STAR IMAGE

What is star image?

Star image is the transformation of a normal artist into a manufactured product. This is done so the star is easily recognizable making them more famous and then turning them into a 'star'. To do this the artist/s are transformed by changing their clothes, hair and sometimes style of music to fit in with society. The 'stars' are there to show audiences what people are supposed to look like e.g. for women tall, skinny with long hair which many people try to conform to. This all controlled by record labels who shape their stars so they appeal to audiences and gain publicity which will in turn generate revenue for record companies. An example of this is the stereotypical photocopied look of boy bands and teen bands who wear matching clothes and do cheesy choreography. Artist/s typically have a star image motif which is symbol or icon that represents them as a artist and a brand. Examples of this include fonts, images or items  of clothing they are constantly captured wearing.

 

The 1975 are a indie rock band formed in 2012. They dress according to their music genre as they wear mainly baggy and oversized clothes making them look very layed back and cool. They mainly wear just wear black and white clothes suggesting a very serious mood. This could relate to their music and the emotional meanings behind some of their songs. They always dress very young and trendy appealing to their young audience who can relate to the band. Many young men see the band members as style icons as they follow the latest fashion trends.They pose showing no real obvious emotions with very straight facial expressions showing that they are genuine people. Their record cover continues the monochrome theme which is very simplistic and straight forward. As the 1975 are a new band they are have not experienced a obvious transformation but it could be argued the boys look quite manufactured as all their outfits are similar and stylish.

Haim is a trio American pop rock band. Before the three sisters formed Haim in 2007, Danielle and Este were previously in the cheesy teen girl band 'Valli Girls'. The girls are seen wearing now considered awful clothing and daodgy haircuts in a corny pop music video. After later being signed by Polydor the girls changed their style of music to more indie and rocky. As well as changing their music they also changed their style to more Bohemian and trendy. However the artists do not follow mainstream fashion, instead they are very unique and quirky. This girl band challenges the stereotypes of indie rock bands being male which is probably what brought them to fame. They wear very minimal make-up portraying a good message to their young female audience. Girls who enjoy indie music would be immediately drawn to this band as they three young and relatable girls.

The Arctic Monkeys are one of the most famous current British indie rock bands. They have evolved from young boys into grow men where their style and music have slightly changed. Back in 2002 when the band was first formed there were not many alternative indie bands around making the band very new and fresh. As years have past the popularity of indie music has grown with many new bands available. Artic Monkeys have changed their style from unfashionable clothing to sleek and formal. Arctic Monkey's attitudes have also changed as their fanbase has grown boosting their ego. Alex Turner especially has been represented in the media as very rude and arrogant.They have become more 'rock 'n' roll' in the way they present themselves as a product. The style of their latest album 'AM' is significantly different from their other work as it is more hip hop influeced. This has repelled old fans but also widened their target audience. Many see the Arctic Monkeys as an inspiration due to their growing success and good quality music. Many have grown up with the band and watched them evolved from young to boys into grown men which many of their target audiene has also experienced. Today, the band are never seen smiling creating a serious and reflective mood.