1) Erotic Magazines: Introduction
Erotic magazines are publications that feature artistic photographs of nude people engaged in sexual acts, sometimes accompanied by written descriptions of the images and stories about human sexuality. They date back at least to the Victorian era, when they became popular among European bourgeoisie for their sensual imagery. In the late 20th century, erotic magazines gained widespread distribution in North America due to technological advancements like offset printing, which enabled mass production. The most famous magazine of this type is Playboy, founded in Chicago in 1953. Other well-known examples include Penthouse, Hustler, Oui, Mayfair, Gallery, High Society, and Perfect Ten. Some have featured famous models such as Marilyn Monroe and Naomi Campbell, while others focus on specific niches such as bondage or fetishism. Many magazines include short fiction and non-fiction essays about sex and relationships. While some countries still prohibit them, erotic magazines remain legal in most parts of the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Russia.
2) Popular Music Videos: A Brief History
Popular music videos began appearing on television in the early 1980s with MTV's "Video Killed the Radio Star" series, which showcased promotional clips from popular artists. Over time, these videos grew longer and more elaborate, often featuring elaborate sets, props, costumes, and special effects. Early music videos were inspired by Hollywood films, but later ones tended to be more experimental and avant-garde. Some of the most notable musicians associated with popular music videos are Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, David Bowie, and Janet Jackson. Their influence has been so significant that they have even sparked entire genres such as teen pop and rock videos. In recent years, music videos have become increasingly popular due to social media platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Instagram. They now reach audiences around the globe, inspiring new generations of performers and directors to push boundaries of sexual expression and aesthetics.
3) The Cross-Media Influence of Erotic Magazines on Popular Music Videos
Erotic magazines have influenced popular music videos through their visual style, content, and marketing strategies. Many music video directors have cited Playboy and similar publications as sources of inspiration for their work. For example, some of Madonna's iconic videos were inspired by magazine covers she had seen, including those for her albums Like a Virgin and True Blue. Other artists who have referenced erotic imagery include Mick Jagger (Rolling Stones), George Michael (Wham!), and Kanye West (Yeezus). While some of this influence is intentional, other examples may be unconscious or accidental. Erotic magazines also influence music videos through their marketing tactics. Playboy, for instance, used its magazine as a platform to promote concert tickets and merchandise. Similarly, modern music videos often incorporate themes of sex and romance in order to sell records and build fan bases. Some musicians have even launched their own erotic magazines, such as KISS frontman Gene Simmons with his magazine Shout It Out Loud!.
4) Erotic Aesthetics in Popular Music Videos: Examples
Popular music videos often feature erotic imagery that would not be suitable for mainstream television or radio broadcasts. This includes nudity, suggestive poses, and sexual behavior. One notable example is the 1985 video for "Material Girl" by Madonna, which features her stripping down to lingerie before engaging in a passionate make-out session with actor Willem Dafoe. Another is the 2003 clip for "Feel Good Inc." by Gorillaz featuring De La Soul, which showcases an animated cartoon character making out with a giant alien woman. In recent years, music videos have become increasingly explicit, including those for Rihanna's "S&M", Lady Gaga's "Alejandro", and Miley Cyrus's "Wrecking Ball". These visuals are sometimes controversial but can still find an audience due to YouTube's policies on age restrictions. While some viewers may see this content as exploitative, others argue that it empowers women and promotes healthy attitudes towards sex.