It’s a brutal reality that the economy has been in stagnation for the past three decades and there’s a generation of young adults very much feeling the brunt of this right now. It’s also true that in times of financial hardship, fashion, art and music mirrors that collective anxiety and channels our hidden desires. From brat summer to Y2K renaissance, recession pop is well and truly here to stay.
Adding to that growing zeitgeist discography is ‘Market Kids’ from Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Evan Bieber. This sparkling slice of indie-pop bliss turns monetary strain into joyous pop escapism. Co-produced by Rob Chiarappa, this track conveys restless energy into bright The 1975-esque synths, driving percussion, effervescent melodies and an earnest vocal delivery.
Inspiration for this song came from Bieber‘s move to Brooklyn with his partner where life in a tiny apartment came into full focus, with a mattress on the floor and the monthly struggle to pay bills. However, this isn’t a melancholic vignette of despair and desperation, instead the artist finds that love can make you richer than any material gain. This realisation is paired with the euphoric chorus, which bursts through our speakers with a celebratory pop hook.
This polished, catchy and outwardly upbeat track holds the truth that love can steer you through even the fiercest of storms. Considering the state of the world right now, ‘Market Kids’ is exactly the kind of emotionally intelligent message the pop space needs.
You can also listen to ‘Market Kids’ in our Shades of Pop playlist.
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