Welcome to the wild, chaotic world of a track that defined a new edge in pop. This introduction explores the creative force behind a major 2019 hit.
Dylan Brady and Laura Les are the masterminds of the experimental duo, 100 gecs. They released their debut album, “1000 gecs,” in May 2019. It quickly became an underground sensation.
Brady, a skilled audio engineer, has produced for famous acts. Les started her career uploading music online. Their shared roots in St. Louis helped shape their unique sound.
The album blended countless genres into a short, explosive listen. It earned millions of streams and appeared on many “best of” lists. Its success was both surprising and deserved.
Their breakout track features highly processed vocals over a throbbing beat. It captured the internet’s attention with its glitchy, energetic style. This song put 100 gecs on the map as boundary-pushing artists.
This article will dive into what makes this composition a cultural phenomenon. We’ll explore its distinctive sound and lasting impact on modern music.
Key Takeaways
- 100 gecs is an experimental pop duo consisting of Dylan Brady and Laura Les.
- Their debut album, “1000 gecs,” was released in 2019 and became a surprise hit.
- Both members have distinct musical backgrounds that influenced their unique sound.
- The album gained massive popularity through online streaming platforms.
- Their music is known for blending many genres into a short, intense experience.
- The duo is recognized for their innovative and polarizing approach to pop music.
Expert Roundup Overview: Setting the Stage
Exploring the innovative sound of this duo uncovers a fresh perspective on modern pop music. Their approach blends countless influences into something truly unique.
Introduction to 100 gecs’ Influential Sound
The 1000 gecs album offers a turbulent 23-minute journey through emo, EDM, pop-punk, and more. This creative work never stops evolving, with sudden pitch shifts and tempo changes.
These artists embrace contrast as their guiding philosophy. They combine beautiful melodies with aggressive production elements. This creates tension that feels both chaotic and cohesive.
Understanding the Cultural Impact in Today’s Music Landscape
100 gecs represents an “extremely online” approach to music creation. Their work reflects internet culture through memes and digital aesthetics. This resonates with listeners seeking genuine innovation.
Their influence spans from underground metalcore to mainstream pop. The duo synthesizes diverse styles without judgment. This has polarized audiences while pushing music boundaries forward.
The Meaning Behind The Song: money machine by Dylan Brady
Beneath the chaotic surface of this explosive track lies a deeply personal narrative that connects with listeners on multiple levels. The composition balances abrasive sounds with genuine emotion.
Dissecting the Lyrics and Emotional Undertones
The opening verse contains creative insults that originated from real frustration. Laura Les explains these lines came from wanting to “build a strawman” during a difficult period. The memorable cigarette arms reference is actually a clever King of the Hill easter egg.
Brady’s contribution to the lyrics reveals surprising vulnerability. His lines about wanting to stay awake and get ahead show sentimental depth. These aren’t repeated phrases, making them stand out emotionally.
Analyzing the Unique Vocal and Production Techniques
Les uses pitched-up nightcore vocals for both artistic and personal reasons. She can’t record with her regular voice due to gender dysphoria. This technique adds to the track’s distinctive digital quality.
The production creates a unique blend of polished and broken elements. Vocals are simultaneously glossy and glitchy over a throbbing post-dubstep beat. This approach defines the signature 100 gecs sound.
Despite the chaotic presentation, these are extremely personal lyrics reflecting real struggles. The track successfully combines absurdist humor with genuine emotional expression.
Behind the Scenes: Production, Remix, and Music Video Dynamics
The journey from initial recording to viral sensation involved unique collaborative techniques and visual storytelling. This behind-the-scenes look reveals how creative choices shaped the final product.
A. G. Cook Remix: Sweetening the Chaos
PC Music founder A. G. Cook created a fascinating reinterpretation of the original composition. His version introduced melodic harp elements while preserving the chaotic energy.
Cook’s production approach made the vocals secondary in certain sections. This created beautiful sounds that enhanced the track’s emotional depth.
Visual Symbolism and Special Effects in the Music Video
The accompanying video features intentionally tacky special effects shot in a suburban parking lot. This aesthetic choice comments on internet culture’s relationship with authenticity.
Both performers appear with similar blonde hair, creating a visual theme of duplication. Their uncanny resemblance mirrors online culture’s endless variations.
Studio Anecdotes: From Recording to Internet Fame
The duo collaborated long-distance between Los Angeles and Chicago. They exchanged Logic Pro X files, adding new elements with each pass.
Their intuitive process involved shooting from the hip without overthinking. Brady humorously noted about his hair color, “If my hair was brown on the album, people might not have liked it.“
They knew a song was complete when they exhausted creative additions. The track was finished when it made them unable to sit still during playback.
Artist Perspectives: Personal Journeys and Industry Insights
The bond between Dylan Brady and Laura Les goes far beyond their shared studio time. Their partnership is rooted in a deep, genuine friendship that has shaped their entire creative process.
Collaborative Dynamics Between Dylan Brady and Laura Les
Their journey began not with music, but at a house party around 2010. They didn’t start creating together until 2015. Brady was staying with Les in Chicago that winter.
Brady initially focused on directing music videos. He once said making music “never seemed like an accessible thing to do.” Only after choir and piano classes did he start producing.
Les had a different path. As a kid, she felt a compulsion to tweak the songs she heard. She became a “Black Sabbath rip-off” on guitar, always thinking, “This is great, but what if it did this?“
Their early SoundCloud tracks were intensely personal. Les describes them as being about “intense feelings that I did not know how to deal with.“
Their friendship is the foundation. Les has said, “I don’t think I have another friend as close as Dylan. He was the maid of honor at my wedding.” This trust allows for a unique creative flow.
Les has been open about her struggle with visibility as a trans artist. She admits, “I don’t like my face super much, but I show it full-on.“
Their musical knowledge is vast. They admire acts from Death Grips to Charlie Puth. Brady once noted, “His chords are fire.” This respect for pop craft informs their chaotic sound.
Their first successful track, “bloodstains,” came from pure experimentation. An earlier version of their project sounded more “ambient-ish.” They kept tinkering until they found the explosive style that defined 1000 gecs.
Final Thoughts: Reflecting on Impact and Cultural Resonance
What began as a niche online project quickly evolved into one of 2019’s most talked-about musical phenomena. 100 gecs transformed their experimental pop vision into a cultural force that resonated across the internet.
Their rapid ascent saw them playing major venues, translating complex studio productions into energetic live shows. Other standout tracks like “hand crushed by a mallet” and “stupid horse” extended the album’s creative themes.
The remix collection demonstrated how their music inspired both established artists and fans alike. Dylan Brady and Laura Les proved that chaotic sounds could carry genuine emotional weight.
This groundbreaking debut created a blueprint for a new generation of artists. Their work captures the fragmented, overwhelming feeling of digital life while maintaining joyful authenticity.
FAQ
What is the song "money machine" actually about?
The track uses exaggerated, humorous lyrics to critique shallow displays of wealth. It’s a sarcastic take on bragging about money and material things, turning those ideas into something absurd and fun.
Who are the main artists behind this track?
“money machine” is by the experimental pop duo 100 gecs, which consists of Laura Les and Dylan Brady. They both handle vocals, production, and the unique sound design that makes their music stand out.
What album is "money machine" on?
The song is a standout track from their debut album, “1000 gecs,” which helped launch them into the spotlight with its chaotic and inventive style.
Is there a famous remix of this song?
Yes! Producer A. G. Cook created a popular remix that adds new layers of electronic texture to the original, offering a different yet equally energetic version of the track.
How did the music video contribute to the song’s popularity?
The video’s wild visual effects and playful, low-budget charm matched the song’s energy perfectly. It spread quickly online, helping the duo gain a massive internet following.
What makes the production style on this track so unique?
Dylan Brady and Laura Les blend hyperpop, ska, and internet-age sounds into a catchy, noisy mix. Their use of distorted vocals and glitchy beats created a fresh and influential sound in modern music.


