Identity through excess : trans identities expressed through hyperpop

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Phoebe Jones (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Guy Capuzzo

Abstract: Hyperpop is a culturally rich genre that is densely populated by young transgender artists. Musicians drawn to this genre use its chaotic, excessive, and overwhelming sonic features to express their identities in unique ways that reflect evolving perspectives around gender and the increasing acceptance of queer identities into the mainstream. In this paper, I have chosen three artists that reflect three main aspects of hyperpop. Arca uses metrical dissonance to express her gender identity through overstimulation. I use methodologies presented by Mark Butler in his analyses of electronic dance music, which draw from Harald Krebs’ concept of metrical dissonance, to analyze how the meter in “Mequetrefe” creates a disorienting feeling that reflects Arca’s concept of her own gender identity. underscores uses irony to obscure her identity and intentions in her concept album Wallsocket. The obscurity that underscores creates around her identity shows an outright refusal to be placed into a gender category. I use Linda Hutcheon’s definition of irony and its uses to illustrate how underscores relies on irony to obscure intentions in her music. SOPHIE uses contrasting themes of organic versus synthetic material to express her desires for her gender expression. I use Martine Rothblatt’s writings to analyze how SOPHIE’s “Faceshopping” reflects transhumanist ideals.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2024
Keywords
Gender identity, Hyperpop, Popular music, Queer, Transgender, Transhumanism
Subjects
Popular music
Transgender musicians
Gender identity
Gender-nonconforming people

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