Recession Core

It’s not shocking to me that as the second Trump administration has plunged the US again into economic and social anxiety, people have again started growing frustrated at the faces on their feeds. When you’re scared about high prices or losing your job or your home, there’s nothing more triggering than a seemingly carefree privileged woman making t... See more

As stock prices rise, consumer confidence grows, and people are more inclined to embrace risk and experimentation. This is reflected not only in the lengths of skirts and dresses but in the maximalist trends we see in times of prosperity.

What’s worse is the deep capitalism poisoning that confuses consumerism with culture: a new water bottle despite having water bottles, simping for and falling for billionaire theatrics, happily welcoming the AI-fication of everything. A loser landscape is emerging, as teens want less sex in movies, as nightclubs close and sober bars rise, as nightl... See more

The Great Depression of the 1920s saw the widespread popularity of blues and swing, while the British Winter of Discontent between the ’70s and ’80s saw the rise of disco. During periods of hard times and empty pockets, music that serves to make us feel good, or acts as catharsis or distraction, becomes essential.

Carpenter speaks to sexual freedom and playfulness, Perry aims to inspire female empowerment, Roan encourages self-acceptance in the face of tribulation, and even Kesha thinks you should love yourself first before anyone else, after all. So it seems the greatest source of sonic comfort during such a difficult time is as much turning inwards, with j... See more

Fast forward to November 2014. The global economy is still under damage control. I had just graduated high school when Pitbull and Ne-Yo released “Time Of Our Lives”, the lead single from Mr. Worldwide’s eighth album, titled Globalization . Debuting on Billboard’s Hot 100, the duo describe scraping their last funds to party with the lyrics: “ This ... See more

“Sonically, current recession pop blends dance, disco and rave and dives a little deeper than dancing the night away,” she explains. “Acts like Chappell Roan and Charli XCX bring emotion to the forefront with lyrics that explore queer love, family trauma and female friendships. It’s now a listening experience that celebrates individuality and authe... See more

Her concept has more depth than those theories. I would characterize economic vibes as collective feelings in the digital age. Almost all previous versions of economic theory around consumer sentiment have been formed in a pre-internet world. Until now, no one had updated those frameworks for the age of algorithms. When I emailed Scanlon about how ... See more

It’s July 2007. Timbaland drops “The Way I Are” featuring Keri Hilson and D.O.E. Grammar ticks aside, the track tops charts worldwide with its catchy confession of connection under financial stress: “ If I have no money, no car, no card to buy you flowers – will you still like me, just the way I are? ” An eerie foreshadowing of the Great Recession ... See more