Listening Session: Katy Perry's Intention on Fireworks
Choose one record from list A and one from list B at the bottom of this page. Building upon the same procedures for focused listening as the previous week, listen to the records and analyze your emotional responses. You may want to review the step-by-step instructions link below before you begin.
When you are done listening to the records, answer the following questions as they relate to the topic of artist intention:
What emotions do you feel in reaction to this record? (lists of emotional responses is attached)
What do you feel the recording artist was intending to convey in this record?
How successful do you feel the recording artist was in conveying that intention?
Describe, in specific musical and sonic/technical terms, the elements that contributed to this. For example: "... after the syncopated, muffled piano chords in the prechorus, the four-on-the-floor kick drum pattern against the upbeat, open, bright hi-hats really made the choruses feel like an extremely energetic dance song!"
Each time we execute these focused-listening assignments, think about getting even better at getting in touch with your emotional reactions and your ability to focus on the record without distraction or prejudice.
Listening and Observation Guidelines
Write up the results of your listening sessions, and include the following information:
Your responses to the questions on the artist's intention and their success in conveying what was intended.
A short statement speculating on the identity and vision of each artist, based solely on your experience with the record (in other words, you don't need to do any additional research on this—just speculate).
List A:
Jonsi - Go Do
The Avett Brothers - Shame
Radiohead - Idioteque
Bad Brains - Attitude
Stevie Wonder - Higher Ground
List B:
Prince - 1999
Cafe Tacvba - La Locomotora
Katy Perry - Firework
Pantera - Walk
Bette Davis - Growing Older Feeling Younger
Listening for Intention
Your Name
Course and Section
Professor’s Name
February 11, 2023
Katy Perry - Fireworks
After hearing Katy Perry's album Fireworks, I'm hopeful and confident to take steps to make it more significant. I analyze everything I'm doing right now to see if it's for my current self or for a future me. Fireworks gave me the impression of bursting, and this kind of bursting is a bursting of motivation. Similar to how I feel, the recording artist's message is to inspire individuals who believe they have nothing to contribute to the world because they lack motivation when in fact, they do. Those who experience this lack of motivation and support from their surroundings.
The recording artist skillfully conveys her message through the song she wrote with the emotion I have experienced. These days, people in their 20s are well familiar with this song, which has since grown on them. Anyone who used to listen to this masterpiece will feel more alive just by listening to this song. The artist did this exceptionally well when, at the pre-chorus, the beat changes and is replaced with the sound of a violin solo, which heightens the mood and helps the listener understand the artist's motivation.
In conclusion, the artist wants to inspire those who feel alone and empty by showing them that they can prove their value if they put in the effort. Because of how she performed in the song...