Hurriarah bin Sohail | hurrairah@gmail.com
the ridge
A NUSSU Publication
Literature and art is littered with descriptions of the future where you will not be able to tell the sexes apart. There will be no visible distinguishing features that would define males or females.
The confusion of gender, the possession of both masculine and feminine characteristics is labeled as androgyny. And dubious sexuality and appearance has always been a staple of music through the ages, past and present.
Artists like Little Richard, the self proclaimed architect of rock ‘n roll who wore eye liner, make-up and sequin decked clothes, androgyny in music really started in the late 70s and early 80s.
Arguably the first main stream rock star with an androgynous appearance would have to be David Bowie. With his pale skin complexion, accentuated cheek bones and flushed red cheeks the “Thin White Duke” might as well have been the Thin White Duchess.
The specific look along with the unisex clothing and leotards were pivotal in ensuring that live performances of the concept album Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars were true to the original material.
Androgyny was used by the artist to stay true to his work, which in David Bowie’s case was the story of an alien (male/female?) and spiders from Mars as the title suggests.
Eurythmics singer Annie Lennox was also one who adopted an ambiguous look. Her short hair and penchant for wearing neutral colors and suits did not only complimented her music by providing stark visuals that served as a counterpoint for her alto voice.
Their breakthrough hit “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” owed its success as much to Annie Lennox’s orange crew cut hair as it did to its infectious synth bass line.
Her look was further appropriated by female punk rockers such as Patti Smith who chose to use androgyny break the standard stereotype of consumer friendly, conservative female pop that was prevalent.
Down the line as society has becomes more open to sexuality, alternate lifestyles and redefined gender roles androgyny has morphed and adapted but still remains a part of art, especially music.
If you remember the band Garbage you will recall that their video for their song “Cherry Lips” included a scene where an invisible Shirley Manson took off her clothes and then took a piss standing up. Add to this the lyrics which deal with an effeminate boy and you can see that androgyny has remained a part of music and was now more commonplace and upfront.
Brit-pop champions Suede’s lead singer Brett Anderson also exuded a certain spectrum of feminine wiles so to speak giving a whole new color and meaning to many of his dark and sinister reflections on sexuality like those showcased in the song “Animal Nitrate”.
Another band that shot to prominence during the 90s and still is around and going strong, Placebo also draw on androgyny and the general blurring of the lines between the sexes. With songs like “Nancy Boy” and lead singer Brian Molko’s girly looks and formless clothes the band conveys a message of self confidence, self worth and acceptance for all.
And even today if we look around we can see female musicians in male garb and asexual looking waif emo rockers. Even Rihanna’s got a mullet!
So while we can easily think of great male musicians and great female musicians, we must remember that for some of the most influential artists the gender lines were not so clear.
“Her short hair and penchant for wearing neutral colors and suits did not only complimented her music by providing stark visuals that served as a counterpoint for her alto voice.”
complimented => compliment (typo, I’m guessing)
“Down the line as society has becomes more open to sexuality, alternate lifestyles and redefined gender roles androgyny has morphed and adapted but still remains a part of art, especially music.”
has becomes => has become (another typo, I’m guessing)
“Another band that shot to prominence during the 90s and still is around and going strong, Placebo also draw on androgyny and the general blurring of the lines between the sexes.”
, Placebo also => , Placebo, also (grammar!)
draw => draws (third typo? I don’t think so. This one has to be a careless mistake!)
My point is, where are all the copy-editors?! Or whoever does the spell-checking?!
GREAT article though! You should become a music journalist. :)