Analysis of a star and dyer's star theory- Miss Miller

Within the music industry, many artists feel that they need to reinvent themselves. This can be due to the following reasons; to create a larger target audience so that their music appeals to more pople, to simply change the genre that the traditionally follow, by wanting to demonstrate different styles to gain a new audience, to create a 'buzz' in the press, or to even change to another audience, an example of this that I will discuss further is the artist 'Miley Cyrus'. A the very beginning of her career, the artist appeals to young females due to television show 'Hannah Montana' and by performing as this persona. However, recently her image has changed massively change due to a change in genre (teen pop and country music to hip hop/pop) and a change in image due to her explicit image for example, revealing clothing and negative behaviour. This artist has changed her image has she has grown up within the music industry and to appeal to different types of audiences.

The 'Best of Both Worlds' music video begins with the use of cinematography as zooming in shots are used to introduce the stage. This excites the artist's target audience at the time, young girls who are a fan of the television show, too. Through this show, the alter ego name 'Hannah Montana' is displayed in flashing lights, causing this to become a focal point of the scenery. This name was chosen over the artist's own to attract to a wider audience as she is commonly known through the name used within the TV show. This is conventional of the child pop genre as the use of this shot causes the audience to have an involvement and excite them for the show. 

Next, the artist begins the video by performing a dance routine, which is shown through the use of  editing specifically, continuity. This is extremely conventional to the child pop genre as the video is more excited to watch for the younger viewers. This further attracts fans as they would want to replicate the dance, which can promote the artist to a wider audience.

Mise en scene is also incorporated with in this music video through the use of costume. Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana is dressed in pink, glittery t shirt, jeans and boots. This is conventional to the child pop genre as although the outfit stands out, this isn't in a voyeuristic sense. This causes her to be admired by parents and copied by her target audience.

Goodwin's theory:

Within this music video, there is a common link to genre characteristics of a younger pop music video  and shows a clear structure as the video is only constructs as a performance through out the video. This is evident through the use of a dance routine with back up dancers as well as the artist singing through out. This is used to promote the artist and for fans to see the artist/their idol through out, which is exciting for that age group.

There are also constant links between lyrics and visuals for example, the artist dances with two other females singing 'you're just like all your friends' and once she's positioned alone, she sings 'but on stage your a star'. This causes her audience to admire her as when she's in everyday life, she relates to the audience however possesses a talent and is able to perform this to the world. This also causes the audience to understand the meaning behind the lyrics and exploits the theme.

Next the artist is promoted through out the music video through the use of close ups. This is conventional and also provides the audience with what they want to see as well as introducing a new audience to her image. The use of close ups create a relationship with the audience which links to the themes of the song, as she is normal/average female that possesses a talent, and the audience believe that they are invited to relate to the first half of the meaning and as she looks at her audience, they are invited into parts of her life, including the part that is famous within the music industry, therefore they feel a stronger involvement.

Dyer's star theory:

Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana can be promoted as both ordinary and extraordinary to the audience. This exposes her true character to the audience as she discusses how relatable she is in the lyrics as well as including her talent that has made her so successful. This also promotes the artist to a wider range of people as the ordinary elements cause the audience to connect to her and relate to part of her lifestyle however, the extraordinary elements causes her to become and idol.

Dyer believes that a common value of music stardom is the idea of youthfulness. This links to the idea that Miley became a part of the music industry from a very young age, therefore at this stage her music linked to this idea. This also links to the idea that her genre appeals more to younger, youthful fans therefore follows conventions of the genre as well as containing conventional elements that are suitable for the young target audience. 

This music video contains further elements of Dyer's star theory and the idea that the star is just an image. This is highlighted through the use of a stage name to promote her music and television show. The use of this causes the artist to use a name as a way to increase her gain within the music industry, therefore she is represented as a product that younger fans/the target audience buy into.

Lastly, the genre of this song is pop however, more for much younger females who are the artist's initial target audience. This music video conforms to this genre as dance routines and a performance occurs through out, promoting the artist's image as well as her talent. The colouring used within the overall performance is bright, connoting positive elements. This is conventional to this genre and excites her young fans as the video becomes more entertaining as the lighting connotes positive emotions.

The next video I will be analysing is 'The Climb'. This music video was released when Hannah Montana ended, which shows her own ideas and leaving her more teen/immature days behind. This allows Miley to branch out to a new target audience. Although this is still within the pop genre, it allows Miley to push her talent forward rather than on a stage, performing to a younger age group. This shows Miley evolving into her own person and becoming more adult.

Firstly, the music video features elements of cinematography from the beginning as a long shot is used to show the artist walking up a path. This promotes the idea of the song to the target audience, causing the meaning and emotions to be exploited. This highlights her growth as a person and within the music industry. This explores the idea that this was the first music video she released as Miley Cyrus rather than Hannah Montana, which excites original and a new stream of fans due to her own work as an individual and 'real' person being introduced to the music industry. 

Next, mise en scene is evident through the use of iconography as a guitar is visible through the use of a close up. This is conventional to the pop/country genre as instruments are usually evident in some way. This also portrays the artist's talents to the audience as within the last video as Hannah Montana, she was not playing any instruments. This provides fans with something new by her talent increasing, and introducing a set of new fans, increasing the artist's revenue. 

The artist also wears casual clothing through out the music video. This is unconventional of the pop genre however shows conventions of the country genre, which causes her to appeal to a varied audience. This look also relates to her fans, as alike her previous video, her target audience is still young females. This is due to the idea that her outfit is not promiscuous and explicit, which causes the audience to admire her and links to their younger age groups. The idea that her look is achievable connects the artist and audience together, further. 

The editing technique of cross cutting is also featured within this music video for example, as the artist is shown singing and then walking up the path. This connects the two images together, and causes the idea of a concept to be explored as she explains that although she isn't Hannah Montana anymore, she possesses a talent although goes through a journey of growth. The audience is able to bond with her through this element. 

Lastly, light colours behind her on a screen are featured as she sings the lyrics. This features the colours white and blue like the sky, which creates and calm and tranquil atmosphere. This subverts to the pop genre however conforms to the country genre, widening the artist's audience. This audience is able to understand the lyrics further as most of the lyrics link to naturalistic features for example 'mountains'. The colour blue also shows connotations of trust and hope as well as connecting to the lyrics 'keep the faith, keep your faith' showing that she is still a positive influence although she isn't portrayed as Hannah Montana as well as being aligned with these positive traits.

Goodwin's theory:

This music video features a clear link between lyrics and visuals as the artist sings 'I can almost see it, that dream I'm dreaming' whilst walking up a steep path. At first, Miley is shown walking up to a path, causing her to look small compared to it and leaving her past behind and the quickly, she is shown being forefront of the camera with a night sky behind her. This shows her strength and conveys the idea of her growing up and finding her own way in life. This includes the audience as most of them will be members that have followed her through out the Hannah Montana stage therefore, they feel that they are growing alongside her.

As well as this, there is a link between the visuals and music also as she starts dancing to the music, and the editing and beat of the music start to speed up around this image. This exploits the idea of confidence independence and shows she isn't on the lonely path anymore and she allows herself to leave her more childish days behind and be able to make her own music that is personal to her and her life. This includes the audience as she includes them on this journey, strengthening the bond between them.

Lastly, the artist is promoted through out through the use of close ups of her face. This allows fans of Hannah Montana to see the real her, as well and introducing new fans. This promotes the artist to the public as well as creating a bond with the audience as she looks into the camera, directly at them linking to the lyrics 'gotta keep my head held high'.

Dyer's star theory:

Firstly, the artist appears to the audience as ordinary yet extraordinary, linking to Dyer's first paradox. This is because the song is part of the Hannah Montana final film, portraying her hectic life at such a young age. However, after letting this ego go, she becomes more ordinary, through the use of the lyrics and costume. This causes the artist to become more relatable to the audience as well as being admired for her talents.

The artist is not portrayed in a stereotypical way. This is because she is not traditional to the pop genre with extravagant costumes. Miley wears jeans and a checked shirt within most shots. This causes her image to be more relatable to the audience as well as conforming to the country genres within the song. Her genre has updated since her Hannah Montana music video, as this increases her revenue and causes her music videos and music to appeal to a wider, more varied audience.

Through this, Miley Cyrus becomes more of an inspiration than in Hannah Montana. This is because she is being her own character as well as portraying a natural and more achievable image rather than expensive clothing and fake, blonde hair. Sometimes, artists change up their image within the pop genre to appeal to a wide audience. Through this look and attitude, more fans would respect her and purchase more  products as she is seen as more of an icon. 

This music video till remains a pop video as there are parts where Miley dances around and plays guitar. As well as showing features of country music for example, the casual clothing and naturalistic settings. This explores the artist and her lifestle in more detail as her different talents and her joy for music are exploited as the type of genre and artist she wants to become and elements of how she reinvents herself.

Lastly, I will be discussing the video 'We Can't Stop' released in the year 2013. This video/song shocked the public and a directors cut became available. This is because everyone was so accustomed to the idea of innocence and Hannah Montana. Therefore, this came as a surprise as the video and lyrics are explicit which contrasts to her earlier Disney label.

Within this video, there are many close ups of Miley Cyrus specifically at the beginning as her own name is written in front of the image. This overall promotes her new image to the audience as well as beginning the video with images of herself, showing her importance and level of involvement within the video. The use of this builds a connection with her new artist, possibly a few fans from Hannah Montana, however, substantially new fans that enjoy the new image and genre (pop/hip hop). The use of this new image causes her to appeal to an older target audience rather than children, previously.

Linking to this, mise en scene elements appear through out at the artist continuously wears explicit and conventional outfits. This is surprising due to her previous appearance however shows her growth as an artist and in age through the music industry. This, alongside her promiscuous make up look (red, plump lips) causes female members of the audience to see that males surround her therefore want to achieve this look. Promiscuous looks such as this also appeals to male members of the audience.

 

Faster editing is used within the music video as Miley and her friends dance in a promiscuous way. This causes her to show more hip hop conventions and show off her body and clothing. This also distinguishes the type of artist she is as well as her characteristics. The use of this appeals less to her past target audience and more to elder teenagers and younger adults, reinventing the artist's revenue.

Goodwin's theory:

Within the video, many angles are incorporated to sell the artist. This introduces the audience to the new Miley and her drastic change in image. This includes many mid shots of her laying on the bed showing the type of costume she is wearing (white, tight pants and a white bralet). This again allows the audience to see the new, reinvented Miley. The idea of her releasing a video like this and looking differently shows a more reckless/uncaring attitude. This mixes her target audience up and allows her to venture out and appeal to older teenagers even younger adults.

The artist also promotes other companies such as EOS and BEATS. This causes her to expand her revenue and to promote these products to the audience. This sells the artist as well as these products as fans would look up to the artist and want to buy these products as a way of successfully completing this. By adding this element, these companies and the artist work together to get promoted on a wider scale.

Linking to this, there is also a link between visuals and lyrics as she sings 'it's my mouth I can say what I want to' whilst dancing in an explicit nature and pulling childish faces. This explores the ideas shown in her past linking to her Hannah Montana alter ego within the Disney label and further identifies that she has left that time behind and they no longer matter. This highlights that she no longer appeals to children audiences and she isn't conforming  to what labels and managers instruct her to do highlighting the message that she can be who she wants and do as she pleases. This again shows the idea that she is growing herself, and doesn't like her previous kind of music and she has a adult independence, which appeals to more mature members of the audience.

Throughout the video, there is also the theme of female bodies (both Mileys and the models in the video). This shows her maturing as a women however, she decides to show this off explicitly to her audience. This is her way of showing that she isn't a child anymore, she has no need to dress up as anyone else. Therefore, she chooses to wear more revealing clothes which makes her more sexually attractive. This can be seen through her costume and actions such as midshots of her dancing around with others. Overall, this idea links back to the idea that she causes a 'buzz' within the media as the way she is acting is controversial however, she gains attention because of this from both females that look up to this and males that find this look attractive.

Dyer's star theory:

This music video conform's to Dyer's second paradox as the star is both absent and present for the consumer. This idea relates to Miley Cyrus in the years 2012-2014 as she wasn't in the press and then came back with songs such as We Can't Stop and Wrecking Ball and music videos which gained publicity. This promoted the artist and her new, reinvented self and genre to a wider audience than before.

This music video also follows the common values of stardom including:
-Sexual magnetism as her body is explored through out through the use of explicit clothing.
-Disregard for social values as she sings about drugs and behaves in a negative and daring way.
-Conspicuous consumption of sex/drugs/material goods as there are elements of drugs within her lyrics as well as alcohol etc appearing within the music video.

However, within the 'We Can't Stop' music video the audience views a complete change, confusing the audience and causing us to ask if it's the real her is she fitting to new social standards and rebelling against authority. This causes the artist to become a product that is sold to the audience and within the music industry.

This music video shows pop conventions like none other of Miley's videos. She performs through out however, in an explicit way, only appealing to older fans rather than children previously. The video also contains hip hop conventions as the artist brags about her life style and acts in a negative way.

Overall, the target audience adapts/changes through out Miley Cyrus' career and key changes. For example, Hannah Montana as a product and the video for 'Best Of Both Worlds' were aimed at younger audiences, around the ages of 8-14 due to the positive vibe of the music and video and the conventions that childish pop videos contain such as dance routines that the audience can learn, which is not aimed at older teenagers/young adults as these are not elements that they would find interesting. Next, the target audience for 'The Climb' increases to the ages of 8-20. This is due to the idea that the music sounds more mature, due to country conventions as well as the idea that previous fans of Hannah Montana still enjoy her music and character therefore follow the concept as they grow alongside the artist. The last video analysed, 'We Can't Stop' is aimed at an older audience of around 16+, due to the more negative and promiscuous themes. This audience would be more mature to understand the genre change to hip hop/pop as well as understand her new, very different appearance.

To conclude, I believe Miley reinvented herself to rebel against her Hannah Montana image created by the Disney label. Certain ideas are introduced for example, she's growing up herself and is making her own way in life. This can be seen through conventions and examples I have listed from her videos above.

I believe that this research has provided me with more knowledge on the topic of reinvention and why artists take party in this as well discovering why is is important within the music industry. This information will also help me decide on an artist as I would want to follow Dyer's two paradoxes within my chosen performer. I want to focus on the image that the artist will portray and will contain elements within my music video that portrays the genre and artist in positive lights. Overall, an image of the artist is extremely important to promote to appeal to their target audience and reinvention can even keep the interest as well as creating a wider fan base. It is important to identify and maintain a target audience as they are the people purchasing your products. This strongly relates to Dyer's theory as he discusses that stars depend upon subsidiary media such as TV, Radio and the internet.