Middle Row w Coco Mocoe

Latest Episodes:

Pluto in Aquarius: Who’s About to Get Famous (and Why) Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com

Pluto just left Capricorn and entered Aquarius for the next 18 years—so what does that mean for you, the culture, and who's about to run the world? In this episode of “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe”, we break down the collective shift through the lens of your favorite chaotic TV and media: White Lotus, Real Housewives, Roblox and more. From crumbling institutions to the rise of anonymous celebrities, we're decoding how Pluto’s generational shift into Aquarius is already playing out in media, fame, and institutional power.

Whether you're an astrology nerd, reality TV scholar, marketing professional or just want to know who the next It-Girl will be based on astrology—this one's for you.

Disclaimer: I am NOT an astrology expert nor do I claim to be. But I love the topic and did my best with research and interpretations. Always do your own research and come to your own conclusions ❤️ ✨

TIME STAMPS & TOPICS:

0:00 - Introduction

4:03 - What themes did Pluto in Capricorn emphasize from 2008 to 2025

6:09 - What media came to fame during Pluto in Capricorn

12:21 - What reality TV rose to fame during Pluto in Capricorn

15:55 - Capricorn Themes in Fashion

17:53 - The Capricorn themes that came through in the influencer space

19:40 - How Capricorn themes influenced how Millennials and Gen-Z created and consumed digital media

Extended Episode for Paying Members of the Substack:

25:09 - What does Pluto in Aquarius represent?

26:50 - How the rise of Chappell Roan & Sabrina Carpenter represent a shift into Aquarian ideals

28:06 - Recent media that represent the shift into Aquarian ideals

31:05 - How will this shift change how we discover and consume music

34:00 - What types of influencers will find fame during Pluto in Aquarius

35:00 - How will Gen Alpha change the way media is consumed and created

38:00 - How Pluto in Aquarius will shift fashion trends

40:30 - What happened during previous Pluto in Aquarius times

“Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey.

Let me know what future creators, celebrities or brands you would like a “brilliant branding of” deep dive on via a review Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube!

* IG: @cocomocoe

* TT: @cocomocoe

* YT: coco mocoe

Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com

Hannah Lux Davis is Making Your Favorite Music Videos Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

Hannah Lux Davis is your favorite pop star (and rapper)'s favorite music video director. A few of her music videos include:

"thank u, next" by Ariana Grande
"Bang Bang" by Jesse J, Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande
"it's ok i'm ok" by Tate McRae
"Say So" by Doja Cat
"Agora Hills" by Doja Cat
"Good Ones" by Charli XCX
"23" by Miley Cyrus

She was a dream guest for me on "Middle Row" because I wanted a show that celebrated music videos and who better a fit than the person behind some of the biggest music videos of the 21st century. I was so lucky to sit down with her for the latest episode where we broke down the behind-the-scenes stories and reveal new information about working with some of the biggest pop stars. To make it an easier viewing experience for you, here are the time stamps for the episode:0:54 - Popcorn 1:45 - How she got Drake, Lil Wayne and Future for her first music video3:33 - Are viral moments pre-planned or unexpected?5:24 - Working with Miley Cyrus for “23”6:06 - Tate McRae it’s ok I’m ok outfit9:30 - Commercial work10:48 - How fast is the turn around of a music video 12L14 - Working with Addison Rae, Charli XCX and Beabadoobea on set in 2021 15:42 - Directing “Bang Bang” with Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj16:54 - Is there a difference in how artists approach videos once they have stronger branding? (Ex. Doja Cat & Ariana Grande)20:07 - The filming of “Thank U Next” by Ariana Grande21:52 - Having Jennifer Coolidge on set with Ariana Grande23:29 - Gabi DeMartino contribution to the music video 24:19 - Filming “it’s ok I’m ok” with Tate McRae 27:17 - Filming “Good Ones” with Charli XCX29:39 - Filming “Nightmare” with Halsey 30:55 - Sun, moon and risingWhere you can find more of Hannah Lux Davis: Instagram: / hannahluxdavis https://londonalley.com/Where you can find more of Coco Mocoe:Instagram: / cocomocoe TikTok: / cocomocoe Follow the official "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x...Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation PodcastEditor: Coco MocoeCreator: Coco MocoeFilming Location: Spotify LAComment below what music artist you think is next to take off!

The Brilliant Branding of Hailey Bieber's Rhode Skin Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com

Today's episode of "Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe" marketing podcast is about the brilliant branding of Hailey Bieber's Rhode Skin. The brand was the second-most talked about celebrity beauty brand of 2024, just behind Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, according to ⁠Mintoiro⁠.

If you look at Rhode Skin's Instagram account from when they launched in 2022 vs now, there is a huge difference just three years later. They began leaning into sensory marketing unlike any other celebrity beauty brand and sky-rocketed, as a result. That will be the topic for today's episode. Enjoy!

TIME STAMPS & TOPICS:

0:00 - Introduction

5:30 - What was popular in the last 10 years from 2015-2025?

6:47 - The rise of minimalist makeup

7:29 - The Data of Rhode Skin

15:10 - The Shift into Sensory Marketing

17:00 - Integration of celebrity collabs

Topics on the Extended Episode at ⁠cocomocoe.substack.com⁠

20:38 - Rhode’s product innovation vs disruption

26:40 - “The Editorialization of Brand Social” by Kristen Vinakmens on Substack

33:15 - How you can apply all these marketing tactics to yourself

REFERENCE LINKS:

* Substack: "⁠Hailey Bieber Changed One Thing About Her Branding. She Sky Rocketed as a Result⁠"

* The The Devil Wears Data: ⁠The Rise of Hailey Bieber's Rhode Skin⁠

* YouTube: ⁠Who’s In My Bathroom? With Hailey Rhode Bieber⁠

* “The Editorialization of Brand Social” by Kristen Vinakmens on Substack: https://substack.com/home/post/p-149158518

If you are as obsessed with the intersection between pop culture and marketing as I am, consider becoming a member of my best-selling Substack for $9-a-month. For the $9 a month, you will get access to:

* The rest of this Friday Trend Report + every weekly trend report to stay on top of where internet culture is headed from the lens of someone who is a full-time creator and worked full-time at two major media companies in marketing for 5+ years beforehand

* Extended episodes of the Monday “⁠Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe⁠” podcast. The podcast is a weekly deep dive into the behind-the-scenes branding of celebs, creators and brands making waves in culture. I save the best bits of information for my paying coconuts every episode so be sure to tune in, if that is your thing!

cocomocoe.substack.com

Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube!

* IG: @cocomocoe

* TT: @cocomocoe

* YT: coco mocoe

Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com

The Brilliant Branding of "Anora" Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com

In today’s episode of "Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe", we will talk about some fun facts about the making of my favorite film of the year, "Anora", plus the marketing strategies behind the scenes. Then in the second half of the episode, exclusively for paying coconuts of the best-selling Substack, we are going to talk about my thoughts on the specific branding. My theory of this whole episode is that they created a popular movie by refusing to be popular. And we will talk about how you can do something similar whether you are an artist, creator or brand owner.

Sean Baker and Mikey Madison were a dream team together for this underdog film but their marketing team was the secret third man who helped push the movie across the finish line at the Oscar's.

Time Stamps:

0:00 - Introduction/Oscar’s wins for “Anora”

6:14 - 5 BTS Facts About the Making of “Anora”

12:37 - The $18 million marketing budget

16:41 - “Anora” box-office sales compared to other Oscar 2025 contenders

Extended Episode at cocomocoe.substack.com

23:21 - Traditional marketing campaign (Barbie) vs. Anora’s marketing campaign

33:40 - The targeting of a specific Gen-Z audience

42:25 - A creator example of the “Anora” strategy

Let me know in the reviews on Apple and Spotify what you want the next episode of "The Brilliant Branding of _____" to be about plus any theories you might have.

Listen to last week's episode about "The Brilliant Branding of Tate McRae"

“⁠Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe⁠” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey.

IG: ⁠@cocomocoe⁠

TT: ⁠@cocomocoe⁠

YT:⁠ coco mocoe⁠

Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com

Rhea Raj Wants to Bring Bollywood to Hollywood Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

WATCH THE OFFICIAL "PRAY ON IT" MUSIC VIDEO BY RHEA RAJ ⁠HERE⁠

In this exclusive interview, rising pop star Rhea Raj joins Coco Mocoe on "Middle Row" to talk all things music, culture, and creativity! From her viral hit "Haute Couture" to her connection with KATSEYE’s Lara Raj (yes, they’re sisters!), Rhea shares her journey through the music industry, the power of social media, and the importance of South Asian representation in global pop culture.Watch now to hear how she broke into music, her collab with AliyahsInterlude, and how Reels users in India helped her gain major momentum.⁠ @RheaRaj ⁠

📍 Filmed at Spotify Studios

For an easier viewing experience, here are the time stamps + topics:

00:00 – Intro01:00 – Rhea’s go-to snacks 🍿

06:00 – How she & her sister Lara (KATSEYE) got into the music industry 🎶

10:18 – Social media’s impact on making music 📲

11:45 – Did fans know they’re sisters? 👯‍♀️

13:50 – Bollywood’s influence on Rhea’s sound 🎬✨

16:36 – Collab with AliyahsInterlude & the making of Haute Couture 💅

22:39 – How Reels users in India fueled her rise 🇮🇳

23:16 – Behind the Pray On It music video 🎥

25:45 – Her trip to Cuba 🇨🇺✈️

28:49 – What new fans should know about Rhea 🧠❤️

31:46 – Rhea's sun, moon & rising signs 🔮

Know a rising artist I should interview next?

Comment below to make it happen ⬇️ 📢 🔗

Follow Rhea Raj: ⁠instagram.com/rhearaj⁠🎧 Listen to “Haute Couture”: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2_T0745AvQ⁠

Follow me!

Instagram |⁠ @cocomocoe⁠

TikTok | ⁠@cocomocoe⁠

Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com

Follow the official "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x3n1ZRyN4eeikwSy8sL9?si=e4dc55829d754ad0&nd=1&dlsi=d97fc2d2e8c64f95⁠

Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy

Videographer: Operation Podcast

Editor: Coco Mocoe

Creator: Coco MocoeFilming Location: Spotify LA

The Brilliant Branding of Tate McRae Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com

In this episode of “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe”, we will start my new series called “The Brilliant Branding of ______”. This was inspired by the success of my TikTok under the same name on my cocomocoe account (watch here). The first episode of the series is about “The Brilliant Branding of Tate McRae”.

Do you have a suggestion for my next “The Brilliant Branding of _____” episode? Send your suggestion and theories in the comments on Substack or on Apple and Spotify reviews for a potential shout out!

TOPICS + TIME STAMPS:

0:00 - Introduction

2:20 - How I define “household name fame”

4:30 - Part One: “Become an Extreme Version of Yourself”

How Tate McRae discovered what makes her unique and turned it up 1,000 notches

11:40 - Part Two: “Leaning into Mystery”

EXTENDED EPISODE ON COCOMOCOE.SUBSCTACK.COM:

20:52 - Part Three: “Think Later Vs. So Close To What”

27:14 - Part Four - “World Building in Branding”

IG: ⁠@cocomocoe⁠

TT: ⁠@cocomocoe⁠

YT:⁠ coco mocoe⁠

Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com

Thank you for reviewing the podcast on ⁠Spotify⁠ and ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠!

cocomocoe@gmail.com

How Addison Rae Quit TikTok & Became a Pop Star Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com

Who else has used the rubber band method to create mystery and desire from their audience? You can let me know in the comments on the Substack at cocomocoe.substack.com/podcast/

You can read Rolling Stone’s cover story on Addison Rae here

In today’s episode of “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe”, we will be talking about Addison Rae’s recent Rolling Stone cover story. In it, she gives some insight into her mysterious strategy. How was she able to break through the stiff, glass ceiling of influencers before her and become pop music’s newest darling? She has performed alongside Charli XCX, had co-signs from Grammy-winners like Finneas and most importantly, has Gen-Z on the edge of their seat. A generation that is known for not holding back their insults and honesty when it comes to how they feel about TikTok’s biggest creators.

I believe Addison Rae used what I call the “rubber band method” in marketing. But what exactly is that and how can you implement it as a creator, yourself?

* IG: ⁠@cocomocoe⁠

* TT: ⁠@cocomocoe⁠

* YT:⁠ coco mocoe⁠

Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com

Thank you for reviewing the podcast on ⁠Spotify⁠ and ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠!

Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube!

Thank you for being a coconut and supporting my creator journey 🥥 ❤️

TOPICS + TIME STAMPS:

0:00 - Addison Rae’s “Obsessed” seen as a “flop”

1:50 - “The Rubber Band Method” in Marketing

3:13 - Coconuts thoughts on Addison Rae’s re-brand

5:07 - Rolling Stone Addison Rae cover story summary

7:08 - Popular Vs. Cool

8:22 - The movie that shifted Addison Rae’s career

9:12 - The failure of item beauty

11:00 - Addison Rae’s transition off TikTok

12:20 - The rubber band method in marketing

15:40 - How to know when to shift your niche

15:30 - When to pull back as a creator

EXTENDED EPISODE ON THE SUBSTACK:

18:56 - Other influencers who have used the rubber band method

* Emma Chamberlain

* Brittany Broski

* Alex Cooper

35:03 - How to know if it is time for you to pull back as a creator

The Internet Hates Female-Founded Brands: Poppi Vs. Olipop Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com

Commenting is only available on Substack!

When I began seeing the push back against Poppi on social media, I was confused. It seems that people were upset with them for sending out vending machines to influencers ahead of the 2025 Super Bowl.

I agree with the critique that they could have been more inclusive in their selection of influencers. Inclusion from brands is a topic I have talked about on my podcast before.

But what I don’t agree with is the anger over them seeming “out-of-touch”.

Why is it “out-of-touch” for Poppi to send out temporary vending machines to influencers but not “out-of-touch” for Dunkin Donuts to pay Ben Affleck $10-million dollars for 30-seconds?

My theory: the internet hates female-founded brands that market to a primarily female demographic. This is compounded by the fact that the influencer space is dominated by women.

Poppi is a brand with a front-facing, female founder. Her name is Allison Ellsworth. Even though it was co-founded with her partner, Stephen, she is the one who often appears on camera and was even the face of their video response on TikTok as the controversy kicked up.

Olipop, Poppi’s biggest founder, began leaving comments in TikTok videos claiming the vending machines were $25,000. Something that was debunked by AdWeek and something Ellsworth disputes, as well. But because Olipop is founded by two men, no one is calling them “catty”, “jealous” or “b****y” for spreading rumors about a competitor in TikTok comments. If a female-founded brand did that, there would be hell to pay.

As always, there is no right or wrong answer here. Keep it respectful in the discussions on Substack, as you always do.

And thank you for being a coconut! ❤️ 🥥

You can read my deep dive article about Poppi’s controversy on Substack here.

Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube!

* IG: @cocomocoe

* TT: @cocomocoe

* YT: coco mocoe

Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com

Why Remy Bond Doesn't Want to be Compared Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

WATCH THE "SIMPLE GIRL" MUSIC VIDEO BY REMY BOND HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=664dVHz1Xb0&t=789sIn this episode of "Middle Row w Coco Mocoe", we are joined by Remy Bond as she breaks down her music video for "Simple Girl". She has experienced a huge rise in the last 6 months after the release of songs like "Benzo Queen" and "Summer Song". She even got a shout-out from Elton John on his radio show last week. We discuss her background growing up in NYC, her sister, Olivia Bond's, artistic direction, her influences from ABBA to Elvis and her hacks for finding new song titles and lyrical inspirations. Remy Bond is such a force. She is not only an artist, musically, but creating a world for her audience to escape to when reality seems grim. Something we don't see from even the most seasoned artists, if ever. She has a clear vision and a love for old technology that makes her art unique from the cookie cutter videos and songs we hear now-a-days. I am such a fan of Remy Bond and I am so lucky I get to say I got one of the first of many interviews to come for her! ❤️ To make it an easier viewing experience, here are the topics + time stamps: 0:30 - Makeup names1:57 - Trying snacks 4:09 - Growing up in NYC 5:04 - Early music influences (Sean Lennon, ABBA, Mamma Mia) 5:57 - Her grandpa had a small role in The Godfather 6:25 - Babylon got too much flack 8:02 - Where did the hair and flower come from 8:32 - Hollywood Hair Theory 9:10 - How did fans find her (Summer Song) 11:55 - Her sister’s involvement (Olivia Bond) 12:30 - Breaking down the “Simple Girl” music video 14:22 - Remy’s parents got married in the Vegas chapel in the music video 15:40 - Using the lipstick of old Hollywood stars 16:10 - Planning a tour 17:18 - Sun, moon and rising 18:10 - Her fascination with Elvis Where you can find more of Remy Bond: Remy Bond's YouTube Channel: @remylovesu Remy Bond's Instagram: / remylovesu Remy Bond's TikTok: / remylovesu Remy Bond's Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2voad... Where you can find more of Coco Mocoe:Instagram: / cocomocoe TikTok: / cocomocoe

How to spot an industry plant (video) Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com

What do Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Chappell Roan, Gracie Abrams and Tate McRae all have in common? They all have rumors swirling that they are "industry plants" all over online forums, especially as their fame reaches new heights, like after the Grammy's.

But do "industry plants" even exist in the music industry? Or is their meteoric fame the by product of hard work, vision and good artist development?

Read my Substack article about the topic: cocomocoe.substack.com/p/maybe-being-an-industry-plant-isnt

TOPICS:

* Introduction - 0:00

* Industry plant article - 3:48

* Chappell Roan industry plant allegations - 4:56

* The connotations of the term “industry plant” - 6:58

* Travis Kelce Industry Plant - 8:58

* Why do people accuse ice spice of being an industry plant - 11:45

* Why industry plant is really just good artist development - 13:20

* Aesthetics in breaking big (ex. The Dare) - 15:15

* Remy Bond - 16:23