Atwood Magazine's contributors delve into the excitement, drama, and discussions surrounding Taylor Swift’s twelfth album, 'The Life of a Showgirl.' They examine her bold return to theatrical pop, the myths and meanings in her lyrics, and the line between performance and reality. Contributors include Anu Sarode, Bárbara Martínez Campuzano, Cassandra Fong, Danielle Holian, Josh Weiner, and Rachel Leong!
— —
To begin, what is your connection to Taylor Swift’s music?
Josh Weiner: I’ve been a fan of Taylor for almost 20 years now. I first got into her music in the fall of 2008 during my junior year of high school when some of her early hits, like "You Belong With Me" and "Teardrops On My Guitar," were popular. My life has changed significantly since then, and I’m excited to say I’ve been actively listening to her music for half of my young life. I’m looking forward to participating in my seventh Atwood roundtable review of one of her albums.
Cassandra Fong: As a child, I was captivated by "Style" (the 2014 version) and its music video, which has stuck with me. The visuals of the seashore, woods, and car rides were enchanting. Then, in 2017, when I was going through a tough time with friendships, her album Reputation really resonated with me and led me to explore her earlier songs. Now here I am.
Danielle Holian: Over nearly two decades, Taylor Swift has served as an idol and a source of inspiration, affecting my writing and supporting me during difficult times. Her music defines various 'eras' of my life: from my first heartbreak to adulthood, working in the music industry, and becoming a published writer; there’s a Taylor Swift song for every feeling I've encountered. She remains one of my all-time favorite artists, and I'm excited to be part of Atwood’s roundtable to discuss her work.
Bárbara Martínez: Taylor Swift occupied a significant place in my childhood and adolescence, much like Disney artists such as Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez. I’ve enjoyed her music for over a decade, but her impact on me peaked with the release of Red and then 1989, the album that made her a global sensation. I hold a particular fondness for folklore and evermore, which I believe feature the richest lyrics, both poetic and profound. These albums rank at the very top of my favorites.
Anu Sarode: I was eleven when Speak Now was released, and her music meant everything to me for a couple of years. I memorized all her songs and even filled the lyric booklet from my CD with gel pen notes trying to decode her hidden messages. Unfortunately, my admiration for her has declined significantly with each new release. To me, she represents the corporate music industry, like the final boss of efficiency and profit-driven art. Each of her "eras" feels more commercialized and cynical than the one before.
Rachel Leong: I've always been a fan of Taylor Swift! I grew up listening to her music, and her Fearless album was the first CD I ever bought. Since then, I’ve closely followed her career, and her music has been a significant part of my life as I navigated heartbreak and personal growth. All her albums have a distinct place in various phases of my life, and as I mature, her older songs take on new meanings. Watching her achieve unparalleled success in our age speaks volumes about her relationship with her music, image, and audience perception.
Taylor Swift ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ © Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott
What were your initial thoughts on The Life of a Showgirl?
Josh: After my first listen, I can confidently say that Taylor Swift has succeeded once again! The Life of a Showgirl is engaging and enjoyable, with standout production from Swedish music legends Max Martin and Shellback. It’s gratifying to witness music’s top superstar deliver consistently high-quality albums throughout the past generation.
Danielle: On the album's release day, I listened to it five times consecutively. I was utterly captivated; every track is replayable. I found myself surprised and entertained from start to finish.
Bárbara: I felt a similar sense of optimism and attraction to the music, much like when I first heard Midnights almost three years ago. Some songs didn’t compel me to replay them, while others, like “The Fate of Ophelia,” immediately caught my attention and made me appreciate the album early on.
Cassandra: I replayed some tracks more than others, and while some beats had me tapping my fingers, certain lyrics made me cringe. My initial reaction was genuinely surprising, in a good way. After the intense emotional weight of The Tortured Poets Department, I didn’t expect Taylor to shift so dramatically back to bold, theatrical pop. However,
Courtney Barnett has released a new single titled 'Stay In Your Lane'. The Australian songwriter has been subtly hinting at her comeback by performing at a series of understated,
The influential American indie rock trio Sugar is getting back together. This announcement was hinted at on social media earlier this week, with the band reuniting around the
Shivani Day may be a newcomer to the art scene, yet her artistic vision is evident in its ambition and potential for creativity. Fresh from the
An unabashed and energetic celebration of female sexuality.
.jpg)
Dan Whitlam is set to release his new album 'Strangers (Again)' on February 13th. A genuine artist among artists, Dan Whitlam combines spoken word with various genres, his
Writers at Atwood Magazine explore the sparkle, excitement, and discussions surrounding Taylor Swift's twelfth album, 'The Life of a Showgirl.' They delve into her striking comeback to theatrical pop, the myths and interpretations of her lyrics, and the line separating performance from reality.