The Rise of Y2K Core
The pop-punk band South Arcade has been making waves with their unique sound, which is heavily inspired by the music of the 90s and early 2000s. Their breakout hit, "Supermodels," is a testament to their ability to blend different styles and create something fresh and exciting. When asked about the inspiration behind their music, the band takes you on a journey that starts with Rihanna and ends with the popular video game series, Just Dance.
A Blast from the Past
The band’s sound is heavily influenced by the Nu Metal genre, which was popularized by bands like Korn and Linkin Park. They also draw inspiration from French dance acts and the iconic rock band, Genesis. According to singer Harmony, the idea for "Supermodels" came from her desire to write a song that could be featured in the Just Dance video game series. "I thought, ‘I want to write a song that could be on it,’" she says.
The Y2K Revival
South Arcade is not alone in their love for Y2K-inspired music. The genre has seen a resurgence in popularity, with many young people discovering the music of the 90s and early 2000s for the first time. The band’s optimistic, rocky guitar sound would have been right at home on MTV or the soundtrack of a slasher film from the 90s. "It has this strange, nostalgic feeling," says Harmony.
From TikTok to the Mainstream
The band’s rise to fame began on TikTok, where they gained a massive following by uploading footage of their rehearsal sessions. They have also been featured on the website Music Radar, which described them as "triggering a growing Y2K revival." According to Harry, the band’s guitarist, their music is a way for them to relive the past and bring it back to life. "We can’t accept that we missed it, so we have to bring it back ourselves," he says with a laugh.
The Power of Nostalgia
The appeal of Y2K-inspired music is not just limited to people who grew up in the 90s and early 2000s. Many younger fans are also discovering the genre and finding a sense of nostalgia and escapism in it. According to Harry, the music of the past was more about individuality and self-expression, whereas today’s music is more about minimalism and conformity. "Everything is going towards minimalism on phones," he says. "But back then, your room was full of stuff, like posters and action figures."
Bringing People Together
For Harmony, the appeal of Y2K-inspired music is about capturing a feeling of escapism and individuality. "I get a lot of nostalgia videos from my childhood, and it feels a certain kind of strange, funky way," she says. The band’s music is a way for them to bring people together and create a sense of community. "It’s really cool to bring everyone together," says Harmony. "We see a mix of fans who are into our music, and you can almost notice the references or pick them apart, but then there are these much younger kids who are hearing this kind of thing for the first time."
