Lizzo and Bieber websites Flashcards
Lizzo: “Special”
the title of her new album special is positioned along her eye line and speaks to Lizzo’s star persona, as the purpose of her music, is to make listeners who may feel unconfident and insecure, feel special. It also elevates her status, suggesting that Lizzo, as a persona, is special, and is the epitome of a strong, independent woman, able to define her self-worth, speaking to a feminist lens.
It’s also the name of her album, so through the single-word name, immediately drawing our attention when we open the website, she is able to remind everyone of her new release and encourage them to go listen.
Lizzo: close-up
suggests that the album is going to have an intimate tone, a close-up on how Lizzo is feeling. She had shared in interviews before that she wants her music to feel like a conversation with a friend, and this is proved by the fact that she isn’t shying away from the camera, she wants to be seen by her audience. Also suggests that she is willing to be vulnerable. m
Lizzo: headscarf
We can analyse the dress codes which imply that the new album, and Lizzo herself leans into a glamorous feel, as well as sophistication. This also provides anchorage for the title, special, as the sequins suggest a sense of elevation, wealth and superiority - she’s embracing her self-worth.
Lizzo: monochrome colour palette
suggests maturity and an overall refinement and polished presentation, perhaps speaking to the way in which Lizzo has grown into her music and her fame, and is ready to tackle more serious conversations.
Moreover, the website’s overall look explores a modern retro and rather sophisticated arrangement, re-presenting Lizzo’s brand: no longer is she this vibrant, nonchalant and perhaps ‘childish’ persona, but rather a serious and emotionally mature artist. This works to expand her target audience, perhaps by attracting an older demographic and therefore becoming more than just an icon for young women.
Lizzo: headshot
The individual headshot conveys power, dominance, promoting Lizzo as Propp’s hero who follows her own narrative independently.
There is no need to state her name on the website, implying that Lizzo has enough fame and status to be recognised as an icon in her physicality, rather than a name.
Lizzo: gesture codes
By utilising the illumination of Lizzo’s face and her dreamy eyes looking upwards, the website aims to form a hopeful and positive atmosphere, which may be reflecting the mood of her music, but also guides the audience along her eyeline to links above the fold that assists the website to make sales.
She’s effortless in her stature, and seems hopeful.
Both artists have a clothing brand:
- Lizzo has a clothing brand, Yitty, that speaks to her dominance in the music industry as an activist for body-positivity, and confidence in plus-sized especially, black women. Her clothing line caters specifically to women who are not comfortable in their body-image, and works to encourage them to wear what makes them feel comfortable.
- Bieber’s clothing line, Drew House, suggests that he wants to expand his star persona, from just a singer to a fashion icon. He uses his social media and synergies to promote his clothing brand, that has a particularly edgy and street style . This could be a PR strategy to mark a shift in the genre of his music, his target audience, as his desire to move away from the stereotypical, boyfriend figure in pop music, and grow into a more mature artist.
Bieber: image on bikes
When visiting the page, we are immediately greeted by an image from Bieber’s latest release ‘Honest’ which is composed of him and the featuring artist Don Toliver, on snowmobiles. Both are dressed in sports attire, and are looking away from the camera. This upholds male stereotypes as the bike and flashy jackets connote a readiness for action, which may be appealing to both men and women: men could look uo to this portrayal of Bieber and yearn to be more like him, whereas women may admire these qualities of masculinity and daringness.
Bieber: collab with Don Toliver
Bieber wants to expand his audience to a new, hip-hop style and perhaps more edgy music.
Bieber: images and colours
If we pay attention to the images featured on the page, the vibrant, popping colours, joking catch phrases such as ‘I feel funny’ or the screencapture of the Notes app with the word ‘Freedom.’ presents Bieber as a youthful and trendy young man, addressing a younger demographic. He is living a life of leisure and ‘fun’ which presents him as a relatable and non-serious person, identifying with his audience, or evoking desire to live like him. Although some may argue that this is an arrogant and aloof presentation of Bieber, as he is boasting of his life of luxury and thrilling wealth, which juxtaposes his message and characterisation in his music clip ‘Intentions’, however, would still appeal to aspirers within the audience
Both artists use social media convergence:
so that they can continue to profit - they make money from sales on tour tickets and merchandise, they make money from sponsorships, and they build a larger fan base by being active on social media and appearing relevant and building a relationship with their audience
