100 gecs, comprised of Dylan Brady and Laura Les, emerged as a dynamic American musical duo in 2015. Hailing from the St. Louis region, they initially crossed paths during high school at a rodeo. However, it was a fortuitous reunion at a house party in 2012 that sparked their collaborative journey.
In the winter of 2015, Les and Brady began crafting music together, embarking on recording sessions in Chicago. Their inaugural self-released EP, aptly titled “100 gecs,” saw the light of day on July 12, 2016. The origin of their unique moniker, “100 gecs,” remains enigmatic, with both Brady and Les offering varying explanations in interviews, adding a touch of mystery to their identity.
Despite a desire to create more music, the demanding nature of life kept them apart until their breakout DJ performance at the 2019 Minecraft Fire Festival. This event marked a turning point, providing the impetus for them to collaborate further. The fruit of their labor materialized in the form of their debut album, “1000 gecs,” released to enthusiastic acclaim on May 31, 2019.
Critics lauded “1000 gecs” for its innovative blend of styles, which could be chaotic yet irresistibly catchy. The album played a pivotal role in defining the hyperpop genre of the 2010s. Will Pritchard of The Independent noted that the album took the hyperpop style to its extreme by delivering stadium-sized trap beats pushed to the brink of distortion, accompanied by emotive vocals and a cascade of rave-infused arpeggios.
Building on this momentum, 100 gecs further established their presence with the release of a companion remix album, “1000 gecs and the Tree of Clues,” in 2020. Their creative journey culminated in the release of their second studio album, “10,000 gecs,” in 2023, showcasing the evolution of their musical prowess.
The story of 100 gecs is a tale of collaboration, experimentation, and pushing the boundaries of musical genres, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of modern music.
