Beginners is an American electropop project led by Samantha Barbera, whose background in hardcore punk (Holy Fever) provides the band's distinctive aggressive edge. Formed in Los Angeles in 2013, the group bridges the gap between the DIY garage rock scene and high-level commercial pop production.
This unique positioning is largely due to the collaboration between Barbera and producer Nick Ruth, who brought a Top 40 sensibility to Barbera's raw energy. Their sound is characterized by heavy synth-bass, trap-influenced percussion, and anthemic vocal delivery. Over their career, they have evolved from the indie-leaning sounds of their self-titled debut to a more 'edgy' and assertive pop style seen in later releases like 'Bad Attitude' and 'DUMB'. They occupy a cultural space similar to artists like The Beaches or Blood Red Shoes, where rock instrumentation is filtered through a modern, electronic-forward lens. Critical consensus highlights their success in sync licensing, with their high-energy tracks frequently appearing in film, television, and advertising, reinforcing their status as a go-to for 'swagger' and 'confidence' aesthetics.
Shares confident, rebellious, energetic (moods); urban_night, rooftop (atmosphere)
Shares electropop, dance-pop, indie pop (subgenres); confident, rebellious, defiant (moods)
Shares digital_clarity, studio_polished, compressed_loud (production style); electropop, dance-pop, indie pop (subgenres)
Shares electropop, dance-pop, trap (subgenres); confident, playful, defiant (moods)
Shares indie pop, dance-pop, electropop (subgenres); studio_polished, compressed_loud, digital_clarity (production style)
Shares studio_polished, compressed_loud, digital_clarity (production style); urban_night, rooftop (atmosphere)
Shares electropop, confident, dance-pop, indie pop (signature)
Cassette uses generative AI to enrich its catalog. How we use AI →