Star Theory

Star Theory is a theory created by Richard Dyer, and is about the creation of a star through media; in this case through music videos. Stars are also dependant on subsidiary media such as magazine articles and television reports in order to help construct the image of the star. Dyer also says that stars are based on two key paradoxes:
- The star must be equally ordinary and extraordinary at the same time,
- The star must equally be present and absent at the same time.

 

One band that I have found interesting to relate to Star Theory is The Arctic Monkeys. The band, led by Alex Turner, originates from Sheffield. This somewhat local area gives the image that the band is quite ordinary as there is little that is associated with the area. As a result, the Monkeys appear ordinary and extraordinary at the same time; meeting the criteria of the first paradox of Star Theory. This niche selling point for the band gave them a rise in popularity overall, and the audience demanded that the stars would reveal themselves. While the Monkeys appear at live events, they rarely appear in their own music videos to prevent them getting an ego. However, this relates to the paradoxes of Star Theory as the band stays present and absent at the same time.

Another artist that is relatable to Star Theory is Miley Cyrus. When she was younger, she appeared as a well known artist; then going on to appear in a Disney Channel show as a popular singer. However, to continue interest and Cyrus in the spotlight, she changed her image to appeal to a more mature audience by appearing in her own music videos in a 'sexual' way that raises questions and keeps her a star. Cyrus is also a star often seen in subsidiary media as she is already a well known artist that most people already know and the fans of the star wish to know more about her; what Star Theory says that the star relies on to be of continued interest.