Boygenius reveal their Spotify Wrapped top artists
The sad girl supergroup may have debuted as a collective over five years ago, but 2023 has proven to be the definitive year of Boygenius. Combining Phoebe Bridgers’ moonlit melancholy, Lucy Dacus’ heart-wrenching musings and Julien Baker’s emo-infused folk, the trio have secured their place as the holy trinity of modern indie.
Boygenius has existed as a collaborative relationship since 2018, but Baker and her bandmates have increased the momentum of the project over the last year. With the dawn of 2023, they unveiled their first full-length offering with the aptly-titled The Record, a fusion of their lyrical and instrumental prowess, which is already taking album of the year lists by storm.
Endearing themselves to audiences with their emotional vulnerability and gorgeous harmonies, the trinity quickly found a devoted fanbase of listeners who saw their own experiences reflected in Boygenius’ music. Refusing to let that momentum wane, the band took to renowned stages worldwide, including sets at Coachella and Saturday Night Live, before releasing a follow-up EP, The Rest, in autumn.
Between their relentless pop culture presence and equally relentless release schedule this year, Boygenius have found a firm place atop many indie fans’ Spotify Wrapped pages. But while we were listening to ‘Not Strong Enough’ on repeat, what were Boygenius listening to throughout 2023?
The supergroup recently divulged their own Spotify Wrapped top artists while on the red carpet at a Variety event via Liam McEwan. Perhaps expectedly due to the melancholy in her own music, Phoebe Bridgers revealed that Radiohead took her number one spot, while The Smile also featured.
Both Bridgers and Dacus also noted the presence of alt-R&B singer SZA and ambient-folk soloist Grouper in their top five. “Grouper has been in my top five every year that Spotify Wrapped has existed,” Dacus stated, “So, shout out Grouper.”
Baker’s top spot went to alternative legends Paramore, who had a similarly big year with the release of their sixth album, This Is Why. Enthused and amazed at their continued ability to deliver musically, Baker exclaimed, “They released a record this year that I’m like, ‘How are they still doing it after so many records?’ Still making bangers!”
It seems that Baker’s enduring love for Paramore is not one-sided. Frontwoman Hayley Williams previously recruited the Boygenius trio for a collaboration as part of her solo project. The supergroup provided backing vocals for ‘Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris’ on Williams’ debut solo record, Petals for Armor, in 2020.
From the sad soundscapes of Radiohead to the meditative ambience of Grouper, Boygenius’ picks are a fitting and first-class collection of artists.
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