Information: please read the reading assignment first, thenwrite 2 - 3 pages assignment. (But make sure you consistent the last assignment Lady GaGa - Applause). I will give you some my classmate's examples for you, so you can use their assignment. However, you cannot exactly copy their sentences and you have to applythe theory in my assignment too.
For this week's writing assignment questions:
Part1: All performers present a stage persona, but to different degrees and in different ways. Compare the performer of your song to one of those described in the "Metal Faces" article. Based on the author's interpretation of that artist's performance persona, how does that artist compare to the one in your case study? Give an example or two to illustrate your point(s). What are some of the categorical differences between your artist and the one that Hess studied. Is it a matter of genre? Gender? Nationality? Explain what the differences between the two artists might tell us about larger identity and/or genre categories (e.g., the roles and types of personas performers present and audiences expect).
Part2: The performers that Weissmann describes singing "America the Beautiful" perform an identity politics that, according to the author, are discordant with the origins of the song. Explain Weissmann's thesis. Do you feel that audiences' interpretations of your song and/or artist have varied over time? Have or do different audiences think differently about the song and/or audience than you do? News stories and internet comments by fans on different sites provide useful data for answering this question. If possible, quote at least one other fan or critic of this song and/or artist.
Part3: Finally, answer this question: what musical persona or personas come to mind when you listen to the class recording? There is no wrong answer, but the more descriptive you are the more that other students will have to think about and share in return. Your perspective as a listener might contribute to what the script writers, videographers, marketers, and musicians do from here on out, so please share your thoughts.
Article: 1. Metal Faces, Rap Masks: Identity and Resistance in Hip Hop's Persona Artist by Mickey Hess
2. Trashing "America the Beautiful": from She to Shining She