Flowers in Antarctica and the Rock Renaissance: Can the Genre’s Aspiring Artists Become Mainstream?
Rock band on stage. Photo by Sebastian Eric
Stories about the intricacies of human experience – love, fear, mourning, peace – can all be told through music in otherwise undiscoverable ways; however, not all of these stories are easily found. Out of the thousands of aspiring artists who continue to enter the music industry, only a few are brought into the mainstream limelight.
The term “underground artist” is often used by listeners to describe musicians with smaller fan bases, signifying that they discovered the artist before gaining a mainstream following. With a continual influx of smaller aspiring artists, is there a way of knowing who will become mainstream next?
Social media has served as a launchpad for several small artists to promote themselves, a tool unique to the modern age of the music industry. Apps such as TikTok and Instagram allow accounts to share song excerpts to draw in listeners who may not have heard the song without the help of an algorithm.
“Let the Night Speak its Truth”, a song shared frequently on Instagram by Flowers in Antarctica, is one song that has intrigued younger rock fans:
“I’m on my knees tonight for a new god
See, I found something new to believe
When she’s there in the morning
Her touch so delicate, so full of warmth
I’m yours to receive, her smile, her whole being
No, don’t let go”
A poetic plea, the forlorn familiarity of becoming infatuated with another’s beauty. With only 1,859 monthly Spotify listeners, Flowers in Antarctica (whose real name is Hugo Miller) only has four released songs on music platforms, uses searing lyricism and traditional vocal rock styles that resemble the timeless works of Jeff Buckley. With contrast between smooth tones in lines asking to “sculpt me out of desire” versus the raw cries to “etch these memories into your skin,” his demo “Bitter Love” creates a listening experience beautifully depicting the ever-conflicting range of human emotion.
Having many stylistic similarities to Jeff Buckley, including a more free-form approach, an illustrative storyline and less filtered vocals, Flowers in Antarctica uses characteristics of rock often classified as leveraging points of the genre’s identity and popularity.
OurMusicWorld notes how “[Rock’s] anthemic melodies and lyrics often explore themes of love, rebellion, freedom and self-discovery, making it relatable to people of all generations.” The genre uses its vocal focus and structure to create an emotional resonance unique to the style, paired with its unfiltered sound.
Whether it’s chanting Queen’s “We Will Rock You” in a stadium of strangers, or dancing to Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” in the kitchen with a few close friends, the connection and community building through rock music is a result of the genre’s ability to resonate with audiences that span lifestyles and generations.
Band Pioneer highlights rock’s narrative arc supported by its verse-chorus-bridge structure, making the genre “compelling and relatable.” It also has a lyric focus rather than an instrumental focus, fostering a sense of closeness between the artist and listener. The relatability of rock lyrics, supported by the genre’s structure, builds an incredibly intimate listening experience.
According to Medium, rock is also known as the genre of social change, carrying songs of rebellion from early on, with the first traces of a counterculture in American society in the ‘60s. Rock was a key element of the rebellious identity baby boomers adopted in hopes of fulfilling a less mundane existence post-World War II. Especially traceable in psychedelic rock, the genre became an outlet to escape from politics and confining social standards. With a traceable uprise in older rock artists’ popularity, perhaps this rebellious sound is fulfilling for younger listeners looking to establish independent identities.
Whether it be rock's "against the grain" sound, social influence or alluring storytelling, modern reincarnations of classic rock figures, like Flowers in Antarctica, could be the ones to see the most future success. His unique sound can fulfill the appetites of young listeners and the growing community of young rock enthusiasts searching for a refreshing reroute from formulaic pop music.