Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

Thesis

Primary Advisor

Professor Christina Gard

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the current problems with music classifications via genres. Specifically, the issues with genres are the boundaries they create or how a genre is defined, and how music fits under that definition. Either genre boundaries are too broad, not truly defining a specific song, album, and/or artist, or genre boundaries are too specific, to the point where the necessity for using genres is questioned. Sub-genres were created as a result of this ambiguity, and their modern-day usage highlights why using genre to define music is complicated. This analysis views how genre outside of music is used and defined, the application of said usage and definition to music, the troubles genres bring, and possible solutions. As a demonstration of these issues and complications, I have decided to release an EP that consists of songs of multiple genres to show that while an EP or album contains different genres, it’s hard to define the project as a whole or the artists under one genre.

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