Resurgence of Negative Sentiment toward 'Stomp Clap Hey' Demonstrated Once More
The last two days have seen a revival of discussions about the "stomp clap hey" genre, marking the first signs of 2010s nostalgia in 2022. This subgenre of indie folk rock music, known for its anthemic rhythms and catchy "hey" chants, has been a subject of intense disdain online, but it seems that the summer of 2022 might be seeing a resurgence of interest.
The genre, popular in the early to mid-2010s, is often associated with the peak of millennial hipsterdom and the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. It's a cultural and political flashpoint for some, while others see it as a fleeting moment of social escapism.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros' performance of "Home" in their 2009 NPR "Tiny Desk" concert has been widely shared online, sparking renewed criticism of the genre. The song, considered a key cultural touchstone, has been referred to as the "worst song ever made" in the "worst genre ever."
Martin Scherzinger, a music industry commentator, described the "stomp clap hey" genre as a brand of invented nostalgia, coopted by the music industry and the logic of music streaming. He also stated that the periodic eruptions of hate on a music genre are often a kind of trend, a slightly misguided target for a larger issue concerning social and class resentment.
The term "stomp clap hey" was popularized by a viral tweet in 2021, which featured a picture of a stereotypical hipster. Since then, Reddit threads, TikToks, and articles have been created discussing the genre, which some consider one of the cringeworthy moments of millennial culture.
Comedian Kyle Gordon made a parody music video set in Brooklyn, New York, mocking the "stomp clap hey" genre. Alex Ebert, the frontman of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, defended the song "Home" in a Thursday Instagram video.
Interestingly, the dislike for the genre has been growing for years and has recently escalated on social media. However, the summer of 2022 is also marked by a resurgence of millennial nostalgia for early 2000s pop culture. Some even question whether the "stomp clap hey" genre is making a comeback, with new artists like Noah Kahan invoking the same folksy soul.
Kate Kennedy previously stated that this recent surge of millennial-focused pop culture serves as "the next level of escapism" for the generation. As the debate over the "stomp clap hey" genre continues, it serves as an example of Twitter music discourse, with the term not originating from a musician or music journalist.
David Weigel, a Semafor politics reporter, recently posted on X about the widespread outrage over the genre. Scherzinger's observations about the genre's origins and its significance in the context of social and class resentment resonate with many in the ongoing discussion.
[1] The Guardian [2] Rolling Stone [3] Pitchfork [4] The Atlantic [5] NME
- As the debate over the "stomp clap hey" genre continues, various publications like The Guardian, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, The Atlantic, and NME have contributed to discussions about its cultural impact, association with pop-culture, and revival in 2022.
- The genre, synonymous with millennial hipsterdom and the early 2010s, has been criticized for its anthemic rhythms and catchy "hey" chants, but its association with music streaming and social escapism has also sparked curiosity in music enthusiasts, marking a resurgence of interest in entertainment linked to the 2010s.
