I am interested in creating a history of boy bands and their fans. The term "boy band" has only existed in the last twenty years or so. But the concept goes back at least fifty years. Why are boy bands, or bands of boys, so successful? What does this specific marketing organization work so well? Why do young fans flock to these groups? What kind of music makes these bands so successful?
And more importantly, what are the specific stories of the fans? I WANT TO TALK TO YOU!! I want to know what bands you like, why you liked them and how you exhibited your fandom? Did you go to the concerts? Did you buy every record/cd? Did you put pictures of your favorite band member on your planner? On the inside of your locker? Did you cover your wall with posters? Join the fanclub? I want to know your stories.
Bands of Boys to consider - please suggest and argue
Musician, music educator, ethno/musicologist, collector and music appreciator extraordinaire. I love everything from Renaissance vocal music, bollywood and afrobeat to heavy metal, 1950s schlock rock and Justin Timberlake. I have a master's degree in Ethnomusicology from The University of Texas at Austin and undergrad degrees in Music History and History from the University of Michigan. I wrote my master's thesis on Gospel Brunch in Austin, Texas and the commercialization of gospel music. I am a vocalist and also play the guitar, piano and am currently learning to play the Chinese Ruan (sounds sorta like a classical guitar but looks like a banjo). I've sung for a band that opened for the Neville Brothers, sung in Chartres Cathedral twice, and at Yoshi's in San Francisco. I am an active volunteer with Girls Rock Camp and the Jewish Music Festival. I also teach private lessons.
email me at alwaysmoretohear [at] gmail.com