Get to Know icepop: The Rising Star Blending Darkwave, Post-Punk, and Electropop
Music is more than just sound—it’s an experience, a feeling, a world of its own. And if you haven’t stepped into icepop’s world yet, you’re about to.
Born David Valentino Dior, this Spanish singer, songwriter, and producer is quickly making a name for himself with his signature mix of melancholic synths, post-punk grit, and hypnotic electronic beats. Since dropping his debut single, Oh She Right, in 2024, icepop has been steadily growing his fanbase, proving that his sound is here to stay.
In this exclusive Q&A, you’ll get to know the artist behind the music—who he is, what inspires him, and where he’s headed next. From his creative process to the emotions behind his songs, Icepop opens up about his journey so far and what the future holds.
So, whether you're already a fan or just discovering him, this is your chance to step into Icepop’s sonic universe. Keep reading—you won’t want to miss this.
How did the name icepop come about, and how does it hold any deeper meaning for you?
icepop: I mean, icepop, like the name, like how it came about, I'm just gonna be honest with you—if you say icepop the other way around, like, this is how I came up with it—Popeyes. I was in Popeyes, and I just swapped it around, and it just became icepop. And I was like, “Name.” I'm not even playing either. That's how I came up with the name. I was just in a Popeyes this one time. And I was just like, "Oh, icepop," because I was looking for a name.
I was looking for a name for so long. And I was just coming up with these different names. And like, I was like, "Oh, they're good." But when I found icepop, I checked on Spotify to make sure it wasn’t taken. And when I saw it wasn’t taken by anybody, I was like, "Oh my god, like, in 2024, to have a name like that?" I was like, "Let’s go." And yeah, there’s really no deeper meaning about it. That’s literally just how it came about.
Your sound blends darkwave, synthpop, and cinematic textures. How would you personally describe it?
icepop: I mean, my music—when I make it, I don't really choose what I'm making. I just kind of… like, I used to get beats off YouTube, and I’d just go with whatever was on the beat that I liked.
Now when I make my own beats—because I produce all my music—I just kind of like, produce a beat, and I'm just singing on it, and it just flows together. So there’s really no specific idea when I come to making music. I just kind of go in.
Like, if I had to describe my music in a way, I’d describe it with the genres that you said because I really like dark stuff. Like, when I sing, I like putting a pop-indie element into a darker genre. And I feel like that kind of creates a new style for me. That kind of diversifies me from other artists.
But in a way, I keep the catchy elements—without going too cliché, niche, or crazy with it. So yeah, I just make something, and boom.
Q: What's your creative process like? Do you start with a mood, a melody, or something else?
icepop: Yeah, I don't start with lyrics. People always ask me this when I’m creating music. They always ask, "Do you write your lyrics first?" And I’m just like, "What are you talking about?" Because I start off with a melody every time.
When I make my beats, as I said before, I literally sing into my mic a melody that comes to my head until I'm happy with it. I put a metronome on, pick a random beats per minute, and just sing melodies.
Once I have that recorded, I kind of freestyle—not really full freestyles, but I mainly focus on melody because I prefer it to be catchy before I add lyrics. Once I’m happy with the melody, I slowly add lyrics. I just play it back and kind of sing different sounds in my mouth, seeing what flows right, what hits hard, what doesn’t. Then I replace all the lyrics until I’m happy. And that’s when I know it’s a good song.
Are there any unique or unconventional techniques you use when producing your tracks?
icepop: Oh yeah. I do a lot of weird things.
I feel like if you just sit there with a microphone and just produce, it kind of restricts you. I can’t really do that. So what I do is, I put the beat on my speakers after I finish it, and I just sing. I’ll literally be running around my room, singing melodies while I’m recording them.
It just makes me express myself so much better—like I imagine myself on stage, performing to a crowd. It gives me the energy to push myself. I want each song to be better than the last, so I put more energy into it every time. I learn from my mistakes—what annoys me about my own music, what’s holding me back. I use that to keep evolving.
I don’t want to make the same song twice.
When writing lyrics, do you draw more from personal experiences or abstract concepts?
icepop: All my songs have meaning. I'm not writing random lyrics about something that’s not related to me.
But the way I do it is, I use specific words when I'm coming up with melodies. And I definitely write stuff only I would fully understand. I write lyrics so that everybody can relate to them, but the actual meaning is completely different from what they might think.
For example, my songs could sound like a heartbreak song, but in reality, I could be talking about something completely different. There are multiple meanings, and I love playing with that. It makes the music feel more layered—like, one person hears a love story, another hears something else entirely. But when they mix together, it’s like, "Whoa." You know what I mean?
Growing up in Spain, what kind of music shaped your early influences?
icepop: Honestly, everything that was around at that time.
In Spain, we don’t just listen to Spanish music. Hear me out—I love Spanish music. It’s so different from Western music. I grew up on a lot of Spanish songs, but in Spain, they play everything.
It was just all the smash hits from the 2010s, just constantly playing everywhere. That’s what shaped me. I moved away from Spain when I turned 10, so I didn’t get the full experience of growing up there musically, but I still have so much inspiration from that time.
How was moving to Manchester? How did that change your perspective on music and creativity?
icepop: I mean, dude, I’ve only been making music for like nine months.
But I’ve always loved music. I listened to music every day. Moving here kind of woke me up. You always have that place in your heart from childhood, and I still miss Spain. But when you go somewhere new, it just shifts your perspective.
That’s what made me start making music. I was massively into sports when I was younger. But then I started paying attention to the music I was listening to, and honestly, I felt like a lot of it was too basic.
I wanted to join in and make something fresh.
Darkwave and synthpop have such a rich history. Are there any past eras that particularly inspire you?
icepop: Yeah, I don’t really know. Like, I used to make pop music—like Taylor Swift-type stuff. When I started, I didn’t know what to make, so I just did the easiest thing. I made trap music like Ian Dior because that’s what I listened to.
But when I moved toward darkwave and these darker genres, I knew I’d be respected more. The way I found them? Literally by clicking on a random tight beat on YouTube.
I had never listened to a darkwave artist in my life before that. The only electronic artist I ever listened to when I was younger was Skrillex. So I just took my pop elements and blended them with this darker sound. And I think that’s what makes me so different.
Now, are there any non-musical influences like books, films, or visual arts that seep into your work?
icepop: Of course, like, that's basically how my stuff goes. Like, when I read books—like, I don't read books anymore—but when I used to a few years back, I loved the way they portrayed stuff. But my main inspiration is visuals. When I watch music videos, that kind of just makes me go, "Oh my god, I should make a song right now." Because if I made a music video to this and made it look exactly like that, I would be so cool. That’s what I used to always think.
I base my music on what I listen to all the time. And when I listen to a song that hits me hard in the heart, I watch the visuals if it has any, or just look at the album cover. I use those colors and turn them into music. I make a similar song that sounds completely different from what I just listened to. I just love the way I use that in my music.
Now, if you had to create a dream lineup for a festival, who would be on the bill?
icepop: Dude, like, every artist I listened to as a kid. I love Iann Dior. I love Artemis because I love his dark music—I just started listening to him recently. My music is heavily inspired by Lil Nas X. I love Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar, but getting them on a festival lineup, dude, oh my god, that’d be so hard. But yeah, those kinds of artists, that’d be insane.
Now on to live performance in the scene. How would you compare the underground music scene in Manchester to other places in the world?
icepop: Honestly, like, I’ve been here, and I’ve never seen a music artist from Manchester—ever. I feel like I’m the only one. There are festivals, of course, but they’re not from here. They’re just performing here.
That kind of inspired me. I was like, I could be that artist from here. Obviously, there have been musicians from here, like Oasis, but I haven’t seen any new artists come up from here recently. That gave me the idea—like, dude, if I’m an artist who blows up here, it just gives me so much more opportunity for promotion. Because, like, how often do you hear of a new music artist from Manchester? Never.
Do you see yourself more as a studio artist, or is live performance something you’re interested in?
icepop: Oh my god, performing live—that’s literally my dream. But I love studio creation as well. It’s weird with me. I love seeing people perform, and I’ve always wanted to perform on stage, but I’d always rather listen to the studio version unless there’s some crazy new element that sounds even better than the original.
But dude, I’ve always wanted to perform live. Going on a world tour is my dream. And I’m going to do it soon. I have to do it soon. I can’t keep holding back on this idea of performing live. I’d love to bring out other artists so they could perform, too, because that brings so much more hype to the festival or concert.
But yeah, live performances are definitely what I want to do. But studio stuff—I just love listening to how songs are made. I just kind of prefer that when it comes to audio, but performances are definitely my choice.
So what’s next for icepop? Do you have any upcoming releases or collaborations?
icepop: Oh, I have big plans. I have a song coming out soon—it’s called "Again and Again." It’s releasing on March 28, so you better be streaming that! Dude, I’ve worked so hard on that. I’m working on it every day. I’m getting a music video made. I’ve been getting props for it, talking with the people I work with, and getting all of this set up so I can get my first music video.
I love music videos—they bring the whole song to life. As for my upcoming releases, apart from that, I have songs, but not that many yet. But I have ideas—I know what I’m going to make. It’s like a vision. I know what I’m going to make and when I’m going to release it. But I’ve just been so busy with this release lately that I haven’t had time to make much new music.
If you could create a perfect concept album, what story or themes would it explore?
icepop: Oh, dude, one storyline I love is Stranger Things. I love how dark it is, but it also brings uplifting moments.
If I had an album like that, I’d start by making the songs first. The perfect album length for me is 13 songs, about 35 minutes. Half of the songs would be in a dark wave style—that’s kind of my original style now. Some would have a dark vibe, but I’d be rapping and speaking more than just singing. And then I’d have some really different indie-style tracks.
You know those songs that start off super creepy, then build up with a whole drum-orchestra playing? I love those. I’d have five of those on the album that just hit hard. If you performed that live, holy—that’d be crazy.
What are your thoughts on dark wave and alternative pop? How are they evolving in today’s music landscape?
icepop: I mean, dude, I don’t really listen to those genres that much. I only listen to one artist from that style—like I said before, Artemis. He’s killing it. He made I Like The Way You Kiss Me last year. I love that song.
The way it’s evolving—I feel like it’s a new genre. I know it was around in the 2000s with post-punk, but this new style is like alternative R&B mixed with dark wave. I love how it sounds. But I don’t want to just fit into that genre—I want to be different, you know?
But dude, the way I see it evolving, it’s definitely a genre I love. I’d love to see more artists come out of it, but there are just so few right now. It’s crazy. We need more, and I’m going to be one of them.
If you weren’t making music, what do you think you’d be doing creatively?
icepop: Oh, that’s a good question. If I wasn’t doing music, I’m not gonna lie—I’d be so down. Music is everything to me. I don’t really have any other purpose.
But I think I’d be doing sports. I love football. Americans call it soccer, but I call it football. I love that.
Or maybe videography—making music videos for other people, shooting short films. I’m into that as well. Or maybe YouTube, because I used to be a YouTuber back in the day, like when I was 12. I loved doing that. But ever since I found music, I love it way more. If I didn’t do music, I’d honestly be depressed. But I’d probably be doing YouTube or something.
Do you have any advice for people just starting out in their musical journey?
icepop: Advice? Honestly, you gotta stop having a big ego. Every person I talk to in this industry always tells me how much they love their own music, and I get that. But at the same time, some of them act like they’re better than everyone else, and that’s not the way to grow.
If you really want to make it, you need connections. And you’re not gonna build those connections if you’re a bad person. My main advice is to just take it easy. Don’t force too much music out at once. If you’re constantly dropping songs, your previous ones will get left in the dark.
Think of each song like a business—you need to promote it until it gains traction. I’ve been promoting all my tracks separately, posting shorts, and engaging with my community. Even if I’m not getting massive views, I’m still gaining new listeners and moving up in the industry. Just take it easy and don’t rush it. Also, don’t limit yourself to just music—expand into other areas too. That’s how I see it.
Is there anybody that has helped you along the way in the industry?
icepop: If I’m being honest, I had no help when I first started. I taught myself everything—no producer, no camera crew, nothing. I’ve been doing music since March 2024, and it was all me from the start.
But recently, I joined Electric Sunshine Cult, and I feel like that label is about to blow up. It’s gonna go crazy. Being part of ESC has already taught me so much, and I finally have support. That said, learning things on your own is valuable. When you do everything yourself, you build confidence. And once you do get help—whether it’s from a label, a friend, or anyone—it becomes way easier.
Do you have any favorite foods or snacks while working on music?
icepop: Man, if we’re talking favorite foods, it’s definitely pizza or tacos—no question. But when I’m making music, I actually prefer working on an empty stomach. It gives me more drive, like, "If I finish this, I can reward myself with a good meal."
If I eat while making music, I get lazy. I swear, a full stomach just slows me down. But I always keep water nearby—that’s a must.
Are there any special shoutouts you want to give?
icepop: Shoutout to Lil Nas X. I’ve been listening to him since "Old Town Road," and he’s been my biggest inspiration. People hate on him too much, but dude, he’s hilarious, his music is fire, and he’s a marketing genius.
Also, shoutout to Iann Dior—another one of my favorite artists. And of course, shoutout to Electric Sunshine Cult. I’ve only been with them for two weeks, but I’ve already learned so much—about websites, merch, and just the industry in general. You gotta check them out!
Do you have any final thoughts for people who will be listening to your music in the future?
icepop: Right now, I don’t have any plans for features. I like being independent—it adds to my image. I get why people collab a lot, but if I’m not big yet, I feel like constantly featuring other artists could take away from my brand.
I want the focus to be on me first. That being said, ESC has been a game-changer for me. They’ve given me new opportunities and a platform to grow. Big things are coming.
Step into the shadowy neon glow of icepop:, where darkwave meets synthpop in a cinematic fusion of sound. Born from a name swap at a Popeyes and shaped by the deep pulses of underground electronica, icepop crafts hypnotic melodies and hauntingly relatable lyrics. With a style that blends pop’s infectious hooks with the moody textures of darkwave, every track pulls you into a world where emotion and energy collide.
📲 Connect with icepop:
🍏 Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/icepop/1749415272
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iicepop
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xicepop/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xicepop
🎵 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/iicepop
🌐 Website: https://www.icepopmusic.com/
📄icepop EPK
great article, amazing person, W man, follow this man, great guy