Punk isn't a look. It isn't even specifically a musical genre. It's an attitude. A punk is someone that strives to stand out, who speaks out and stands up for the things they believe in. A punk is someone who shares the views of those too afraid to speak up themselves. Yes, there is an increasing number of political punk rock bands around, the likes of Slaves, The Blinders and Cabbage. There's a new breed of punks however, in the form of pop stars.
Yes, this might not make a lot of sense. When we think punk, we think loud, angry rock 'n' roll with a political focus. It tends to act as a pillar for activism. The world is very different however from when political punk rock began. There is certainly still a place for aggressive punk rock to spread political messages and protest the many wrongs of today's governments but the world is in a fragile state. Social media is spreading anxiety and mental health problems more than ever whilst the taboo around these subjects grows at a similar rate.
What pop stars are starting to do is tackle these social problems and break the taboo around them. Declan McKenna's album has the odd political moment but predominantly shines a light on taboo subjects such as male suicide, mental health problems and abusive relationships. By writing about these contentious topics and covering them with an explosion of glitter pop beauty, McKenna is telling his listeners that it is ok to not be ok, that everyone feels this way. He is a young kid with a big heart and is becoming a pillar for the disillusioned youth to lean on.
Lorde's 'Melodrama' does something similar, albeit a little more subtly. The best example being 'Liability'. A song about feeling left out, about feeling as if you're too much for people. A song born out of anxiety despite it's euphoric feel. Again, like McKenna, Lorde is telling her global audience that even she, a world-wide superstar, feels exactly like they do from time to time, and that it's normal to feel this way. 'Perfect Places' is another example. It explains how young people do things in order to feel lost and forget about their problems, rather than confront them head on. Again, Lorde is telling her fans that even she associates with that feeling, despite looking invincible at times.
Finally there is Dua Lipa. Lipa is an activist and a figure-head for the ever-growing and increasingly intensified LGBQT movement, regularly carrying a rainbow pride flag on stage. Lipa is just 22, but the oldest of our three punk rock pop stars, and is able to say what most of her young fans struggle to do. She gives them an 'out'. A way to escape from their problems and shows them how to stand for what they believe in. She is full of swagger and attitude, just like McKenna and Lorde are.
There is no arrogance in these three artists, rather a confidence to speak out, and it is exactly what the world needs.
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