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Coffee Break

Coffee Break: Twee Pop

by Jill Riley and Nilufer Arsala

January 26, 2026

Singer Kimya Dawson of the band The Moldy Peaches performs onstage during the "We Rock with Standing Rock" benefit concert at The Fonda Theatre on December 18, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.
Singer Kimya Dawson of the band The Moldy Peaches performs onstage during the "We Rock with Standing Rock" benefit concert at The Fonda Theatre on December 18, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

According to Merriam-Webster, the word twee is defined as “affectedly or excessively dainty, delicate, cute or quaint.” That can apply to a lot of things, but did you know that it also applies to music?

There is a whole subgenre of music that can be described as twee. It’s described as having catchy riffs and a lighthearted sound.

Groups like The Velvet Underground have even been labeled as twee pop pioneers, and the sound has continued through the decades with bands like The Moldy Peaches, Belle and Sebastian, and more. Today, let’s explore the sound of twee.

So for today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs that could be described as twee would you like to hear?


Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
The Velvet Underground- I'm Sticking With You
The Vaselines- Molly's Lips
Mates of State- Goods (All In Your Head)
Belle And Sebastian- Stay Loose
The Moldy Peaches- Anyone Else But You
Camera Obscura- French Navy
The Field Mice- If You Need Someone
The Pastels- Check My Heart