The Joys & Terrors of Stan Culture (with The New York Times' Joe Coscarelli)
Nov 3, 2022
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Joe Coscarelli, a pop music reporter for The New York Times, dives deep into the complexities of stan culture. He discusses how modern fans have evolved into zealous stan armies, often blurring the lines of identity and obsession. Coscarelli highlights both the uplifting community aspects of fandom, particularly for queer individuals, and the darker tendencies, like online harassment and aggression. The conversation also touches on the impact of artists like Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey on their fans and the broader implications of fan culture in today’s society.
Stan culture represents a dual-edged sword, fostering intense community among fans while also breeding toxic behaviors and hostility toward dissenters.
The evolution of fandom in the digital age has transformed it into a competitive arena where metrics and online engagement often overshadow genuine musical appreciation.
Pop stars play varying roles in shaping their fan communities, with some engaging actively while others maintain distance, creating distinct dynamics in fandom.
Deep dives
Podcast Overview and Announcements
The podcast begins with important announcements regarding the show and the newly launched Patreon, called Pop Pantheon All Access. The Patreon has two tiers: the Icon Tier at $5 a month, which provides bonus episodes, deeper dives into new music, and discussions about artists not yet covered on the main feed. One key aspect of the Patreon is the dedicated space for looking back at significant albums, songs, and eras that merit further exploration. The emphasis is on enhancing the listener's experience by creating added value without altering the free weekly episode format of the main podcast.
Exploring Stan Culture
A significant portion of the episode is devoted to exploring the concept of stan culture, defined as a profound and often obsessive fandom surrounding pop stars. The discussion highlights both the positive and toxic elements of this phenomenon, particularly in light of recent instances where individuals faced harassment for expressing opinions about artists. The conversation delves into why some fans form their identities around pop stars to the point of engaging in aggressive behaviors online, leading to a deep examination of the implications of such devotion as it intersects with broader societal issues. This exploration aims to provide a nuanced understanding of stanning, moving beyond surface-level perceptions.
The Role of Artists in Shaping Stan Culture
The relationship between artists and their stan communities is discussed, highlighting how various pop stars approach their fanbases. Some artists, like Lady Gaga, actively cultivate their fan communities, leading to a sense of belonging, while others, such as Beyoncé, choose a more aloof stance, which can further intensify fans' desire for recognition. The discussion also touches on artists who might exploit their fans' loyalty for commercial gain, delving into the dynamics of how they interact with their most devoted supporters. This aspect emphasizes the dual nature of stan culture as it can foster community while also leading to unhealthy behaviors.
The Influence of the Internet on Fan Dynamics
The episode examines how the rise of the internet and social media has transformed the landscape of fandom, making it a more competitive and analysis-driven arena. Fans are no longer just enjoying music but also tracking album sales, streaming metrics, and social media engagement, which adds layers of gamesmanship to the fandom experience. This shift has shaped how fans perceive their relationship with artists and each other, often resulting in hyperbolic rivalries and defensive behavior in the pursuit of their idols' success. The discussion highlights concerns that this focus on numbers might overshadow genuine appreciation of the music itself.
Cultural Reflections and Constructive Community
Despite the darker aspects of stan culture, the podcast also emphasizes the positive potential of fandom in creating communities, particularly for marginalized groups. The hosts discuss how many fans find solace and acceptance through their shared love for an artist, often forming meaningful friendships and networks. This communal aspect can be particularly evident in genres like K-Pop, where organized fan bases mobilize for charitable causes or support each other. However, the dichotomy between celebration and hostility within these communities underscores the need for balance and constructive engagement, pointing towards a deeper reflection on what it means to be a fan in today's digital age.
Pop Music Reporter for The New York Times, Joe Coscarelli, returns to the podcast to dig into the origins, agony and ecstasy of internet stan culture. DJ Louie and Joe discuss how classic fandoms morphed into internet stan armies, the difference between being a "fan" in the old sense of the word and a modern "stan", who often wraps their entire identity around a pop star, how these armies are weaponized by the star they worship and serve as powerful promotional arms and also, more worryingly, attack dogs against anyone who they perceive as slighting them. Louie and Joe also discuss the connection between pop star stan armies and the broader pervasive of grievance culture in politics and other areas, the positive aspects of these armies, which help like-minded, often queer individuals find community and sometimes organize for good, what gets lost artistically and developmentally in the blind devotion practiced many of these groups, and so much more.
