The Definition
‘The study of stars as media texts/components of media texts demands that the distinction be made between those who are simply known for performing pop music and those who are known for being pop stars, who have an identity or persona which is not restricted solely to their musicianship.’ –
http://www.mediaknowall.com/as_alevel/Music/music.php?pageID=popstar
One of the reasons so many pop performers are described as ‘pop stars’ is because they are quickly promoted to this status by their management. This is easily done courtesy of a few judiciously placed stories, a famous boyfriend/girlfriend, attendance to premieres and parties and features in countless iconic magazines. When artists are in this process it is easy for people to forget about the music being produced in the light of the magazine photo shoots and gossip articles.
A true pop star is one who has a long-term significance in the industry. To fit within Richard Dyer’s star theory, an artist would have to make a sufficient cultural or sociological impact to be classified as a true pop star. These are the ones people are still talking about even when their music careers are over. World renowned artists such as Elton John and David Bowie are example of what a true pop star is in reference to the Dyer’s Star Theory. However, boy bands are a market that is riveting the industry in recent times and groups such as One Direction, The Wanted and Union J will never make a long lasting cultural impact. In forty years’ time they will not be known for that ‘amazing song they recorded’ or that ‘sensational album they wrote’ they will simply be remembered for their presence, looks and personal drama.
Stars as a Construction
Dyer suggest that ‘a star is an image not a real person that is constructed (as any other aspect of fiction is) out of a range of materials (eg advertising, magazines etc as well as films/music’
Shows such as The X Factor are a brilliant example of the construction process. They show us how an ordinary person is groomed, styled and coached just to fulfill a recording company and target markets expectations. They are changed into something that is seen as an improvement yet if it was about the music alone it wouldn’t matter about their appearance yet it does, this proves Dyer’s star theory that a lot of artists are constructed to be liked as people rather than liked for their music.
Ideology and Culture
'Stars represent shared cultural values and attitudes, and promote a certain ideology. Audience interest in these values enhances their 'star quality', and it is through conveying beliefs ideas and opinions outside music that performers help create their star persona. A star may initiate a fashion trend, with legions of fans copying their hairstyle and clothing. Stars initiate or benefit from cultural discourse (e.g. via their Twitter feed), and create an ongoing critical commentary. Now more than ever before, social networks give pop stars the opportunity to establish their own values outside their music.' - This section is taken from website http://www.mediaknowall.com and helps explain clearly what the purpose of many management companies are, to create people rather than create music.
I chose to write about the Dyer's star theory because i think it is relevant to all music magazines. It is important to choose what artists you want to feature in your magazines otherwise you could be portraying your magazine in a way you don't want your desired audience to read it. For my music magazine, I will take the Dyer's star theory into account as I find that this will help me when it comes to my evaluation, having met the needs of my target audience.
‘The study of stars as media texts/components of media texts demands that the distinction be made between those who are simply known for performing pop music and those who are known for being pop stars, who have an identity or persona which is not restricted solely to their musicianship.’ –
http://www.mediaknowall.com/as_alevel/Music/music.php?pageID=popstar
One of the reasons so many pop performers are described as ‘pop stars’ is because they are quickly promoted to this status by their management. This is easily done courtesy of a few judiciously placed stories, a famous boyfriend/girlfriend, attendance to premieres and parties and features in countless iconic magazines. When artists are in this process it is easy for people to forget about the music being produced in the light of the magazine photo shoots and gossip articles.
A true pop star is one who has a long-term significance in the industry. To fit within Richard Dyer’s star theory, an artist would have to make a sufficient cultural or sociological impact to be classified as a true pop star. These are the ones people are still talking about even when their music careers are over. World renowned artists such as Elton John and David Bowie are example of what a true pop star is in reference to the Dyer’s Star Theory. However, boy bands are a market that is riveting the industry in recent times and groups such as One Direction, The Wanted and Union J will never make a long lasting cultural impact. In forty years’ time they will not be known for that ‘amazing song they recorded’ or that ‘sensational album they wrote’ they will simply be remembered for their presence, looks and personal drama.
Stars as a Construction
Dyer suggest that ‘a star is an image not a real person that is constructed (as any other aspect of fiction is) out of a range of materials (eg advertising, magazines etc as well as films/music’
Shows such as The X Factor are a brilliant example of the construction process. They show us how an ordinary person is groomed, styled and coached just to fulfill a recording company and target markets expectations. They are changed into something that is seen as an improvement yet if it was about the music alone it wouldn’t matter about their appearance yet it does, this proves Dyer’s star theory that a lot of artists are constructed to be liked as people rather than liked for their music.
Ideology and Culture
'Stars represent shared cultural values and attitudes, and promote a certain ideology. Audience interest in these values enhances their 'star quality', and it is through conveying beliefs ideas and opinions outside music that performers help create their star persona. A star may initiate a fashion trend, with legions of fans copying their hairstyle and clothing. Stars initiate or benefit from cultural discourse (e.g. via their Twitter feed), and create an ongoing critical commentary. Now more than ever before, social networks give pop stars the opportunity to establish their own values outside their music.' - This section is taken from website http://www.mediaknowall.com and helps explain clearly what the purpose of many management companies are, to create people rather than create music.
I chose to write about the Dyer's star theory because i think it is relevant to all music magazines. It is important to choose what artists you want to feature in your magazines otherwise you could be portraying your magazine in a way you don't want your desired audience to read it. For my music magazine, I will take the Dyer's star theory into account as I find that this will help me when it comes to my evaluation, having met the needs of my target audience.
No comments:
Post a Comment