We're back for our first episode after the summer break. Or shall we say... Brat Summer break? With her sixth studio album, BRAT, released this last June, Charli XCX sparked what was arguably the biggest pop culture trend of the social media age so far. From underground producers serving up remixes to brands (and presidential candidates) jumping on the meme bandwagon, the British pop star with rave culture roots was just about everywhere all summer. In early September, Charli herself ended Brat Summer with a post on X. But is it really over? What will remain of it? How does the hype compare to other pop culture phenomena in recent times? And what's next in this hyper-paced era of mega trends and micro genres? Electronic Beats host Kikelomo and Juba sit down to serve up their very own takes on everyone's subject matter of the summer.

The Week is a production by Telekom Electronic Beats and ACB Stories.

Host: Kikelomo & Juba

Producer: Carlos Steurer

Edit and sound design: Marc Übel

Lead Producer: Isabel Woop

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you still feel like wearing a piece of merch makes you a part of a specific subculture? Or has that sense of exclusivity and meaning been lost? This week, our host Otto Kent speaks to writer Claire Mouchmore about our shifting relationship with merch, and how that's changed along with the internet and the explosion of niche identities. Plus, we discuss new features on YouTube music, UK laws against spiking, and the nonrefundable fees paid by African and Asian artists when they apply for UK and EU visas.

The Week is a production by Telekom Electronic Beats and ACB Stories.

Host: OttO Kent

Producer: Aaron Gonsher

Edit and sound design: Marc Übel

Executive Producer: Isabel Woop

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you also miss the magical, fun parts of social media? With noplace hitting the top of the American app charts Kikelomo and OttO Kent are reminiscing on their personal journey in social media. They’re sharing hot takes, making confessions about being comment warriors, and talking about what it takes to put the social back in social media. Plus: Balenciaga’s raver bracelet and Peggy Gou and Fred Again… being broadcasted to a test lab of sperm.

The Week is a production by Telekom Electronic Beats and ACB Stories.

Host: OttO Kent

Producer: Carlos Steurer

Edit and sound design: Marc Übel

Executive Producer: Isabel Woop

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.