gumdrop

About gumdrop

GUMDROP is a dynamic musical duo comprised of Samuel Chown (Shmu) and Jesse Varnam (Buttons), whose sound explores the intersection of beauty and chaos. Their music blends angst-filled melodic darkwave with glitchy hyperpop, incorporating elements of '80s New Wave nostalgia, psychedelic production, and deconstructed R&B. Buttons' vocals often oscillate between rage-driven screaming and distorted bubblegum pop, providing an interesting contrast to Shmu's more R&B-inflected style. Lyrically, GUMDROP delves into themes of emotional heartache, social unrest, and the impact of late-stage capitalism. Their latest endeavor is the release of their self-titled debut LP, "GUMDROP," which became available on December 25, 2025, through the Philadelphia-based label Grind Select. The album features tracks like "Thai Angel," showcasing a more nihilistic aspect of their sound, and "EYE CANDY," which leans into 80s New Wave nostalgia.