REVIEWS & OPINION PIECES

Deep Dive — The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift

Fig. 1. Pigott, Marcus. "The Life of a Showgirl standard cover ." Getty Images , 3 Oct 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Life_of_a_Showgirl Taylor Swift’s ‘ The Life of a Showgirl ’ was a highly anticipated album as enticed by dynamic visuals and off the tails of the record-breaking global ‘Era’s Tour’. As revealed by Swift and as indicated by the key collaborators (Max Martin and Shellback), on this project, this album would incorporate the infections melodies presen

Dec 7, 202521 min read

The Importance of an Artists Visual Identity— A Case Study on the "sudden success" of Sabrina Carpenter

Fig. 1. Anderson, Bryan. "Sh ort n' Sweet Fireplace ." Getty Images , 19 August 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/23/arts/music/playlist-sabrina-carpenter-amythyst-kiah.html Brief Career History: Fig. 2. Carpenter, Sabrina. "Carpenter Teen ." Getty Images , 16 August 2016, https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/search/2/image?family=editorial&editorialproducts=entertainment&excludenudity=false&page=1&phrase=Sabrina+Carpenter+16+august+2015+teen+choice+awards&sort=newest Sabr

Dec 7, 20253 min read

The Benefits and Pitfalls of Sampling, Interpolation and Intertextuality in Modern Music

Art itself cannot be made within a void space, with inspiration arising from our external reality and experiences alongside our internal landscape. When assessing the current popular music landscape, a clear trend appears, with sampling (taking direct inspiration from others), becoming more commonplace. Key Definitions: Music Interpolation : The use of 5 or more sequential notes from an existing recorded song to create a new track. Music Sampling : Sampling in music

Dec 7, 20254 min read

Nina Simone’s Impact on the Music Industry:

Photographer: Kroon, Ron / Anefo. National Archives of the Netherlands. Public Domain This article aims to examine the influence of Jazz musician Nina Simone on the modern music landscape. With insights from Jazz enthusiasts and musical history buffs we will aim to impress upon you reader the significant impact this ‘lesser known’ (within a contemporary context) this dynamic musician had. Brief history on who Nina Simone is: Nina Simone is an African American musician from

Dec 6, 20253 min read

DEEP DIVE: Beyonce’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ album

Brief History of Country Music & Beyoncé’s background: To help provide context for the corresponding deep dive on Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy...

Apr 27, 202538 min read

The rise of ‘Pop Girls’, ‘Recession Pop’ and how the faltering economy is making space for great music.

Throughout human history we have used various means for escapism when external factors, such as a failing economy were looming in our...

Apr 27, 20255 min read