LIGHTS, CAMERA, MAKEUP!
BY MIMI CALHOUN PHOTOS BY ZENNIA LAM
When becoming a musical artist, the creation of a persona and forming an identity has intertwined both the art of music and the art of performance. Whether it be through costumes, hair or makeup, many singers, dancers, and actors have taken on the task of stepping into a new role of who they want to be.
In the 2010s, there were many pop stars who took their art to another level by pursuing elaborate and distinct images for themselves. Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and Nicki Minaj are just a few of the notable singers who were known for their in-depth and borderline outrageous looks. From alien special effects in Perry’s “E.T.” music video, to Gaga’s “Artpop” album with “Applause,” and Minaj’s bright colored “Super Bass,” these three have become icons in pop culture.
The use of stage makeup has allowed artists to set themselves apart from the crowd and give them an edge in a sometimes overly saturated market. Even in the past, infamous musicians like KISS, David Bowe, and the Insane Clown Posse have shown that makeup transcends music genre and gender normality.
An example of an artist completely taking on a new look through makeup is Melanie Martinez. Martinez had risen to fame through the singing competition “The Voice” before gaining traction for her song “Dollhouse” and album “Crybaby.” Her concept and lore heavily involved childlike imagery, pastels, and coquette aesthetics.
Now, Martinez has entered a different era of her music with the album “Portals.” She has created a creature like alter ego to go along with the concept and has even committed to wearing full face and body prosthetics during performances. She has fully allowed fans and audiences to be a part of her world and music experience by taking the direction of becoming one with her new persona.
Although singers don’t have to go as far as Martinez or the other previously named artists to create an original and interesting concept, makeup has become a way to keep artists fresh, imaginative, and new through a different creative process.
