HOME

PROJECT #3

Working Out the Kinks

 

The song gets off to a bit of a rocky start in terms of singing (I was really nervous), but it gets better so hang in there.

 

This project was inspired largely in part by other people's work throughout the semester and the idea of the Trans class as a whole. We looked at a lot of projects having to do with transitions -- transitions in gender, everyday transitions, life transitions, transitions in relation to heritage, etc. Almost all of these projects tackled transitions in terms of how they shape identity, and how individuals choose to express the changes in their life. This got me thinking about the transitions in my life and how I convey them. I found that many of my transitions, whether they're ones I've made or hope to make, are manifested through music. Let me introduce you to my band of transitions:

 

For me, the drums represent a transition that all of us must make from childhood to adulthood. However, I transitioned quite reluctantly and often times still yearn for the days of childhood when I could be wild, loud, exuberant, and crazy just like the drums. Drumming helps me recapture those feelings before I transitioned.

 

The electric guitar represents coolness...a transition I hope to make at some point, but probably never will. It seems that I might be confined to the limitations of my nerdy awkwardness for years to come, my prison being the glasses on my face. But, by God, I can dream, can't I?

 

The banjo represents a subject that many projects touched on: transitioning from your roots. I grew up in Dripping Springs with a father who always (jokingly) told me to "embrace my inner redneck." I've spent a long time trying to transition away from this stereotype, but for some reason I just can't say no to the twangy, country sound of the banjo. In this way, the banjo personifies the transition I've strived to make for a long time, but may never fully complete.

The bass represents a transition I make on almost a daily basis. Many know me as the outgoing girl in class who makes puns excessively, almost to the point of annoyance. However, when I'm not in a group setting, around friends, or if I'm just in a place where I feel at home, I transition into somebody quite different. I become quiet, reserved, lingering in the background, much like the bass.

 

SO...the point of all this is that it's not just a single transition that defines you. It's when they all come together and the changes in your life play into each other to create a sound that is uniquely you. Given this, there is probably no band big enough to embody an individual's identity, but The Virginia Monologue's is a good start. To demonstrate this idea, I chose to play "Lola" by The Kinks -- a classic trans song. I thought it appropriate.

 

HOME