Star Image - The 3 theorists

Andrew Goodwin:

Andrew Goodwin suggested that in order for the audience to identify with the artist, the ‘stars’ identity has to be created, especially when lyrics lack depth. The construction of stars is central to the economics of the music industry as only the star themselves guarantee a long career. Andrew Goodwin also believes that star loyalty is a key ingredient as fans are loyal to the star, so the star had to be loyal to the fans. He also suggests that many record companies rely on a few big stars or maybe even just one, in order to be stable, therefore record companies is very dependent on ‘stars’ and the image they portray.

Richard Dyer:

The existence of musical ‘stars’ has led to a related phenomenon which are the fans and how they are the result of our modern culture of consumerism. He suggested that there are 4 types of relationships that fans have with their star:

1)      Emotional Affinity- This is the most common, and is when the audience feels a loose attachment to the artist.

2)      Self Identification- When a member of the audience places themselves in the same situation and persona of the star.

3)      Imitation- This is mostly common among the young, when the star is seen as a role model.

4)      Projection- This is the next level of imitation when it becomes extreme. This is when the fans behaviour, clothes, hairstyles etc are mimicking the star.

Richard Griffith:

Richard suggests that stardom is food for dreams and has escapist qualities. He believes that it is all about consumption and the way the wealthy show off the fact that they have money. Stars are considered as both ordinary and special, especially when their behaviours are modelled and their lifestyles desired. He believes that ‘stars’ sell a lifestyle we think is ordinary and achievable, however it is not.

Overall, star image is created out of promotion, publicity, body of work and criticism/comments. The biographer of the star can be individual, multiple, where many authors can be seen in one piece of work, collective, the author is the sum of a team's work, or corporate, where the author is actually the company/business/institutional structure.