Atwood Magazine’s writers explore the vibrant chaos and creativity of Lady Gaga’s latest album 'MAYHEM,' covering her comeback to pop music, her struggles with fame, and the awakening of a new dance-pop era. Featured contributors include Atwood writers Bárbara Martínez Campuzano, Brian Denney, Danielle Holian, Dimitra Gurduiala, Josh Weiner, Kevin Cost, and Noa Jamir!
To begin, what is your connection to Lady Gaga’s music?
Josh Weiner: I am proud to have been a part of the Little Monster Camp since nearly the beginning. I was in 11th grade during the 2008-09 school year when Lady Gaga first made waves with hits like “Just Dance,” “Poker Face,” and “Paparazzi.” A remarkable 16 years have passed, yet I’ve remained a devoted fan of the Mother Monster, relishing each of her subsequent releases. I'm thrilled that her longest gap between albums (5 years!) is now behind her, and I look forward to sharing my thoughts on her newest work, MAYHEM.
Noa Jamir: Like Josh, Lady Gaga’s music played a significant role in my childhood. Her songs were always on top 40 radio, and it felt like she was making headlines weekly. Even if you didn’t consider yourself a fan, you were aware of her presence. In recent years—perhaps over the past six or seven years—my connection to Gaga’s music has deepened, moving beyond just her radio hits. After watching the 2018 remake of "A Star is Born" with her and Bradley Cooper, I recognized there was much more to her artistry than I had realized. I began to see her for the true artist she is. That film, along with her various projects over the years, demonstrated her dedication to every creative endeavor. Moreover, her ability to transition between genres—ranging from pop to jazz to folk and beyond—has set a new standard for contemporary pop stars, and her new album MAYHEM is no exception.
Kevin Cost: My first memory of the name “Lady Gaga” traces back to 2008 when I traveled with my mom to Florida to visit my uncle, who insisted we watch her performance on the Miss Universe stage. I was immediately captivated and puzzled as to why my conservative uncle had us sit down for the whole performance of “Just Dance.” Her captivating presence was undeniably impressive, a true testament to her powerful aura. From that moment on, I followed her career and consider her the most influential artist of our generation. She constantly expands the boundaries of music in terms of meaning, emotion, and aesthetics. Lady Gaga is an absolute icon.
Brian Denney: I realized I was a Lady Gaga fan when I found myself anxiously watching the clock in eighth grade, waiting for the bell to ring at 3:05 so I could rush to meet my carpool. Every day, like magic, “Poker Face” would play on KIIS FM around 3:15, and it quickly became my cherished afternoon ritual. Track after track, I found myself purchasing all the 99-cent iTunes singles from The Fame until I finally broke down and got the whole album. At that moment, I recognized that I wasn’t just listening to Gaga—I was truly a fan. Since then, I’ve followed every twist, every reinvention, and every surprising career move. I've seen her in concert and stuck with her through various eras—dance-pop, jazz, and even House of Gucci.
Bárbara Martínez Campuzano: I have always admired Lady Gaga and her music, but I didn’t fully appreciate her as a child. Ten years ago, her tribute performance for The Sound of Music left me in awe of her musical abilities. I began to explore her subsequent albums and movies like A Star Is Born and House of Gucci. I consider her not only an amazing musician with an irreplaceable voice but also a talented actress. There are timeless tracks like “Born This Way,” which inspires many, and “Bad Romance” that I cherish dearly.
Dimitra Gurduiala: To me, she is an icon. She’s been almost a mythical figure throughout my life, although I only began to follow her more closely after hearing covers of her songs on Glee, my favorite show when I was younger. I already knew hits like “Paparazzi” and “Poker Face” and danced to “LoveGame” with friends while enjoying karaoke renditions of “Just Dance,” but the turning point was when Glee featured “Born This Way.” That episode shifted my perspective. Gradually, I began to listen to her music more, seeing her as an icon of free expression rather than just a singer. While she isn’t one of the artists I listen to most, I have developed immense respect and admiration for her, which I still feel today.
Danielle Holian: I've ALWAYS been a fan—from
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Atwood Magazine's writers explore the vibrant turmoil and ingenuity of Lady Gaga's newest album ‘MAYHEM,’ addressing her comeback to pop, her struggles with celebrity, and the emergence of a fresh dance pop era.