New Books in Popular Culture Michael Brown, "Eyeliner’s Buy Now" (Bloomsbury 2025)
Nov 22, 2025
Michael Brown, a music curator at the Alexander Turnbull Library, dives into the fascinating world of vaporwave and Eyeliner's album, BUY NOW. He explores Luke Rowell’s unique journey from Lower Hutt's tech-infused childhood to his DIY music distribution. The discussion illuminates the cultural influences shaping Rowell's work, including the rise of internet music scenes and the post-2008 disillusionment. Brown also highlights the catchy slap-bass motifs and the album's critique of consumerism, positioning it as a standout in the new age of digital artistry.
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Disaster Radio From A Library Find
- Luke adopted the name Disaster Radio from a library book about transistor radios with a nuclear-mushroom-cloud box.
- He uploaded free tracks to mp3.com to get feedback and build an audience early online.
School Added Critical Depth
- Music school introduced Luke to synthesizers and critical theory, especially détournement, which deepened his satirical approach.
- That critical lens connected his DIY practice to intentional cultural critique shaping Eyeliner.
Vaporwave As Internet Self-Reflection
- Vaporwave emerged when internet users began nostalgically reflecting on early web aesthetics as part of Web 2.0 culture.
- The genre reframed 80s–90s consumer music and early internet imagery into a critical yet alluring aesthetic.
