One of the dolls : an exegesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the degree 'Master of Creative Enterprise', Massey University

Abstract

One Of The Dolls is a musical project inspired by the concept of being femme-identifying. Conceptually, it is deeply rooted in the LGBTQIA+ community culturally, sociopolitically and historically. The title came from the term 'Doll', reclaimed by black queer culture as a term to describe a woman of 'trans experience' but does not identify as a transwoman. My project aimed to highlight the trans experience from a point of view that is not frequently acknowledged in an academic or musical perspective and amplify stories of being in the LGBTQIA+ community. One Of The Dolls was created with the intent of writing, producing, recording, mixing and mastering a pop album for the commercial music market. Each song covers a different topic or state of mind or least provides some information into the mind of someone who is of the trans experience. With creative works being my form of self-expression, I was able to document and present a creative project that showcases in real time the reality of what it truly means to transition. This project also includes collaborations created with other musicians, either LGBTQIA+ or femme-identifying artists, representing what this project means to me. Having different forms of music and artistic expression incorporated throughout the creative process creates an immersive experience, and assures the listener that this project was crafted from the minds of an entire team of people who are a part of/or affiliated with the doll community. Key to this project is the idea that every person of trans experience does things differently. Through choice of collaborators and the tracks, I want to emphasise the diversity and gender and gendered experiences, and how these can be expressed through creative forms.