GRSJ224/FemaleRepinMusicIndustry

Female Representations in the Music Industry

Overview

Women are ever increasingly represented in the music industry. However such representation is deceptive. Many female artists have found themselves pressured into a more sexualized image and thus an easier to sell commodity. This has been accelerated in the 21st century due the widespread disseminating and consumption of music videos and live performances. This is not to say that a sexualized performance is by any means forced upon an artist, however it is important to distinguish between when such sexualization is empowering or degrading to an artist or group. The overall sexualization in the music industry has to a great extent been necessitated by the ever increasing corporate control of artists to the extent that in many cases a performer or group represents a certain brand and thus the increasing commercialization of music in general must to some extent bear the responsibility for pressuring female artists to perform in a manner not of their choosing. In a lyrical narrative many cases of the objectification of women can be found in music from the dawn of time (and usually the art of male performers).

Sexualization

The sexualization and exploitation of women's bodies is demonstrated through provocative outfits, suggestive dancing and lyrical narratives. There is some debate as to whether such costumes represent empowerment or sexual commercialization. New artists attempting to achieve widespread publicity are the most vulnerable to such pressure. This situation is catalyzed by the fact that in the modern Music industry there is limited originality of lyrical and artistic content broadcast. Small groups primarily composed of men write the vast multitude of songs produced. Furthermore artists frequently have little to no creative control as to the style they represent and with sex being one of the easiest commodities to sell many artists continue to find themselves under pressure to make their overall performance (image, lyrics and brand) to be the most widely an easily attractive to the general population through the sexualization of that image.

Music Videos and Live Performance

Music videos are one medium which hyper-sexualized representations of women can be seen. One such example is the music video for 'Anaconda' by Nicki Manaj. #Anaconda - Nicki Minaj [[1]] In analyzing the music video it can be seen that sexualization is evident not only visually but also lyrically containing many sexual innuendos.

In addition to music videos such examples of sexualization can be seen in live performance. Perhaps one of the most controversial sexualized performances was Miley Cyrus's performance at the 2013 VMA award show. At the age of 21 and in the company of Robin Thicke performing his dubious hit 'Blurred Lines'.

1. MileyCyrus - VMA 2013 [[2]]

Music Industry and Feminism

In addition to the widespread sexualization of the female body in the music industry there is also a coinciding feminist movement forefronted by female artist to send a message of empowerment and thus to utilize the sexual imagery of women in music for something more than commercial profits. However such a distinction is not always communicated in a clear manner to the audience. It is important to recognize the impact that the music industry as a whole has upon its audience (which comprises of a vast amount of people). This is particularly true for young consumers who may be more easily influenced by the culture and message of musical performances.

Beyonce is an example of one such artist that exudes power through her sexually charged performance. In examining her career it is clear that the sexual imagery she utilizes has a core message of female empowerment and is very much centered around a feminist narrative. Female artists have perhaps been equating sexualization with power. Confidence and sexuality

Context

In an attempt to ascertain the female representations in the manufactured and multilayered music industry as it exists today it is essential to examine different perspectives of sexualization in the music industry. For example it is important to look at the visual performances in conjunction with the lyrical performance which exposes the context of such a performance and allows us ( the consumer ) to determine whether the sexual imagery contained in the overall performance is empowering or oppressive.