Authentic

[writeitout]

What does it mean when it is required of you to write/tell an "authentic" story?

http://www.codeforsomething.com/2009/01/...c-stories/

[Wildcard]

In music being authentic is about representing your genre. A punk band wouldn't get a lot of cred dressing up like yuppies and playing brand new guitars sitting on stools. Because that type of music is about getting up and yelling about what's wrong in the world, your life or yourself. The artists wouldn't look like authentic punks.
In country music, it's about whether the person is redneck enough, cowboy enough and man (or woman enough) to represent the genre.
The article you posted was well written and I enjoyed your share.

[billy]

authentic as in who you are and what you stand for, ii'd say which is pretty much what AA said.
sid rotton was an authentic punk, adam lambert is an authentic gay. (he's certainly not authentic music-wise, (as far as i can see))

[Wildcard]

Right on, Billy. Adam Lambert is a valid antonym of authentic.

[addy]

AA brought up an interesting point... "authenticity" in terms of branding is still about projection and perception, isn't it? A country singer would be wearing a country hat and it would be authentic, even if that person had never stepped foot in a ranch in his life. A cult band who changes their musical style is said to have "sold out", never mind if its a true representation of how their tastes have evolved. Sometimes its just about projecting a persona that "fits" the public perception, something they can comfortably understand and even relate to.

Another way "authenticity" is sometimes defined is the showing of vulnerabilities and flaws. If it's not "perfect" and not all positive, chances are its "authentic". Of course you could see how problematic a definition like that is.

[billy]

i think when a lable packages them as in "Pop" them. it's not authentic. even though the dress up an artist as a country and western singer, he won't be classed as such, unless he sings country (either inside or outside the country box)

[Wildcard]

As far authentic in writing, I'm not exactly sure what that would entail. Authentic to a particular form? A particular style of writer? Or just something that rings true?