The constitution of cute rock
Twenty articles that legally prohibit nothing and do a good job of explaining why the genre exists.
Any genre rulebook is a little ridiculous. So this article recognizes the right to an exception from the start. But until you need one, here’s a working set of coordinates.
The main articles
The song comes before the concept
If the idea is brilliant but you don’t want to hear the chorus a second time, the music has lost.
Melody is not a weakness
A memorable tune is the goal.
Cute things have the right to bite
Cute doesn’t mean safe, kind, or childish.
The guitar has to do some work
Change the pressure, answer the vocal, open up the chorus.
A small problem deserves big music
The objective scale of an event doesn’t determine its scale inside you.
Specifics beat a diagnosis
What the narrator does tells you more than the name of the feeling.
Grandeur has to be earned
A big statement works after small facts.
The narrator can be wrong
A living character can mess up their own life.
Conversational doesn’t mean careless
A simple phrase can be carefully put together.
The chorus has the right to be dumber than the verse
One clear thought is often stronger than five clever ones.
Rhyme doesn’t get to boss Russian around
Natural word stress matters more than a schoolbook rhyme.
Imperfection can stay
If it adds character.
Pink is optional
And if you use it, put something prickly next to it.
The internet is an ordinary place
Digital actions are allowed if they’re real within the story.
2019 is not a dress code
You preserve a legacy with new songs.
Subgenres are welcome
Different ways of sounding strengthen the scene.
AI doesn’t let you skip the editor
Generic lyrics still need cleaning up.
Humor doesn’t cancel out pain
A ridiculous detail sometimes makes a scene more honest.
A hit is a worthy artistic goal
A song people know by heart needs no excuses.
Cute rock belongs to whoever makes good cute rock
Age, gender, country, and audience size come second.
The only amendment
You may break any article if the result is more convincing than the rule. A genre that fears exceptions is already turning into a museum.
The constitution is there so we know exactly what we’re arguing with.
A short oath
We write a song, not proof of how clever we are. We let people be ridiculous. We’re not afraid of melody. We don’t hide bad lyrics behind a loud guitar. We never consider the genre finished.