audehtz

[audehtz]

Primary sources

Hi :) Today I will clarify my primary sources because the one I gave you last week weren't focusing on the reception of the songs.

quick reminder of my topic:

How does the use of iconic 80s songs in Stranger Things such as “Running Up That Hill” and “Should I Stay or Should I Go” enhance the series’ nostalgic appeal for audiences familiar with the era, and how might this reliance on 80s nostalgia limit the show's impact on future generations who are less familiar with these songs?

So, for my primary sources, I will:

Analyse the viewer reactions: on social media platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Reddit. I'll look for discussions and emotional responses to how these songs are used in the show. This includes comments, video reactions, and memes that discuss the impact these songs have on viewers, especially in relation to 80s nostalgia.

I will also analyse the streaming data: the streaming performance of the songs before and after their use in Stranger Things. For example, the chart rankings on platforms like Spotify to see if their popularity increased following the show's release.

I will also use 2 interviews: the one of Nora Felder (Music Supervisor) who shared how the team, led by the Duffer Brothers, chose "Running Up That Hill" for Max’s storyline. She explained that the song's emotional depth was a perfect fit for Max's struggles and isolation, aligning with the character’s emotional journey and themes of connection and support. She also discussed the effort involved in securing the rights from Kate Bush, who had to approve the song's use. So I'll also have to look at Kate Bush’s Reaction; after the song’s resurgence, she expressed her excitement over the renewed interest from a younger generation, which had never heard the song before. She praised the show for its thoughtful integration of the track, which helped deepen the emotional impact for both old and new fans.

To end up, I will take a look at Fan-Made Content: fan videos, covers, or remixes of these songs inspired by Stranger Things. This content could reflect how the songs' meaning and emotional resonance were amplified by the show.

I’d be glad to receive any idea or advice from you!

Good luck with your topics ^^

[audehtz]

Presentation of my primary and secondary sources

Hi everyone! This week I will present to you the primary and secondary sources of my topic!

Reminder of my topic: In stranger things, what is the impact of 'running up that Hill' and 'Should I stay or should I go' on viewers, from the point of view of 80s nostalgia?

To analyse that topic, my primary sources will be these two songs. My secondary sources will be the chapter 'Mediation' of the Negus + 1 article and a book. I will also gather statistics and references in reactions, including chart ranking on Tiktoks).

From the Negus, I will use the "Mediation" chapter with the concepts of

1) Nostalgia and Collective Memory in which Negus says that music is a powerful arbitrator of collective memory, capable of transporting audiences to a shared time or place. "Running up that Hill" and "Should I stay or should I go" evoke the 80s, not only for those who lived in this era but for younger viewers who seek that era’s aesthetics and emotional feelings.

2) Authenticity and Cultural Representation: The use of iconic 80s songs helps the representation of the era. According to Negus, music in media often reinforces cultural values or memories, making these songs seem "real" to viewers and goes with their expectations of 80s life.

3) Emotional Resonance and Character Connection: Negus says that songs can bring emotions, mixing personal experience with broader cultural feelings. In Stranger Things, the songs become part of the characters’ stories ("Should I stay or should I go" is Will's comfort song), showing an emotional connection with the audience that goes with all generations.

4) Music as a Narrative Tool: music can "mediate narrative, setting the tone or adding layers of meaning". For example, "Running up That Hill" paints Max's traumas and pain, amplifying the story's suspense, provoking emotional reactions from the public.

-The book: "Stranger Things and the '80s: The Complete Retro Guide" by Joseph Vogel (2018). I find it relevant because it explores the cultural impact of the show’s use of 80s nostalgia. It explains how the tv show uses music, such as "Running up that Hill" and "Should I stay or should I go", to evoke emotional responses and stimulates viewers’ cultural memory -> how the show’s music impacts viewers, enhancing its nostalgic appeal.

-an article: "Netflix Nostalgia: Streaming the Past on Demand" by  Kathryn Pallister, chapter: "Nostalgic things" page 185, "Twelve: Nostalgic things, stranger things and the Pervasiveness of Nostalgic Television" by Joseph M. Sirianni: This article discusses how Stranger Things uses 1980s nostalgia, including music, to connect with viewers. The article could help explain how nostalgia works in TV shows and how music from the 80s plays a role in creating emotional connections with the audience. This would be useful for my research on how the songs in the show impact the viewer experience.

[audehtz]

The use of popular music in Stranger things

Hi everyone! Today I will introduce you the subject of my final project: the use of popular music in the famous tv show: stranger things (2016-2025) which takes place in the 80s but was filmed in the last decade.

Stranger Things became famous because it combines 80s nostalgia with a supernatural story. The retro vibe appeals to older fans, while younger viewers love the characters and thrilling plot. The show has received 51 Emmy nominations and won 12 Emmys; and became even more popular with the arrival of TikTok and the making of "edits" on specific scenes from the show.

I will focus onto songs which we now associate with stranger things: 'running up that hill' by Kate Bush; 'should I stay or should I go' by the Clashs and the remake of 'never ending story' by Limahl.

My thesis will be how Stranger things' use of popular music not only contributed to its rise in popularity and appeal to new audiences but also enhanced the overall viewer experience.

I will analyse the scenes in which these three songs appeared, to try to understand why these specific songs reached a new popularity 40 years later.

My primary sources are the two songs and the chapter of the Negus "Mediation"

My secondary source are a YouTube video 'Why Kate Bush's Stranger Things Song Became So Popular' by Media Breakdown, and, an article by Claudia Gorman 'Narrative Film music' that will help me understand how popular music enhances the emotional power of a scene and helps people to connect more to the story.

Being a huge fan of stranger things and their use of music I am more than happy to work on such a topic! Have a nice week-end!

[audehtz]

David Bowie's Influence on Fashion and Identity in Music

David Bowie wasn’t just a musician, he was a cultural icon. Throughout his career, he blurred the lines between music, fashion, and identity in ways that still resonate today. Known for his constant reinvention, Bowie used his platform to challenge conventions, particularly in how society perceives gender, individuality, and creativity.

One of Bowie’s most iconic personas, Ziggy Stardust, was a radical departure from anything the music world had seen. With bright orange hair, extravagant outfits, and alien-like makeup, Ziggy embodied glam rock’s spectacle. Bowie used this character to explore androgyny, pushing against the rigid gender norms of the 1970s. The combination of glam fashion and theatrical performances created a persona that wasn’t embodied by traditional masculinity, inspiring future generations of artists to experiment with their own identities on stage.

This persona not only helped redefine rock music but also opened the door for a deeper conversation around the fluidity of identity. Bowie, through Ziggy, made it okay to be different, even celebrated. Musicians like Lady Gaga, Janelle Monáe, and Harry Styles have continued this legacy by embracing fluid fashion choices and personas that challenge the norm.

Each phase of Bowie’s career came with a new look, symbolizing the evolution of his musical sound and the ever-changing nature of his persona. His audacious choices empowered others to express themselves freely, influencing not just musicians but also the broader fashion industry. Designers such as Alexander McQueen and Jean-Paul Gaultier have cited Bowie as a major inspiration in breaking boundaries between fashion and art.

Redefining Gender and Sexuality

Long before gender-fluid fashion became mainstream, Bowie was already challenging traditional norms. In a famous 1972 interview, Bowie declared himself gay, later clarifying his bisexuality: something revolutionary at the time for a major public figure in rock music. His fluid approach to gender and sexuality was often reflected in his clothing and performances, encouraging fans to embrace their true selves without fear of judgment.

Artists today, like Sam Smith and Lil Nas X, owe a great deal to Bowie’s courage in breaking down these barriers. His embrace of queer culture and non-binary expression allowed others to find their voice, both in music and personal identity.

In an era where identity is increasingly fluid and fashion plays a key role in how we express ourselves, Bowie remains a pioneer. He taught us that music is more than just sound but a full sensory experience, where image, style, and individuality come together to create something truly revolutionary.

[audehtz]

Songs we sing happily but are secretly heartbreaking

Music has a unique power to evoke emotions, but sometimes there is a huge gap between a song’s melody and the actual lyrics. These are the songs that we often find ourselves singing along to, tapping our feet, or smiling at, without realizing that the lyrics tell a much darker or more sorrowful story.

Why do some of the saddest lyrics get hidden beneath upbeat melodies, and what does that reveal about the way we process music?

“Another day in Paradise” by Phil Collins

On the surface, “Another Day in Paradise” feels like a calm, reflective song, with its soft piano and smooth vocals. But when you dig into the lyrics, it’s clear Collins is addressing something much darker: homelessness and the indifference of a society often shows towards those in need. The song describes a homeless woman asking for help, while a man (and by extension, society) walks by, ignoring her call for help. The song criticizes how society can be indifferent to the struggles of the less fortunate, going about their “paradise” (comfortable lives) while ignoring the suffering happening around them. But since the music itself is calm and soothing, listeners may not immediately realize the weight of the lyrics.

Another example could be “Smalltown Boy” by Bronski Beat. On the surface, the song’s synth-pop beat and catchy rhythm make it easy to dance along to but “Smalltown Boy” tells the story of a young man who is forced to leave his hometown because of the homophobia and bullying he faces. The song captures the feelings of loneliness and fear experienced by many LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly during the 1980s, a time when discrimination and intolerance were widespread. Lines like “Run away, turn away, run away” highlight the young man’s desperate need to escape.

But why do we miss the sadness in these songs?

The mix of upbeat music and sad lyrics can create a unique listening experience. Often, the rhythm, melody, and instrumentation of a song set the mood and listeners focus on those elements more than the lyrics themselves. In some cases, the emotional weight of the lyrics only hits after we listened to it repeatedly. For many artists, this contrast is intentional, they use upbeat melodies to soften the emotional dimension of difficult topics, making their music more approachable.

These songs remind us that music has layers. We can dance along to catchy beats while unknowingly singing about heartbreak, violence, or societal issues. It actually shows the complexity of songwriting and the ways in which music can reflect the different emotions and situations people go through in life; everything from happiness, love, and joy to sadness, pain, and struggle. It refers to the ups and downs, the good and bad that everyone encounters as part of being human.

So, the next time you find yourself happily singing along to a pop hit, take a moment to listen a little closer…you might be surprised by the story it’s actually telling!

[audehtz]

How “Thriller” redefined music videos and influenced generations

Halloween is close and now is a perfect time to talk about this song 🎃

Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” released in 1982, is not just a song, it’s a cultural phenomenon that revolutionized the music industry and redefined the music video format. From its impressive beat to its iconic choreography, “Thriller” has left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.

The “Thriller” music video is a short film mixing horror and dance in a way that had never been seen before. Directed by John Landis, the video runs over 13 minutes and has a narrative which turns out to be a mini-movie. The addition of cinematic techniques such as special effects, makeup, and choreography created a visual experience that captivated viewers. The infamous transformation scene, where Jackson morphs into a werewolf and later into a zombie, turned out so good that it shocked and thrilled audiences, leaving a lasting impression.

This cinematic approach has influenced countless music videos since. Artists like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and even contemporary hip-hop artists have adopted similar narrative styles, understanding that a visual story can make the impact of the song stronger. “Thriller” showed that music videos could be an art form, rather than just promotional tools, encouraging artists to invest in their visual presentations. Especially today, people’s expectations have increased, they want to watch a clip that unfolds art and aesthetic effects.

Thriller” was the first music video to break the racial barriers on platforms like MTV, which was mostly featuring white artists at the time.

Its themes of horror and the supernatural resonate with audiences, particularly around Halloween, making it an “essential” during the spooky season. The video is often screened at Halloween parties and events, becoming synonymous with the holiday.

This new approach to music videos inspired many artists, including the Backstreet Boys. Their iconic song “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” took a visual inspiration from “Thriller,” featuring a similar choreography and narrative elements. This connection shows how “Thriller” not only set new standards for music videos but also influenced the pop industry, encouraging future artists to explore narrative style and creative visuals.

[audehtz]

The power of music in movies

Hi everyone!

Being a huge fan of movies and music, I really wanted to post about their “relationship” and their mutual “help” to success.

Music and movies have always shared a profound relationship. The right song, placed at the perfect moment in a movie (or not!) can elevate the emotional impact of the scene and we will forever relate this movie in particular to the song in question. Over the decades, countless tracks have become even more famous after being featured in movies. Some songs were already hits while others found a new life and have been rediscovered from the public. When a song is used in a film, it gain a level of fame that extends far beyond music charts and sometimes these songs become a synonym of the movie itself, and even decades later, hearing them can transport us back to a particular scene or emotional moment. Obviously, this is not the case for every song of every movie and sometimes a music that has nothing to do with the scene can work really well, but I won’t be talking about this today!

There is a certain emotional connection; movies often use music to make the impact of the scene deeper. A well- chosen song can enhance a scene’s mood whether it’s tension, joy or sadness. There is also a lot of nostalgia. Movies often revive older songs and give them a new meaning or bring them to a younger audience. For example in the last season of stranger things, Kate Bush’s song “running up that hill” served as a key emotional and dramatic scene tied to the character of Max. This song experienced a massive resurgence in popularity and financial success even though this song was already extremely famous in 1985; because of stranger things this song reached a whole new generation.

Another example of a famous song that became even more famous because of a movie is the song “where is my mind” appearing in the last scene of Fight club. Released in 1988, “where is my mind” wasn’t an immediate hit. Pixies were more of a cult band during the late 80s and early 90s, admired by alternative and indie rock fans but not widely known in the mainstream. However, their influence on future bands like Nirvana, Radiohead, and Weezer made them legends.

In Fight club, the song takes a deeper meaning. The song’s title and lyrics reflect the protagonist’s fractured mental state and makes us understand the plot twist of the movie. “Where is my mind” fits perfectly with the character’s state of mind. This scene from Fight club has become one of the most memorable moments in modern cinema; the song’s haunting tone with the collapsing skyscrapers created an unforgettable combination of sound and imagery. This also elevated the song to an iconic status, introducing it to millions of listeners and securing its place in music and movie history.

[audehtz]

M83: you probably won’t recognize this band name but you know at least 4 of their songs

Hi everyone! My name is Aude and today I wanted to share my favorite artists with you. I love 80s bands and singers like Cyndi Lauper, Journey, Foreigner (the list is way too long) but also U2, ABBA, Coldplay and…M83

M83 is an electronic music group formed in 1999. The band has released nine albums, including the Grammy Award- nominated “Hurry up, We’re dreaming”. The band found a breakout success in 2011 with the song “Midnight City” that still has a huge place on social medias like TikTok.

Fun fact: THEY’RE FRENCH! Can you believe it? M83 have a worldwide success, especially in the US where they perform a lot.

I’m sure you know at least 4 songs:

-“midnight city”

-“wait”

-“outro”

-“my tears are becoming a sea”

I had the occasion to see them in live, and I never cried that much. The emotions these songs give me are unspeakable, I always close my eyes and feel like I’m floating in another dimension. I never had that kind of experience with any other music, and I really hope you will check it out!

Another fun fact for you: Thomas Pesquet listens to these songs every time he sees the earth when he’s in space… We are really dreaming, aren’t we? If you know M83 or just discovered it, what is your favorite song and what are your impressions?