Sexuality in 21st Century Music

This podcast explores the fascinating intersection of music and sexuality, drawing on the work of prominent musicologists and musicians. We delve into how musical works, performances, and personas express and embody sexual desires, identities, and behaviours.

We'll examine the theories of key figures:

• Michel Foucault, who argues that sexuality is not a natural attribute but a social construct shaped by power and knowledge. We will explore how music can reflect and challenge dominant sexual norms.

• Susan McClary, known for her feminist analysis of classical music, who argues that musical structures can reinforce masculine dominance and female submission. Her book "Feminine Endings" and its exploration of sonata form will also be discussed.

• Richard Dyer, whose work focuses on the representation of homosexuality in pop culture and film. Dyer argues that pop music can be a site of "camp," showcasing an excess of gender and sexuality.

• Phillip Brett, who studied the connection between musical structures and cultural discourse, with a focus on how queer identities are represented in music. We'll discuss Brett's work on Benjamin Britten, including how Britten's music reflected his queer identity. We'll also touch on Brett's analysis of Purcell and Wagner.

• Freya Jarman, who studies popular music and its relationship to gender and sexuality. Jarman's work on "queer voices" will be explored as well as her discussion of how popular music reflects and constructs cultural discourses around gender and sexuality.

·

We'll also look at how musicians have explored these themes in their work:

• Madonna, who uses sexual imagery and themes to challenge norms, especially female sexuality. Her work, including "Like a Virgin," will be examined.

• Prince, who explored taboo subjects and pushed boundaries of mainstream cultural norms surrounding sexuality through his music and persona. We'll discuss his album "Purple Rain" and the song "Darling Nikki".

• Janelle Monáe, whose Afrofuturistic vision incorporates themes of sexual freedom and identity. We'll discuss her album "Dirty Computer" and songs like "Pynk," "Make Me Feel," and "Django Jane".

• FKA Twigs, who explores themes of sexuality and gender through her unique blend of electronic, R&B, and experimental music. The podcast will examine her music video for "Pendulum" and her performance "Magdalene".

• Lil Nas X, who uses sexual imagery and themes to challenge traditional ideas around masculinity and sexuality. His performance of "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" at the 2021 BET Awards and the song's music video will be discussed.

The podcast will conclude by considering the relevance of these ideas in the 21st century. It will also address how music promotes sexual freedom and acceptance while acknowledging controversy and backlash