(Disclaimer: the song I analyzed for this post does include lyrics that refer to sexual assault that may be upsetting)
For my fourth portfolio post, I listened to VUKOVI’s song “HURT”. The lead singer, Janine Shilstone, takes a very bold and explicit stance that very directly relates to her gender and sexual identity. “HURT” is an anthem in which Janine reclaims her voice, confidently declaring “I’ll never be whole but I’m a fighter” and “I’m gonna be heard” as she recounts being taken advantage of as a female. The quick paced rock beat and chords can only hide the true meaning of the song for so long. The whole song is packed with lyrics calling out her abuser for what they did to her and how it has affected her and her identity. The song opens with lyrics “You took it all, it hurt so much, I can see that you’re a monster, a danger. When I said no, you seized a yes.” This song is an excellent example of the role that women play, and sometimes are forced to play, in the male dominated rock scene. The fact that the two member band took an example of a horrible and completely unacceptable act that happens sadly far more often than people realize, and made a song out of it, is a powerful and rare stance. “I was scared and you adored it cause you’re sick and grotesque.” captures the twisted behavior and boldly calls it out for what it is. “Whisper in my ear “no one will believe you” explicitly calls out the fact that men in society are largely found more powerful, assertive, and are more forceful, and Janine continues to sing lyrics in which she spins the situation around, claiming back her power and strength as a female. She calls the abuser out again, singing “I know you know the difference between heaven and hell and consent” and goes on to proclaim: “Kick me to the dirt but still like dust I’ll rise. I’m gonna be heard.” Janine is very directly recognizing women have far too long been seen as submissive, passive, and yielding, but in this song she makes it known that she is reversing the roles. “A survivor, yes, the hunter becomes hunted” and “Oh I’ve hungered for your exposure, I’ll watch you burn” are examples of lyrics where she deliberately reverses the stereotypical gender roles to highlight how disturbing and wrong it was for her femininity to be taken advantage of.
As far as Janine’s public image, I looked into her personal Instagram as well as the official VUKOVI Instagram page to get a sense for how she visually represents herself. She takes on a very alternative way of dressing and presenting herself: recently her long hair has been kept a platinum blonde, however in the past she has dyed it colors that range from less traditionally recognized as “feminine” colors, such as green and blue, to more feminine regarded colors such as pink and purple. She wears a lot of clothes that are more revealing of her feminine figure such as crop tops, mesh tops, and dresses. In nearly every photo she wears expressive, chunky jewelry, and colorful glittery makeup. Overall, it can be seen Janine has taken a feminine approach to a darker, grunge and rock and roll inspired look. It is clear that Janine has used her voice as a alternative rock singer to challenge what the media has reinforced as feminine behavior by demolishing the standard to stay silent, submissive and passive.
Shared by: Em von der Ruhr
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CRgNxRSJfRM/