A brief introduction to the 'Hypa Hypa' cinematic universe

Regular readers of my Connections columns on Forbes may be aware that there's a certain party metal band from Germany that I've fallen head over heels in love with this year.

I have not been able to shut up about Electric Callboy for months. And here I am, once again, talking about them.

I’m obsessed to the point where, out of around 2.4 million listeners of the band on YouTube, I am in the top 0.5%. I am not exaggerating. I am very intrigued/terrified as to what my Apple Music recap stats are going to look like for this year.

I'd been aware for some time that the band re-recorded multiple versions of "Hypa Hypa," a 2020 song that took them to another level, with various other artists. I was saving those for a day where I really needed a pick-me-up, and I’m glad I did. Listening to these various versions made me very happy. They made a country version of the song, a rap one, a medieval metal take, an almost death metal version, an EDM remix and a ballad.

There's also this one, which Electric Callboy recorded with German pop singer Sasha. In this instance, "Hypa Hypa" is a pure pop song, so don't worry if metal isn't your thing. This take really highlights the subtlety of lyrics such as "Wanna rip off your clothes now, baby." It's delightful:

It’s only right that I share the entirety of the "Hypa Hypa" cinematic universe here with you. I'll list the songs roughly in order of the most laid-back to the wildest. Be warned, the collab with We Butter The Bread With Butter (the last one here) is gnarly:

And, of course, here's where it all began. Going from this very poppy opening chorus to pig squeals in the space of a three and a half minutes is a trip. The video is very silly and entertaining too. The dance moves are killer:

I adore this band so very much. I cannot wait to see them live. Speaking of which, here’s a live version of “Hypa Hypa” that Electric Callboy’s top-notch video team shot at a gig a few weeks ago. I am very excited to sing those “döp döp döps” with a large crowd:

I'd dearly love for Electric Callboy to expand the "Hypa Hypa" cinematic universe. But I'll settle for a brand new "Tanzneid" cinematic universe instead. I have legitimately listened to the band's latest song more than 200 times since it dropped just over a month ago.

Because I know some of you are interested in how the sausage is made, this started out as a Connections column-ending recommendation for the Sasha version. As I considered the entirety of the "Hypa Hypa" cinematic universe, I realized this might make more sense as a Pastimes post and here we are. (I should maybe do expanded versions of recommendations more often!)

I'll end with a question: What song have you not been able to get out of your head this year? Answers on a postcard... I mean, in the comments below. Alternatively, please feel free to share your earworms in the music section of our lovely Discord community. 😄