Catchy Katy--"Dark Horse"

Katy Perry's single "Dark Horse," number two on the iTunes charts, is unquestionably catchy (I've been humming the opening beat in my head for about a week now...), but besides the tune, what else is Perry's song throwing your way? By that I mean: what kind of message is "Dark Horse" sending, and is that message something you agree with? 

To help us out with this, let's watch a lyrics video:

via youtube.com

So you probably get a sense that it's about love (happy late Valentine's Day, by the way!). But this love isn't about mutual respect and romance. It's about seduction. It's about being crazy. It's about owning another person.

Katy demands her partner to "make her" his/her "Aphrodite," who is a Greek goddess known for insane jealousy and a tendency to exact revenge. So, not a great start. She then goes on to say "once you're mine / There's no going back." Though this might seem innocent, she removes the person's ability to decide for themselves in an effort to keep in control; this is not the foundation for a healthy relationship. 

Juicy J, in his rap, calls her "a beast," compares her to the cannibal Jeffrey Dahmer, compares her to a drug, and implies if you break her heart she'll go crazy ("turn as cold as a freezer").

Not only does this sound like a very bad relationship to be in--it's based on lust, not respect, kindness, or appreciation of the other person--it's also pushing forward a negative stereotype about women in relationships (that we're all crazy and vindictive).

I'm not saying you shouldn't enjoy the song (I still do!), but it's important to realize what she's saying. And that it's completely okay not to agree with her or believe the song's message. I know it's just a song, but what we watch and listen to matter if we let it shape the way we think of others. So, word to the wise: remember that loving, lasting relationships are built on mutual respect, no matter what "Dark Horse" tells us.

~Emily

Janelle Monae is everywhere. Thank goodness.

Simply put, Janelle Monae rocks. She may not be a TV regular, but she's been in so much media news recently that it would be just wrong if we didn't feature her here. You might recognize the R&B singer from her funky, unique hits "Tightrope" and "Cold War," or perhaps you've seen her face on Covergirl ads. But there's much more worth knowing about this inspiring superstar. 

Via Google Images

Here are three (of many) reasons why I love Janelle Monae: 

1. Her music! Monae's sound, much like the singer herself, is hard to put in a box.  Her songs often jump between genres, moving from r&b to pop to psychedelic funk in the span of minutes.  She is obviously unconcerned with conforming to current music trends. And just try listening without dancing. It's scientifically impossible.
2. Her bold style. She consistently rocks full black-and-white outfits. And her signature piece? The tuxedo. 
3. Her thoughts on her role as a CoverGirl spokeswoman:

"I've been able to collaborate with CoverGirl, which was really cool because I didn't have to change who I was to become a CoverGirl. Being a CoverGirl and standing alongside people like Queen Latifah and Sofia [Vergara], I represent diversity ... I hope it says [girls] can embrace their uniqueness ... We have to be the change we want to see, and I have to let people know ... individuality is what's in. That's the cool thing."

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Janelle Monae is wholly herself. Not only is she unafraid to be different, but she loves it. That's something I can get behind.

Via Google Images

"Embrace what makes you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable." -- J.M.



--Nicola

What We're Listening To: "Royals" by Lorde

What We're Listening To: "Royals" by Lorde

picture via billboard.com

By now, you've probably heard Lorde's breakout hit "Royals," and if you're like us, you've also shamelessly belted it out at the top of your lungs. (Here's a link to the video, if you haven't heard it yet!)

But did you know this thoughtful-looking glam punk artist is only SEVENTEEN YEARS OLD??? Now that's enough to make this twenty-something re-think her life choices (maybe I should've taken voice lessons as a kid, and maybe I should invest in some hairspray because her hair is killing it). Not only does this teen star sound and look different from the average pop singers out there, her songs also cover different topics. "Royals" is all about pointing out the silliness of pop songs that are obsessed with luxury and riches--parts of life that almost no one experiences, let alone the average listener (let's be real, I haven't even seen a private jet). The chorus "And we'll never be royals (royals) / It don't run in out blood / That kind of lux just ain't for us" points out that very few of us can relate to that sort of extravagance and that that's completely okay! You don't have to be a millionaire to feel like you can relate to any lyric in "Royals," and for today that's pretty extraordinary. Not only is her music "alt pop" in genre, it's also an alternative to the "rich is cool" message in some current pop music.

Lorde also proves that if you can't find a place to belong, you can make your own and that being true to yourself is the most important thing. She does this even in the music industry, a place defined by genres and known for producing cookie-cutter stars. But you don't have to wait to be famous before you can make your own space to feel comfortable--if Lorde did this in the music biz at only sixteen (that's how old she way when her debut album came out), you can certainly do it now. Don't be afraid to wear that outfit that makes you feel super cool and comfortable. Don't be afraid to start a new club at your school if the current ones don't interest you.

Maybe we should all take a cue from Lorde, both by examining a sometimes money-obsessed culture and by fearlessly owning who we are. Not only is her music great, her message rocks too. I'll definitely be keeping Lorde on my playlist for quite a while! 

What's on your playlist right now??

~Emily

A not so GLEEful return?

http://www.fox.com/glee/

via Instagram

For all those Glee super fans out there counting down the days until the show's return, many are still speculating how their beloved character Finn passed away. After the tragic loss of Corey Monteith in 2013, fans were left mourning and speculating what will happy to Finn and his girlfriend Rachel. ‘The Quarterback” an episode dedicated to Finn (Episode 3, Season 5) offered few details into his passing, leaving many fans wanting closure. But don’t give up hope just yet! A set worker posted a photo of Finn's football jersey hanging in the locker room on set fuelling rumours that the show will give another tribute to Finn (and maybe even some of our performances by Finn!) when Glee returns for its 100^th episode on February 25^th. 

Which performances would you pick for episode 100!? I know one of my favorites has always been Don’t Stop Believing!

-Jennifer