The Music Genre Coined By Grimes Has Been Recognised By Spotify

In December 2019 Grimes released a tweet saying that the music genre ‘ethereal’ should be an official genre.

In the tweet she said that “we are constantly told that Grimes doesn’t fit into any existing format or genre and therefore cannot be on playlists or radio. We argue that there is a long lineage of auteur artists, often producing their own music and/or directing their own music.”

Images courtesy of instagram.com/grimes

Her idea was to introduce a new genre of music entitled ‘ethereal’ to accommodate artists who are considered too ‘abstract’ by mainstream streaming platforms and broadcasters, facilitating their music and art.

The sound of ‘ethereal’ is ambiguous to the point where Grimes is unsure. In the original tweet she contemplated the sound saying that it would have “a heavy visual component and fantasy, sci fit or literally elements… often very ethereal, otherworldly and futuristic in nature.”

Now three years down the line Spotify has recognised the genre on its platform and Grimes has made a playlist to commemorate. The seven-hour playlist includes tracks from Caroline Polachek, Kelsey Lu, Yaeji and Yves Tumor. The caption reads “dedicated to experimentalism with strong elements of pop and universal beauty.”

But the best bit of all is Grimes’ reaction to the recognition of the genre she coined. Stating on Twitter that she forgot she petitioned for it.

Listen to the ‘Ethereal’ playlist on Spotify.

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