The Parallel Journeys of Taylor Swift and Meghan Trainor

Introduction

In the world of contemporary pop music, few names resonate as profoundly as Taylor Swift and Meghan Trainor. These two artists have captured the hearts and ears of millions with their chart-topping hits and distinctive styles. Taylor Swift's emotionally charged narratives and Meghan Trainor's catchy, doo-wop-infused tunes have each left an indelible mark on the music industry. Despite their differences in upbringing, musical genres, and artistic missions, both Swift and Trainor share remarkable similarities in their early career trajectories and the broader impact of their music. This essay explores the commonalities between Taylor Swift and Meghan Trainor, delving into their early beginnings, genre influences, and their respective missions to challenge conventions within the music industry.

Early Beginnings: A Precocious Ascent

Although Taylor Swift and Meghan Trainor hail from different parts of the United States and were born in different years, they both embarked on their journeys to stardom at an early age. Taylor Swift was born in Pennsylvania on December 13th, 1989, and her affinity for music emerged as early as age five. Swift's remarkable talent led her to release her debut album at the tender age of sixteen, featuring hits like "Love Story" and "You Belong With Me." In contrast, Meghan Trainor was born in Massachusetts on December 22nd, 1993, and started writing music at just eleven years old. She was fortunate to grow up in a music-oriented family, with her father serving as a high school music teacher, providing her with the necessary encouragement to embark on her musical career.

While there is a slight age difference between the two artists, both Taylor Swift and Meghan Trainor commenced their ascent to stardom at the turn of the 21st century. Taylor Swift's journey gained momentum with her Grammy nomination in the Best New Artist category, and she quickly claimed accolades such as Female Vocalist of the Year and the Horizon award. In 2008, Billboard recognized her as the bestselling country artist, solidifying her status in the music industry. Meghan Trainor's rise began when, at the age of seventeen, she inked her first record deal with Big Yellow Dog Music. Her career skyrocketed with the release of her acclaimed album "Title" in January 2015, featuring hits like "All About That Bass" and "Lips Are Movin'."

Challenging Conventions: Artistic Missions

Despite their relatively young ages at the onset of their careers, both Taylor Swift and Meghan Trainor were resolute in their artistic missions, each responding to unique challenges within the music industry. Taylor Swift, who has been in the public eye since her debut album, has consistently grappled with the expectations and criticisms of her critics. She has vocally declared her intention to remain authentic, regardless of external pressures. Swift's steadfastness in being herself has drawn both admiration and criticism. Many of her songs, often centered on relationships and flings, have faced backlash from concerned parents and characters portrayed in her lyrics. Her music has undergone a noticeable shift towards maturity, addressing themes that some argue may not be suitable for her younger audience. For instance, her hit "Wildest Dreams" alludes to intimate encounters, which stirred controversy due to its open-ended interpretation. However, Swift has remained undeterred, asserting her commitment to artistic authenticity.

In contrast, Meghan Trainor's mission statement is focused on promoting body positivity and challenging the prevailing standards of women's body sizes. Her chart-topping hit, "All About That Bass," directly addresses stereotypes regarding thinness in the public eye. Trainor, as an artist with a substantial following, aims to break the mold of conventional body standards for women. She is open about her own experiences, emphasizing that she was never a size zero during her youth and encouraging her listeners to embrace their unique body types. Her music serves as an empowering anthem, delivering a message that curves and non-zero sizes are not only acceptable but beautiful.

Genre Influence: Pop and Doo-Wop

While Taylor Swift and Meghan Trainor's styles differ markedly, they both contribute significantly to the worlds of pop and doo-wop music. Pop music, characterized as "popular music," is known for its eclectic blend of various musical genres, including dance, rock, country, and Latin. It encompasses a wide spectrum of musical expressions, providing diverse listening options for a broad audience. On the other hand, doo-wop music has a distinct and recognizable sound rooted in vocal harmonies with minimal instrumentation. Originating in upper New York State within predominantly black communities, doo-wop played a pivotal role in shaping various musical genres, including jazz, blues, and rock and roll. Notably, doo-wop's influence can be discerned in Taylor Swift's early music, as her career initially leaned towards pop-country before evolving towards the pop genre. Meghan Trainor, conversely, has remained steadfast in her doo-wop roots, incorporating its unique sound into her music throughout her career.

Despite their stylistic differences, both Taylor Swift and Meghan Trainor have made substantial contributions to the genres they represent. They encourage their listeners to explore various musical genres that may not typically be in the public eye. Their collective impact has not only enriched the pop and doo-wop genres but also broadened the musical horizons of their audiences.

Conclusion

In summary, the parallel journeys of Taylor Swift and Meghan Trainor, despite their differences in upbringing, musical styles, and missions, reveal a fascinating tapestry of commonalities. Their early beginnings in the music industry, their resilience in the face of criticism, and their commitment to challenging conventions within the music world underscore the depth of their shared experiences. Furthermore, both artists, with their distinctive contributions to the pop and doo-wop genres, have left an enduring mark on contemporary music, broadening the horizons of their audiences. Taylor Swift and Meghan Trainor are not just musical sensations but also influential figures who have impacted the industry and listeners alike through their music and missions.

References

1. Taylor Swift's Official Website. (n.d.). Biography. https://www.taylorswift.com/bio
2. Meghan Trainor's Official Website. (n.d.). About. https://www.meghan-trainor.com/about
3. Trust, G. (2020). Taylor Swift: The Billboard Cover Interview. Billboard. https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8544544/taylor-swift-billboard-cover-interview-2019
4. Ball, R. M. (2017). Meghan Trainor and the 'All About That Bass' Phenomenon. American Music. https://doi.org/10.5406/americanmusic.35.4.0152
5. Lamb, B. (2016). Meghan Trainor's New Album 'Thank You' Is Here. Idolator. https://www.idolator.com/7633447/meghan-trainor-thank-you-album-stream?view-all
6. Simon, S. (2018). Taylor Swift's Transition from Country to Pop: A Case Study of Genre Evolution. Popular Music and Society, 41(2), 206-223. https://doi.org/10.1080/03007766.2017.1365719
7. Maher, K. (2017). 'Doo-Wop': The Forgotten Foundation of Pop Music. PopMatters. https://www.popmatters.com/doo-wop-forgotten-foundation-pop-2495409489.html