Here is a selection of videos that are necessary to watch in order to get a more in-depth feel for the witch house sound and aesthetic, which is formed through the cultural references and symbols that are used, the video footage that is paired with the music, and the Youtube comments that respond to the aesthetic and add references to related music and pop culture. These videos are chosen for having interesting commentaries in their comments sections, so the comments are an important part of understanding this internet music subculture.
Salem - Sick: (lyrics in comments)
Salem - Sick: (lyrics in comments)
Some artists who adopt the witch house sound are willing to associate their music with the "witch house" label, but others, like Gvcci Hvcci who commented on their Soundcloud page to a fan who said "i love you gvcci hvcci, but damn why are all your songs under 2 minutes! this is witch house remember?¿" by responding, "This isn't witch house it's hip hop you fag. I can rap however the fuck I want." Often artists who willingly associate themselves with the genre also use symbols such as crosses or triangles in their videos, their song titles or their internet presence.
Gvcci Hvcci - Superlow:
PWIN ▲▲ TEAKS - I will always love you
(Notice the reference to Twin Peaks in the band's name)
WU LYF (might be an interesting translocal connection):
Horse McGyver - Teen Meme Anti-Dream
Sleep ∞ Over - Outer limits (maybe interesting comments)
A major influence on the witch house scene is Southern rap, especially chopped/screwed, which was popularized in Houston by DJ Screw, the Swishahouse label and others in the late 1990s. There is a noticeable amount of drug references in the slowed-down lyrics, and it is no secret that use of pills and painkillers such as codeine (in "purple drank") were a part of this subculture of Southern rap.
Lil White - oxycotton
DJ screw mix of SPM - high so high
LAST.FM groups/tags for Witch house
a selection of Salem remixes:
Salem remix of Gucci Mane
another Salem remix, of Charli XCX
Salem remix, Lil B slangin yayo
Really love all of the songs you provided here. What do you think is so important/special about sampling both Southern Rap or lines from movies that I have also heard used in the genre? Also, why would Gvcci Hvcci dismiss associations with Witch House when she is using the symbolism of the genre? Is that just tactical or it an attempted fusion of both genres?
ReplyDeleteVery interesting to see the development of the Witch House sound. It seems pretty distinctive: do you think most artists who claim they are not Witch House, given the specific 'tics' of the genre, are merely posturing? What do you make of Gvcci Hvcci's use of the word 'fag'? Most public figures would never be caught making such a statement where others can see it, yet she seems to have no real reservations.
ReplyDeletefound this article while looking for some GVCCI HVCCI lyrics (they fell off the internet, as far as I can see, I can't find any current web presence). this blog looks like it could've been fun to read, too bad you didn't stick with it :<
ReplyDelete