1) Read the provided articles and briefly summarize what you think the authors are trying to convey.
2) Find an artist who fits into the discussion by one of the authors, then discuss an important work of theirs through the lens provided by one of the authors. For example:
A) How does “Old Town Road” by Lil’ Nas X, an openly gay artist, question the classically masculine idea of traditional country music?
B) Was the placing of Britney Spears into a conservatorship an example of a female artist being treated differently than a male artist? (i.e. If Justin Timberlake had shaved his head, would he have faced a similar reaction?)
*You do not need to write about Britney Spears of Lil’ Nas X – these are just examples of how you might relate an artist to one of these topics!
3) Discuss whether you think the articles present a problem in contemporary society/media or not, and if so, what do you see as a way to address the issues, or what may come in the future. I don’t expect you to solve any of these issues! Just consider them.
4) You should properly cite any sources you use in your paper. I use APA formatting, to which you can find a guide here at the Purdue Online Writing Center. If you are more comfortable with another citation format, you may use that instead.
You only have to discuss the article you choose, however, you might find it useful to consider the articles together – they share an underlying theme of identity, and it might help your thought process if you consider them all.
Because these issues are about sound and music as a whole, you are not required to select an artist that specifically is classified as an “electronic” artist; however, electronica and pop has many artists that fit these categories and I would recommend choosing them.
I have provided a list of artists who you might consider for this topic, however, you are free to choose whomever you like.
Grading Criteria:
For this project you may choose to write a traditional paper, or you may submit an audio/video recording. If you choose to write, your paper should be 800 – 1200 words. If you choose to submit an audio/video work, it should be 5 – 7 minutes.
*If you choose to include audio/video samples or clips, they do not count toward your total time.
Point Breakdown: (100 Points)
Summary of article – 15 points
Descriiption of Artist/Work – 20 points
Relation of Artist/Work to Article – 40 points
Discussion of Impact on Current Media – 15 points
Followed Instructions – 5 points
Spelling/grammar/citation – 5 points
Use the article: Quashie, K. (2017). The Quiet of Blackness
The artist to use is NBA YoungBoy
