BLINDED BY THE RETRO, What sound aesthetics reminiscent of the 1980’s reveal in the personas of The Weeknd and Charli XCX

Sammanfattning: This essay examines the effect of eighties synth-pop influences on modern day pop music production. The study analyzes retro aesthetics in the music of Charli XCX and The Weeknd, with the aim to gain a deeper understanding of the effect the 1980’s have on mainstream pop music. Synthesizers, drum-machines, rhythm, vocals, effects and timbre of these songs are analyzed to reveal how retro sound aesthetics work in conjunction with contemporary aesthetics. These aesthetics are then analyzed from the perspective of persona. The analysis of each artist’s persona reveals how sound aesthetics convey different messages and identities. Additionally, interviews and YouTube comments provide context through perceptions on The Weeknd’s and Charli XCX’s personas. This thesis aims to problematize the term retro and analyzes ways in which retro and contemporary influences work together in the creation of new music and personas.