PERFORMING SADNESS. A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF “SAD GIRL” MUSIC
PERFORMING SADNESS. A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF “SAD GIRL” MUSIC
Author(s): Ruxandra PanăSubject(s): Anthropology, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Fine Arts / Performing Arts, Music, Sociology, Culture and social structure
Published by: EDITURA ASE
Keywords: sad girl music; performativity; affect theory; femininity; commodification of emotion;social media culture;
Summary/Abstract: This paper aims to examine the “sad girl” music phenomenon, stating that sadness is not just an authentic expression of the self, but a performative and highly commodified affect. While popular artists like Lana Del Rey and Mitski, at first glance, seem to be expressing genuine feelings, this study suggests that their sadness is just a performance, packaged in a marketable product. Using concepts from affect theory, media studies and feminist theory, the research applies Critical Discourse Analysis to examine songs from two artists: Lana Del Rey and Mitski, and to indicate the way sadness sticks to both artists’ artistic personas, turning into a desirable aesthetic.
Journal: Synergy
- Issue Year: 22/2026
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 44-57
- Page Count: 14
- Language: English
