Let's be real for a second. If you spent any significant time on TikTok or Instagram Reels last year, you probably heard that catchy, upbeat, and slightly unnerving hook: "Let's start a cult!"
It’s weird.
It's one of those things that shouldn't work as a pop song, yet here we are. Let's start a cult 2024 wasn't just a random phrase; it was the backbone of a massive digital moment driven by the band Peach PRC. Music is funny like that. Sometimes a song about the absolute worst social structures imaginable becomes the anthem for people just trying to survive a Tuesday.
The Viral Logic Behind the Trend
Why did this blow up? Honestly, it’s about the "pink pop" aesthetic clashing with heavy, cult-like themes. Peach PRC, or Sharlee Curnow, has this specific knack for making trauma and mental health struggles sound like something you’d dance to at a Barbie-themed club night.
In early 2024, the song "FUCKBOY" was already doing rounds, but the "Let's Start a Cult" snippet (from the track officially titled "Secret") took on a life of its own. People weren't actually trying to recruit for a commune in the woods. Well, most weren't. Instead, the "let's start a cult 2024" movement became a shorthand for finding your "people" in a world that feels increasingly isolated and fragmented. It was irony layered on irony.
Think about the context. We’re living in an era where traditional institutions—religion, corporate life, even the 40-hour work week—feel like they're crumbling. When a song suggests starting a cult where everyone wears pink and listens to pop music, it’s a satirical escape. It’s a middle finger to the "hustle culture" that feels like its own kind of cult anyway.
More Than Just a Catchy Hook
If you look at the lyrics of "Secret," it’s not actually a recruitment manual. It’s a song about obsessive love. It’s about that "us against the world" mentality that can turn toxic really fast.
Peach PRC has been vocal about her own experiences with ADHD and mental health, and that authenticity is why her fans (the "Peachies") are so loyal. She doesn't polish the rough edges. When she sings about starting a cult, she’s tapping into that desperate human desire to belong to something, even if that something is a bit messy or ill-advised.
The production by Bonnie McKee—who worked on massive hits for Katy Perry—gives it that high-gloss finish. It's the contrast that kills. You have these dark, almost obsessive lyrics wrapped in bubblegum. That’s the "2024 vibe" in a nutshell: everything looks pretty on the outside, but underneath, we’re all just trying to figure out where we fit in.
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Why the Internet Loves "Cult" Imagery Right Now
We’ve seen this before. From the obsession with Midsommar to the endless true-crime documentaries on Netflix like Wild Wild Country or Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God, culture is fascinated by high-control groups.
But 2024 was different.
The let's start a cult 2024 trend took the "scary" out of the concept and replaced it with community. Fans started calling themselves "cult members" in a tongue-in-cheek way. It’s basically the modern version of a fandom, just with more self-awareness.
Is it dangerous? Probably not. It’s mostly just 15-second clips of people showing off their outfits or joking about their niche hobbies. However, sociologists often point out that when society feels unstable, people gravitate toward strong identities. If "starting a cult" means joining a group of people who like the same niche Australian pop star, it’s a relatively harmless outlet for that instinct.
The Impact on Indie Pop
This trend really cemented Peach PRC’s place as a powerhouse in the "sad girl pop" or "bubblegum grunge" scene. It showed that you don't need a massive label push if you have a hook that people can use to describe their own lives.
- It changed how we view "viral" songwriting.
- It proved that listeners want darker themes in their pop.
- It highlighted the power of aesthetic-driven marketing.
Let's Talk About the Aesthetics
The visual language of the let's start a cult 2024 movement was very specific. Think hyper-feminine, pastel colors, and a lot of Y2K nostalgia. It’s a "coquette" aesthetic mixed with a bit of "feral girl summer."
It’s interesting because "cults" in the traditional sense are usually associated with beige robes and desert landscapes. Peach PRC flipped that. She made the "cult" look like a slumber party. This visual subversion is exactly what catches the eye on a scrolling feed. You see something bright and happy, but the text on the screen says something slightly alarming. That’s the "hook" that keeps engagement high.
How to Engage With Trends Like This Safely
Look, the internet is a weird place. While "Let's Start a Cult" is a bop, it’s always worth remembering the real-world implications of the word.
If you're diving into any online community that demands total loyalty or starts asking for your life savings, that's not a Peach PRC fandom—that's an actual problem. The 2024 trend was about irony, but the human brain's desire for belonging is very real. Use the music as an escape, but keep your critical thinking skills sharp.
What's Next for the "Cult" Vibe?
As we move past the peak of the 2024 trend, the influence is still there. We’re seeing more artists lean into "community-based marketing." It’s not just about selling a song anymore; it’s about selling a lifestyle.
Peach PRC set a blueprint. Make the music good, make the aesthetic undeniable, and give the fans a name and a "mission." Whether that mission is starting a cult or just surviving another year of existential dread, it works.
Practical Steps for Content Creators and Fans:
- Analyze the "Why": If you’re a creator, don’t just copy the trend. Understand the contrast between the sound and the lyrics. That’s where the magic happens.
- Verify the Source: Before sharing "cult" memes, make sure you're actually following the artist and not some weird offshoot group. Peach PRC’s official channels are the only place for real updates.
- Enjoy the Irony: Use the let's start a cult 2024 vibe to find your community, but don't take the "recruitment" jokes too seriously.
- Support the Artist: If "Secret" or "FUCKBOY" is on your repeat list, follow the artist on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music to ensure they actually get paid for their viral moments.
The whole let's start a cult 2024 phenomenon is a masterclass in modern digital culture. It’s fast, it’s bright, it’s a little bit scary, and it’s mostly just a way for us to feel a little less alone in a chaotic world. Just remember to wear pink.