Escaping The Binaural-Dimension: A Theoretical and Methodological Approach to Discussing and Analyzing Gender and Personae In Popular Music

Abstract

Standardized binaries can be found throughout the musicological and musical corpus, often pinning concepts between two oppositional poles: this is especially true in discussions of gender. The systems that are in place do not provide the necessary tools to discuss non-heteronormative gender identities, usually avoiding these subjects completely or enforce conventional binaries unto these queer artists. The objective of this paper is to develop a theoretical and methodological framework that will allow researchers to analyze and approach the topic of gender identity when examining popular musicians and their artistic personae. For this specific study, I will be applying these concepts unto a case study of Dorian Electra’s “My Agenda.” By doing this, I will be able to show the effectiveness of adopting a nonbinary approach when analyzing personae and their gender states.

The following multimodal analysis explores the tracks musical and lyrical construction, its intertextual references, and proposes a theoretical framework which centres artists within space and time. Exploring a variety of topics including hyperpop, meme culture, Alex Jones, alt-right conspiracy theories, and gay frogs, the analysis shines light unto how contemporary popular musicians are using memes in the construction of their personae and its gender expression.