Poppy’s 'Dying to Forget': A Scream into the Void of Modern Music
There’s something about Poppy’s latest release that feels like a middle finger to the sanitized, overproduced pop landscape. Her new music video for Dying to Forget isn’t just a visual accompaniment—it’s a statement. Personally, I think this is Poppy at her most raw, her most unapologetic. The collaboration with Isaac Hale of Knocked Loose and Stephen Harrison (formerly of Fever 333) isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a fusion of genres that challenges the listener to rethink what ‘mainstream’ can mean.
The Song: A Study in Contrasts
Dying to Forget is a masterclass in tension. Poppy’s screamed verses are visceral, almost violent, but the melodic chorus pulls you back from the brink. What makes this particularly fascinating is how she balances chaos and control. It’s like she’s channeling the frustration of an entire generation, yet there’s this underlying vulnerability that keeps it from feeling one-dimensional. The co-writing credits for Hale and Harrison aren’t just a nod to their talent—they’re a reminder that music, at its best, is a collaborative rebellion.
The Video: Mosh Pits and Metaphors
The warehouse setting of the video is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. The mosh pit, chaotic and unfiltered, mirrors the song’s energy. But what many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just about aggression—it’s about release. The darkness of the warehouse, the raw performances, and the crowd’s frenzied movements all point to something deeper: the need to forget, even if just for three minutes. If you take a step back and think about it, this video is a visual representation of what it feels like to be alive in 2024—overwhelmed, angry, and desperately searching for an outlet.
Poppy’s Evolution: From Pop to… Whatever This Is
Poppy’s journey is one of the most intriguing in modern music. She started as a pop provocateur, then pivoted to metal, and now she’s somewhere in between. In my opinion, this isn’t just genre-hopping—it’s a rejection of labels altogether. What this really suggests is that artists like Poppy are redefining what it means to be ‘authentic.’ She’s not trying to fit into a box; she’s building her own. And honestly, that’s what makes her so compelling.
The Broader Implications: Music as Therapy
This song and video raise a deeper question: What role does music play in our lives today? For Poppy and her collaborators, it’s clearly a form of catharsis. But for the audience, it’s more than that. It’s permission to feel, to scream, to mosh—to be unapologetically human. A detail that I find especially interesting is how the video’s intensity contrasts with the polished, curated nature of most modern music videos. It’s a reminder that not everything needs to be Instagram-ready.
Looking Ahead: Poppy’s Tour and Beyond
With her North American tour kicking off in July and her support slot for Evanescence in Europe, Poppy is poised to bring this raw energy to a global audience. From my perspective, this isn’t just a tour—it’s a movement. She’s not just performing songs; she’s creating spaces where people can come together, let go, and maybe even heal. One thing that immediately stands out is how her live shows are likely to become safe havens for the disillusioned, the angry, and the misunderstood.
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters
Dying to Forget isn’t just a song or a video—it’s a cultural moment. It’s a rejection of the status quo, a celebration of imperfection, and a call to arms for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t fit in. Personally, I think this is exactly what music should be: unfiltered, unapologetic, and utterly unforgettable. If you’re not already on the Poppy train, now’s the time to hop on. Because this isn’t just music—it’s a revolution.
