Ava: Hi, I’m Ava Thoman and this is Community Corner. This week, I have a very special guest, where we are going to be talking about the showgirl herself, Taylor Swift. Welcome to the studio, Katie Cline.
Katie: Thank you. Thank you for having me today.
Ava: First off, tell us a little bit about her new album.
Katie: So, Taylor Swift’s newest album, “The Life of a Showgirl, “came out on Oct. 3. It’s her 12 studio album and she’s really painted it as a kind of look behind the curtain. We all saw her on the Eras Tour and this is her way of kind of telling us what happened behind the scenes.
Ava: Okay and this album had a lot of differing opinions. How did you feel about it?
Katie: So, the first time I listened, I was a little surprised. I was expecting this kind of commentary on fame and like what it’s like to be a woman in the music industry. And, it’s not quite that. We do get like a really fun pop album and we see her, probably, happier than she’s been, which is great, but it was a very different kind of listening experience. So, I have had to do a few relistens to see how I feel about it, but it’s growing on me. It’s such a bop.
Ava: Okay and then at BGSU, you actually taught a class on Miss Swift herself. What did you cover in that?
Katie: So, our class was themed around fandom. So, lots of classes talk about Taylor Swift, her lyricism, her music. I wanted to talk about her fans because they are such a huge part of her success. And so, we looked at ideas of race and sexuality. We looked at ideas of girlhood and what it means to be a girl and also the work that fans do because they do a lot of work on her behalf. And so, it was a great experience. Honestly, one of the most fun classes I’ve ever taught and I would be happy to do it again if they’d let me.
Ava: All right and will this class be taught again?
Katie: That is my hope. Nothing is confirmed yet, but reach out to my department and let them know you’d want it and I’d be over the moon if I got to do it again.
Ava: And as a fan of Taylor, a “Swiftie,” what are some of your favorite songs by her?
Katie: My favorite song of all time is “Long Live.” Off of this new album, I’ve been really into “Elizabeth Taylor,” “Honey,” and I will admit it, like “Wood” is growing me. Hot take.
Ava: Okay and then for those who don’t know, “Wood” was one of the songs that didn’t reach that like, love from her fans. What do you have to tell fans who didn’t really appreciate this new album?
Katie: Well, I think it’s all a matter of taste, right? Taylor Swift has 12 albums. If you don’t like “The Life of a Showgirl” and you’re more of a “Folklore” girl, go for it. Go listen to “Folklore.” She really does have a song for every occasion and this occasion happens to be that she’s engages to Travis Kelce and like good for her. Sing about it. I would.
Ava: All right, well thank you so much. That is all for this week’s edition of Community Corner. Back to you in the newsroom, Emma.
