Research: Star Image

STAR IMAGE

Star image is the way an artist is represented to the audience. The most effective way to do this is through a music video. It can reach mainstream audiences on an international scale, bringing fame and success. 

How can a music video help an artist's career? 

• emphasize popularity
• express their thoughts and opinions
• show their name
• add to the promo package
• create longer lasting work
• create relationship with audience

How can it disgruntle them?

• loss of reputation 
• paparazzi that comes with fame
• offensive content
• controversial content
• losing fans due to change of style
• risking a large budget

_________________________________________________________________________

The evolution of star image is explored through popstar Kylie Minogue, from the 80s to present day. 

80s: Kylie ft Jason Donovan - Especially For You

• came from Neighbours, a popular Aussie soap
• first target audience: girls 10-13
• first appeared as innocent - baggy jeans and minimal amounts of makeup
• her dancing was energetic and fun; not intimidating and sexual
• values exhibited were also innocent and avoided deep meanings & sex
• the lyrics reflect this innocence and childishness - "in my imagination, there is no complication".
• Conclusion: Kylie entered the music industry as a young woman, role model to even younger girls by promoting innocence. 

_________________________________________________________________________

EARLY 90S:  'CONFIDE IN ME'

• Kylie demonstrates more glamour and sophistication in a sexual way to attract attention from the opposite sex.
• boys join her audience as they are attracted to her new look.
• young girls are intimidated by her sexuality.
• there are more choreographic dance routines in which she is the centre of attention. 
• values exhibited are less innocent and say that you should look attractive for the opposite sex.
• her lyrics get more mature and deeper meaning are built - "we all get hurt by love".
• Conclusion: sexuality is starting to be embraced as Kylie and her audience get older.

_________________________________________________________________________

LATE 90S: 'BETTER THE DEVIL YOU KNOW'

• Kylie now has a wider mile audience because of her looks.
• cinematography expanded the focus on sexuality which introduced the empowerment of women.
• Kylie shows more of her skin, demonstrating a rise in confidence.
• values show that it's ok to flirt all of the time.
• lyrics are confident and daring toward the opposite sex, "I've got nothing left to hide".
• Conclusion: by this stage, Kylie is the image of female sexuality and empowerment.

_________________________________________________________________________

00'S (NOUGHTIES): 'SPINNING AROUND'

• target audience is now young adults in their 20's. This is because Kylie started making club hits.
• her seductive appeal began to get aggressive.
• confidence is still established through values. promiscuity is now embraced. 
• choreography introduces more backup dancers to enhance her star image. 

_________________________________________________________________________

How is star image enhanced?

• by exploiting or coming to terms with sexuality; fighting for the rights of people with different sexualities, etc. For example, Macklemore's 'Same Love' draws upon gay rights.
• express political views - for example, George Michael's 'Shoot The Dog' mocks political relations between the USA and the UK.
• expressing personal opinions on issues they believe are important; sharing morals and attitudes. For example, Michael Jackson's 'Black Or White' encourages equality and tries to dismiss the press attacking his change of skin colour.
• exhibiting social aspects; particular lifestyles and ideologies. For example, Lil Jon's 'Get Low' is all about life in clubs, strip clubs, while being a gangster and having a lot of money.

_________________________________________________________________________

CONCLUSION: I plan for my artist to have mild, if any, star image. This is because I want to focus on concepts and ideas behind the music video, rather than the person performing in them. I believe that aspects other than an artist's personality traits, can actually represent them in stronger ways. Therefore, I would like to attach meanings to objects rather than people, colours rather than clothes, etc.