stayc main image

Ariana Grande's Lyrical Odyssey: Love and Loss in 'Eternal Sunshine'

Ariana Grande has once again captured the spotlight with her latest album, "Eternal Echoes." This time, Grande embarks on a deeply personal journey, weaving her narrative through the thematic...

Read more
stayc main image

Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar Triumph: Crafting Oppenheimer's “Unplayable” Score

March 14, 2024

In the grand auditorium of dreams, Ludwig Göransson clutched the Oscar statuette for Best Score, a testament to his monumental contribution to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. This win adds another...

Read more
stayc main image

The TikTok-UMG Standoff: A Battle Over Music Rights and Its Ripple Effects

March 10, 2024

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest music company, has withdrawn its catalog from TikTok, the leading platform for music promotion...

Read more
stayc main image

Jimin's Historic Billboard Hot 100 Triumph: Elevating K-Pop to New Heights on the Global Stage

March 7, 2024

lmost one year ago, BTS's Jimin etched his name in the hall of music history by becoming the first South Korean soloist to clinch the number one spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart with his hit single..

Read more
stayc main image

The Mick Gordon Controversy: A Symptom of Deeper Issues in the Video Game Industry

March 6, 2024

the composer behind the critically acclaimed soundtracks of Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, has come forward with serious allegations against Bethesda, Id Software, and specifically, Id Software...

Read more
stayc main image

"Laufey: Bridging Generations with Jazz's New Groove"

March 1, 2024

In an era where pop and electronic music dominate the charts, Icelandic singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Laufey has emerged as an unexpected champion of jazz for Gen Z listeners...

Read more
stayc main image

The K-Pop Wave Continues: March 2024's Exciting Comebacks and Anticipated Debuts

February 29, 2024

March 2024 is set to be an exhilarating month for K-Pop fans around the globe, with a lineup that promises both the return of beloved artists and the introduction of fresh faces to the music scene....

Read more
stayc main image

Beyoncé Embarks on a New Journey with "Renaissance" Act II

February 28, 2024

This time, the buzz is all about her latest musical venture—a dive into country music with her new album "Renaissance" Act II. Announced during a Super Bowl for Verizon, the album marks a ....

Read more
stayc main image

The Weight Behind the Power of Aretha Franklin's "Respect"

February 24, 2024

‍In the annals of music history, songs that have sparked as much cultural resonance and transformation as Aretha Franklin's rendition of "Respect" are unique to say the least. Originally written....

Read more
stayc main image

IU's "The Winning" and H.E.R. 2024 World Tour

February 24, 2024

IU, South Korea's beloved singer-songwriter and actress, has once again captivated the hearts of fans worldwide with the release of her sixth mini-album, "The Winning."

Read more
stayc main image

The 2024 Oscar Best Original Score Nominees: A Symphony of Talent and Legacy

February 21, 2024

The race for the Best Original Score at the 96th Academy Awards is diverse and compelling to say the least. This year's nominees have painted aural landscapes that are integral to the success of....

Read more
stayc main image

Mariah Carey Masterclass Review: Vocal Production

February 19, 2024

The Mariah Carey Masterclass, aptly titled "The Voice as an Instrument," promises an intimate look into the artistry behind the iconic singer and songwriter's success. Mariah Carey begins the class...

Read more

Sweet and Bright! How to make the Bubblegum Pop sound

Jaisha Valliani

March 25, 2026

Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet

Bubblegum pop is upbeat pop music with very strong hooks, simple lyrics, and a sweet. Songs are usually short, in a major key, with easy melodies, handclaps, and sing‑along choruses that get stuck in your head right away. The common themes in music videos are things like first love, friendship, dancing, confidence, and everyday teen life. The style is made to feel instant and fun rather than deep or serious, which is why some critics unfortunately do not take it very seriously, even though there’s often an underlying message in them (like Catallena from Orange Caramel!).

‍

A few K‑pop bubblegum pop examples

Many K‑pop girl groups built their early image on bubblegum concepts: bright colors, cute choreography, and very playful songs. Early TWICE hits like “Cheer Up” and “TT,” Girls Generation songs like “Gee” and “Into The New World,” and Yena’s new bright solo track “Catch Catch” (What inspired this blog) all lean into bouncy melodies and adorable synths. Playlists tagged “bubblegum K‑pop” often include groups like TWICE, Oh My Girl, Momoland, STAYC, and Kep1er, showing how strong this sound is in girl‑group pop.​

But why is it appealing?

  • Very catchy choruses and repeated hooks that are easy to sing along to, even if you do not know Korean.
  • Clear, cute visual concepts that match the sound and help fans remember songs and make fanchants.
  • Energetic beats that feel fun in games, dance practice, and clips.​

‍

A few J‑pop bubblegum pop examples

Tommy february6 (Tomoko Kawase’s pop alter ego) is a good example of J‑pop bubblegum with heavy 80s and Eurobeat influence. Her songs blend sugary synthpop, cute vocals, and glittery aesthetics in a way that feels very cute and makes you feel happy!. AKB48 and similar idol groups also use bubblegum elements: simple choruses, chants with the crowd, and lyrics about youth, school life, and crushes. (I would mention vocaloid but I think that’s a whole different blog).

But why is it appealing?

  • Strong idol culture: fans connect to a large group of members through easy, cheerful songs they can make a fanchant with!
  • Nostalgic sounds like 80s synths give the music a retro but cute feeling.​

‍

How beginners can make this sound!

1. Songwriting basics

  • Use simple, happy chords and a catchy chorus.
  • Stick to one clear feeling per song, or experiment with the song! Bubblegum pop is usually full of simple lyrics that sometimes have a deeper meaning.

2. Sounds and instruments

  • Drums: kick, snare or clap, and an easy beat 
  • Synths: go for bright leads, nice plucks, and soft pads for warmth.
  • Extras: add snaps and sparkly FX for energy.
  • For K‑pop vibes, layer more synths and vocal chops; for J‑pop, try retro 80s keys and bell tones.

3. Arrangement and structure

  • The usual structure for cutesy bubblegum kpop songs are: intro → verse → pre‑chorus → chorus → verse 2 → chorus → bridge → final chorus.
  • Bring in the chorus early (within 40–45 seconds) so the listener hooks fast, or add a hook that’ll catch the listener's attention!
  • Add small twists to each chorus like a new harmony, synth part, or even a key change.

Good luck experimenting!

‍

Sweet and Bright! How to make the Bubblegum Pop soundsweet-and-bright-how-to-make-the-bubblegum-pop-soundJaisha VallianiMar 25, 2026Bubblegum pop is upbeat pop music with very strong hooks, simple lyrics, and a sweet. Songs are usually short, in a major key, with easy melodies, handclaps, and sing‑along choruses that get stuck...

MIX MASTER

DOWNLOAD THE BETA NOW

mix master apple store link buttonmix master google play link button

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

SONICAL.LY