Sound Up! Dorian Electra

A gender fluid, fantastical queer in shining armor has arrived in the form of Dorian Electra’s new dual single “Gentleman/M’Lady.” Serving us neckbeard subculture, these songs are an exploration of the societal roles in which toxic masculinity and over-sexualized female fantasy all in the veil of driving, precise pop.

Neckbeard is a stereotypical term used to describe an unkempt internet-obsessed, geeky/nerdy, socially awkward, and isolated person (typically cis male). While this term may be considered pejorative by nature, this underground group piqued the interest of Electra, who then dove deep into understanding the neckbeard psyche.

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Sonically, the track takes us on a journey that is both melodic and technical as Electra explores this world of LARPing (live action role play), internet gaming, and disregard to personal hygiene. Once the dual track switches from “Gentleman,” which is the inner voice of the nerdy hero, things quickly get creepy. “M’Lady” digs us deep into the over-sexualized and obsessive nature of the neckbeard character and we hear the fantasies within amplify and multiply.

The visual counterpart, which was directed by Weston Allen and Dorian Electra, shows Electra navigating the world of leather trench coats and sword-wielding, all while exposing the underbelly of basement dwelling and obsessive gaming.

The dual single “Gentleman/M’Lady” depicts the dichotomy of the sexualized fantasy feminine ideal and the archaic, chivalrous, neckbeard opposite the screen. Armed with a controller and a never-ending flow of Mountain Dew and tortilla chips, the music video lends a symbiotic element to the initially upbeat and eventually eerie, dark tune.

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Through marrying musical, visual, and theatrical elements, Electra has become one of the profound storytellers in entertainment right now. By weaving together political, societal, sexual, and gender narratives, “Gentleman/M’Lady” is another example of how talented this artist truly is.

Turn that sound up and check out the latest single from the electrifying Dorian Electra.