So many modern pop stars that have been successful with a signature style are content to stick with a formula.
The big effort it takes to break into the industry leaves many at the top unwilling to take risks.
However, certain pop visionaries can’t help but reinvent themselves—and their craft.
In this article, we will explore a number of the most current modern creative stars rewriting the rules of mainstream pop.
Change is the only constant
Go back in history and find out the legendary pop artists that changed the game.
We found three most popular artists at that time, The Beatles, Prince, and Madonna all pushed to re-define the genre with each project they embarked on.
At the moment, artists reinvent themselves to discover new creative realms, cultivate new audiences, and explore their unique cultural backgrounds.
At this time, artists reinvent themselves to discover new creative realms, cultivate new audiences, and explore their unique cultural backgrounds.
Many recent success stories prove that sticking to the formula isn’t the only way to make a mark. That creative spirit is paying off—for listeners and the music industry.
Here are our top picks for modern pop stars who reinvented themselves in 2020.
ROSALÍA: traditional and contemporary
With her second album, “El Mal Querer”, Barcelona-born artist Rosalía proved that singing in English is not essential to break into the mainstream.
Until Rosalía came on the scene, most Spanish music records were tucked away in a secluded category.
However, “El Mal Querer” is no ordinary record—music critics call her music “flamenco pop”.
Rosalía’s music is heavily influenced by traditional flamenco, which she masterfully melts into trendy R&B and trap.
Rosalía’s music is heavily influenced by traditional flamenco, which she masterfully melts into trendy R&B and trap.
The minimalist, 808-driven productions paved Rosalía’s way towards worldwide recognition.
It’s a sound that’s familiar enough to interact with mainstream pop listeners.
However, the mesmerizing timbre of her voice and rhythmically intricate flamenco claps create a singular feel that’s truly refreshing.
Whereas Rosalía’s roots lie in the traditional music of her culture, her forward-thinking adaptation of modern styles puts her at the forefront of international pop.
BTS: a style all their own
K-pop is a worldwide phenomenon that’s found an enormous audience in the west.
However, before Blackpink’s star-studded debut took over the airwaves, BTS and other K-pop acts were laying the foundations for the genre to explode.
With many albums sung in Korean and Japanese, BTS was massive in Asia long before the rest of the world took notice.
That reputation continued to surge as K-pop artists began recording songs in English and experimenting with western genres.
The disco-pop hit “Dynamite” was the very first single of BTS. They sing it fully in English, however, the band’s carefully rehearsed choreography and meticulous styling remained pure K-pop.
It’s such a perfect example of the way these artists adeptly follow music trends while infusing them with their own culture and vision.
With tons of western stars releasing new work with K-pop acts, it’s clear that we’re not witnessing a temporary trend.
With tons of western stars releasing new work with K-pop acts, it’s clear that we’re not witnessing a temporary trend.
All in all, artists with distinctive cultural backgrounds are getting extra consideration than they ever had before.
Hopefully, musicians who come from non-English speaking countries find that it’s an inspiration.
If you are an independent international artist, keep in mind that your unique background is a plus.
People don’t only care about those who can adapt—they pay attention to those who stand out of the crowd.
Lady Gaga: artistic chameleon
Trends in pop seem to evolve faster day by day. That’s why modern pop stars who wish to stay at the top need to reinvent themselves to survive.
In case there’s one star who truly embodies this attitude in the American music industry, it’s Lady Gaga.
Lady Gaga started as a songwriter.
After signing with a serious label, she enjoyed an extremely acclaimed debut.
Artists who wish to stay at the top should reinvent themselves to survive.
She could have kept making run-of-the-mill dance-pop records. Instead, she used her success as leverage to claim her creative freedom.
After releasing three pop albums, Lady Gaga first surprised her followers with a collaborative jazz album with Tony Bennett.
Two years later she shows us a completely different country-pop project—“Joanne”.
Little did we know that her experimentation with country music would lead.
Lady Gaga to one of the most successful hits she has ever released—“Shallow”, the rock ballad sang with Bradley Cooper in the hit Oscar-winning film, “A Star is Born”.
As an actor and musician, Lady Gaga continues to prove that she’s not afraid to break into new mediums and transform herself completely to chase inspiration.
In case you’re an up-and-coming pop artist, take notes.
Be true to yourself
It’s so difficult to pick a creative direction once you’re developing as an artist.
Everyone needs to make it huge, however, most want to do it on their own terms.
Don’t make the mistake of sacrificing your vision to accommodate others.
As you continue to build your project, contemplate what you stand for.
So many re-inventors of pop have already blurred the lines between genres. Are you adventurous enough to do the same?