Coupdekat’s Pop Time Machine
There’s been a wave of Y2K nostalgia across pop culture over the last few years, but Coupdekat’s debut feels less interested in the aesthetics of the era than the psychology of it.
The London-based artist has built a name around hyperactive pop, club-influenced production and an instinct for hooks, developing a sound that pulls from an internet’s worth of influences. That approach comes into full focus on 'Goodbye 2012!', her debut album, which looks back to the period between childhood and teenage years when experimenting with style, music and identity could happen without the self-awareness that comes with social media.
Sonically, the album jumps between hyperpop, club music and indie influences without feeling tied to any one scene, with big pop hooks and maximalist production offset by more vulnerable moments.
It’s transportative and nostalgic while still feeling distinctly fresh and wholly 2026. There’s a real tension throughout the album between escapism and anxiety. Even at its most euphoric, there’s this feeling that something’s slipping away.
'Goodbye 2012!' isn’t really about 2012. It’s about memory, identity, digital culture and pop music as a place to process all of that.
We caught up with Coupdekat to hear all about it.
The album is framed as a goodbye to 2012. Was making this record an exercise in nostalgia, or were you trying to recover something you feel we've lost?
Honestly a bit of both, I often use nostalgia as a starting point of my writing but 2012 felt more than that for me, it was a blurred line between childhood and teenage hood, I started experimenting with my style and music and identity out of the eyes of social media, I miss that childlike fearlessness and I guess this project was a attempt to to recover that girl.
One of the album's central ideas is creating before you're conscious of being watched. Is it still possible to make art from that place today, or has the internet permanently changed that instinct?
I think it’s totally possible!!! I took a break from social media for the most part of writing this album actually. I wanted to see what ideas came to me free of any sort of online trends, something timeless, but also just taking a break from the cycle of posting and commenting etc. Helped me declutter and rewire my brain a little :3
You made much of the record in New York. Beyond the obvious change of scenery, how did that city alter your approach to songwriting or production?
The city and the people I met genuinely brought back my lust for life. It truly is a 24 hour city and everyday I saw or heard something inspiring!! Being surrounded by the coolest, kindest people made me wanna write. Me and Conner (co producer) sampled a lot of the city too - the subway, arcades, conversations, it’s a very noisy place so there was a lot to work with!!
There are so many references throughout the record, but it never feels like pastiche. How do you build from music you love without becoming trapped by it?
Honestly happy accidents, I never really plan to reference or sample, but sometimes it’s the perfect missing piece. It really does feel like the stars align when it happens… me and Conner made a reference playlist early on in creating the project, but you really can’t force it!!
You linked up with samxemma, Natalie Red, Ruby Bell and NATHALIA, for collabs and remixes on the record. How did those collabs come about?
Instagram DMs mostly!!! Me and Natalie already have a track together that I love so much and I wanted for her to b part of the album!!
Your work often feels maximalist, but the emotions underneath it are surprisingly vulnerable. Does hiding those feelings inside huge pop moments make them easier to express?
I’ve always loved music which has contrasting elements!!! All my fave pop girlies Rihanna, Eli, Madonna - they have sincere, deep lyricism but big production. That hybrid scratches such an itch for me.
The internet in 2012 felt chaotic but strangely hopeful. If you had to soundtrack today's internet with one song from the album, which would you choose?
'Lip Service' for sure!!
When people hear 'Goodbye 2012!' for the first time, what do you hope stays with them after the nostalgia wears off
I hope the sincerity behind my lyrics sticks :,)
Finally... let's play snog, marry, avoid - 2012 version: Neon tights; Carly Rae Jepson's 'Call Me Maybe'; OG Instagram filters.
Umm so hard!!!!
Snog - Call Me Maybe
Marry - OG insta filters
Avoid - neon tights (if I must!!)
