up and coming artists
Leave a comment