Many often poke fun at the "Nice Guy" phenomenon, but legitimate attitudes towards women are not uncommon in music. TV Girl's "Louise" and "Hate Yourself" are great examples, with lyrics belittling women who don't want to give them time.
Written by Sydney Meier
Illustrated by Alyssa Sheldon
The "Nice Guy," in 2010s jargon, alludes to a man who constantly has ulterior motives when interacting with someone to whom he is sexually attracted. The Nice Guy believes that women owe them their so-called "kindness" to others because of their perceived honorable conduct.
On social media, the Nice Guy may post videos or photos with captions that include his thoughts on why women deserve basic rights, or why they shouldn't be brutally attacked for just walking around lateNight. While the vibe may seem polite, sometimes it's clear from the way they craft these posts that they made them with hopes of feminine praise and bare minimum reward. Others might go further and post openlymisogynist content that objectifies women- Content colored by the idea that men are entitled to sexual favors if they treat women with basic human decency.
Specifically in music, the nice guy is typically the song's narrator, looking back at a relationship with a woman or peeking into a relationship between another man and a woman. There is usually some resentment towards the woman, either because she chose someone else, left the narrator, or didn't notice the narrator at all. Some examples of the Nice Guy in music include Rick Springfield's "Jessie's Girl", Mario's "Let Me Love You" and more recently TV Girl's "Louise" and "Hate Yourself".
Comprised of Brad Petering, Jason Wyman and Wyatt Harmon, TV Girl launched in 2010 and is still going strong in 2022. The band's song "Not Allowed" exploded on social media in the fall of 2020, and listeners were enthralled by the group's laid-back style in monotonous verses paired with sporadic instrumentals. The band gained such exponential popularity that they were able to tour for their debut albumFrench exitfor the six and a half year anniversary. But what goes up must come down again. This observation isn't so much about TV Girl's popularity as it is about new audiences coming to realize that the lyrics of the beloved band are steeped in male chauvinism. While the artists themselves may not be writing from their personal perspective, the protagonists on these songs promote the idea that women, not themselves, are to blame for their lack of relationship success. There are two specific TV Girl songs that exemplify this: "Hate Yourself." and Louise.
"Louise", the third song offFrench exit, is sung from an outside perspective and examines the actions of a French woman in a love triangle with two American best friends. For the first verse of the song, the narrator slams Louise for being sexually active but emotionally stagnant with these men: "Louise, she just wasn't thinking / When she got into his bed / She just wanted to lay next to him / Hell." with his best friend." However, the song's protagonist then lets his prejudice against her slide and sings, "Louise / I'll love you 'til I'm dead." The implication is that the real reason why the narrator is Louise hates is that she is not romantically interacting with him or is not interested in him. He is prone to jealousy towards the men as well as resentment towards Louise for not paying more attention to him.
During the second stanza, the narrator goes deeper into Louise's motivation for her playboy actions, explaining that "in France" no one had "heard of puppy love." It almost sounds like the narrator is implying that Louise never received that adoring affection in France, so she never learned to reciprocate those feelings. Although Louise is given a character explanation, the protagonist does not see this as an excuse or reason to sympathize with Louise. Also, it is noteworthy that the narrator's criticism focuses more on Louise than on the men she sees. The fact that she becomes the sole culprit suggests a misogynist mirror through which the narrator views the world.
Similar to "Louise", "Hate Yourself", the fourth entry on TV Girl's debut albumFrench exit, sung from the perspective of an omniscient narrator, details the feelings and actions of a young woman who hates herself to the core. The young woman seeks self-love through validation from others, whether in terms of her physical appearance or personality, with the narrator stating, "I think you would fall in love with anyone / who fell in love with you." Fearing it, alone with her thoughts or being locked in her "room," she jumps from relationship to relationship hoping to find someone who loves her enough that she could start loving herself. Once again, the narrator finds himself in the midst of unrequited love with the young woman of whom he speaks so bluntly, "And I'll just wait / 'Til these Arms Owning to Me." The young woman receives constant romantic attention from everyone around around her, but that's never enough for her to really see what the whole world sees in her.
However, the narrator fails to sense this nuance in the girl's insecurities and instead portrays her as an unworthy recipient of that limelight, although he places her on the same pedestal. Blaming the young woman for her turbulent relationships, the narrator sings, "But you're the one who brought her here / You're the one who has to take her when you go." She's the one who started and ended those relationships has, so the narrator thinks she's the only one who should leave feeling guilty. A young woman drowning in her own mistakes and failures, who doesn't seem to understand that validation can't replace confidence, and who is so swept over her by public perception, is seen as nothing more than unappreciative and unworthy woman depicted woman. The narrator and others, in turn, keep laying their love on her, hoping to mold her into something she is not and can never be without self-reflection and improvement. Still, TV Girl is able to drown out the narrator's sexist prejudices with choppy piano chords and mesmerizing backing vocals.
The problem with the nice guy point of view that TV Girl expresses his songs from is that there are many men who relate to this mindset and listening to this music will only confirm their thoughts. Songs like "Louise" and "Hate Yourself" affirm to The Nice Guy that women who don't accept their advances don't have a problem with themselves, but with the women they're chasing. While there's no harm in enjoying TV Girl's music, impressionable listeners should know what they're getting into before delving into a discography full of lyrics that might confirm their unhealthy claims as to why their love affair might not reciprocate their romantic affection .
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FAQs
Who is the girl in the TV Girl logo? ›
They had begun very suddenly, without fanfare, featuring 19-year-old Jordana Nye on the bass and electric guitar, Wyatt Harmon on piano, Jason Wyman on drums and the inimitable Brad Petering on lead guitar and vocals.
What genre is TV Girl? › Is TV Girl a guy? ›TV Girl is an American indie pop band from San Diego, California, consisting of Brad Petering, Jason Wyman, Brayden Patterson, and Wyatt Harmon. The group is now based in Los Angeles.
Is Jordana part of TV Girl? ›At the event, which they named the 6 and ½ Year Anniversary of French Exit Tour, Jordana assumed the role of “TV Girl” by joining the band on bass and backup vocals. Lit by a blue spotlight, she opened the show with a solo set.
How long is a TV Girl concert? ›Most TV Girl concerts last about 2-3 hours but can run shorter or longer depending on the opening acts, encore, etc.
Who is the girl from The Cardigans? ›Nina Elisabet Persson (pronounced [ˈnîːna ˈpæ̌ːʂɔn] ( listen); born 6 September 1974) is the lead singer and lyricist for the Swedish rock band The Cardigans. She has also worked as a solo artist, releasing two albums as A Camp and one under her own name, and has also appeared as a guest artist with several other acts.
What artists are similar to TV Girl? ›- PinkPantheress. TV Girl, Eyedress, Clairo and more.
- Current Joys. Cigarettes After Sex, Cage the Elephant, Mac DeMarco and more.
- Vacations. Eyedress, Clairo, Mac DeMarco and more.
- Roar. The Killers, Surf Curse, Joji and more.
- Mac DeMarco. Tame Impala, Wild Nothing, Beach Fossils and more.
- SALES. ...
- Joy Again.
Tv Girl is currently touring across 3 countries and has 4 upcoming concerts. Their next tour date is at SOMA - Mainstage in San Diego, after that they'll be at Soma in San Diego.
What does alternative music mean? ›: music that is produced by performers who are outside the musical mainstream, that is typically regarded as more eclectic, original, or challenging than most popular music (such as conventional rock, pop, or country), and that is often distributed by independent record labels.
Where did the name TV Girl come from? ›How'd you come up with the band name? Brad: It's a song by a band called Beat Happening.
Does skillet have a girl? ›
Jennifer Carole Ledger (born 8 December 1989) is an English singer, drummer and co-vocalist for the American Christian rock band Skillet. At the age of 18, she became Skillet's drummer when Lori Peters retired.
How long has TV Girl been a band? ›TV Girl, comprised of Brad Petering, Jason Wyman, and Wyatt Harmon, was formed in 2010 by Petering as an outlet to blend the love of Spector-esque girl-group pop with an emerging interest in hip-hop.
How does TV Girl make music? ›The band consistently sampled melodies and clips from 1960s music and television in its songs, and it uses the sample to create its own unique and modern twist. Its production style feels professional, but their music's most important element is how it lacks a commercially pop sound.
Is Australian TV a girl? ›TV Girl is an American Indie pop band from San Diego, consisting of Brad Petering, Jason Wyman, and Wyatt Harmon. The group is now based in Los Angeles.
How many songs does TV Girl have? ›sometimes i wonder about the heartache that lies ahead: all 55 TV Girl songs ranked - Rate Your Music.
How long does it take to tape a talk show? ›Tapings can last from 3-6 hours, and you might have to wait outside in line before the taping. Food is usually prohibited inside the studio, so eat a large meal right before or a snack while waiting in line.
How long does it take to tape an episode of a sitcom? ›This slow, try-it-once-more procedure is why a standard sitcom taping can take about four hours (to this day, the '90s sitcom Friends remains infamous in Hollywood for taking six or seven laborious hours to bang out), but it's also why, given a talented cast and writing staff, the process is rarely boring.
How long does a set at a concert last? ›Usually a headlining act will perform a 90 minute set. This can vary greatly depending on the musician or band. Some may play for two hours or more, while others may only play for an hour. Ultimately, it all depends on the concert and the performers.
Why are they called The Cardigans? ›History. The cardigan was named after James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, a British Army major general who led the Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War. It is modelled after the knitted wool waistcoat that British officers supposedly wore during the war.
What does cardigan mean? ›a piece of clothing, usually made from wool, that covers the upper part of the body and the arms, fastening at the front with buttons, and usually worn over other clothes. Dorling Kindersley/GettyImages. Examples.
What nationality are The Cardigans? ›
The Cardigans is a Swedish rock band formed in Jönköping, Sweden, in 1992 by guitarist Peter Svensson, bassist Magnus Sveningsson, drummer Bengt Lagerberg, keyboardist Lars-Olof Johansson and lead singer Nina Persson.
Who is the most stream female artist? ›As of November 2022, Taylor Swift has the most monthly listeners on Spotify for a female artist, and The Weeknd has the most monthly listeners on Spotify for a male artist. Ed Sheeran is the most-followed male artist, and Ariana Grande is the most-followed female artist.
Who is the most successful living female artist? ›Yayoi Kusama is considered the most successful living female artist.
What songs are they playing at the TV Girl concert? ›- The Blonde.
- Cigarettes Out the Window.
- Birds Don't Sing.
- Lovers Rock.
- Not Allowed.
Six years after the release of their debut album French Exit, indie pop band TV Girl has gained a cult following, due in large part to their success on TikTok. The hit song, “Lover's Rock” was nothing short of an internet sensation, racking up 57.9 million views on videos using the song.
Does TV Girl have an Instagram? ›TV Girl (@tvgirl) • Instagram photos and videos.
What does alternative music say about a person? ›Listeners tend to be introverted, passive, and lack self-esteem. Alternative and indie music listeners tend to mimic the slow and mellow sounds of these genres, as they tend to go about life in a lackadaisical manner. However, alternative and indie listeners tend to be more creative and intellectual than others.
What is the most popular alternative music? ›- 1. “ Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana.
- 2. “ Cannonball” by The Breeders.
- 3. “ Loser” by Beck.
- 4. “ Song 2” by Blur.
- 5. “ Karma Police” by Radiohead.
- 6. “ 1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins.
- 7. “ Everlong” by Foo Fighters.
- 8. “ Where is My Mind?” by Pixies.
What Is Bubblegum Pop? Bubblegum pop was a subgenre of pop music and rock 'n' roll that rose to prominence in the late '60s and early '70s. Bubblegum pop songs hinged on upbeat melodies, simple lyrics with sing-along choruses, and danceable rhythms.
Who was the first woman to star in a TV show? ›Betty's 80+ years in television is officially the longest career in the history of TV. She was the first woman to produce a national TV show; the first woman to star in a sitcom; and the first woman to receive an Emmy nomination.
What nationality is Reds girl? ›
Marie Ulven Ringheim (born 16 February 1999) is a Norwegian singer-songwriter and record producer, known for her indie pop project Girl in Red. Her early EPs Chapter 1 (2018) and Chapter 2 (2019) were recorded in her bedroom and feature songs about romance and mental health.
What genre is Lana Del Rey? ›Del Rey has been labeled an "alt-pop" or alternative pop artist. Her works have been variously categorized as pop, rock, dream pop, baroque pop, indie pop, psychedelic rock, while incorporating trip hop, hip hop, lo-fi, and trap elements.
Is Skillet a Mormon? ›I think those bands are hurting their careers." But Skillet isn't strictly a hard-rock band. It's also a Christian band — John grew up in a devout family in Memphis, and Korey's parents co-founded Living Light Christian Church in Kenosha.
Does Skillet have any kids? ›Alexandria "Alex" Christine Cooper (Born in October 23, 2002) is the oldest child of Skillet band members, John and Korey Cooper .
Who was the first girl group ever? ›One of the first major all-female groups was the Hamilton Sisters and Fordyce, an American trio who successfully toured England and parts of Europe in 1927, recorded and appeared on BBC radio – they toured the US variety and big-time theaters extensively, and later changed their stage name to the Three X Sisters.
Do TV girls Make CDS? ›TV Girl
When did girl groups become popular? ›girl groups, primarily American female vocal groups popular from the early to the mid-1960s, the period between the heyday of early rock and roll and the British Invasion. The girl group era produced a clearly identifiable hybrid of gospel, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, and quirky pop.
When was TV Girl formed? ›TV Girl, comprised of Brad Petering, Jason Wyman, and Wyatt Harmon, was formed in 2010 by Petering as an outlet to blend the love of Spector-esque girl-group pop with an emerging interest in hip-hop.
Who was the first female actor on TV? ›The PBS documentary Betty White: First Lady of Television chronicles the remarkable career of this true television pioneer, who was the first woman to produce a national TV show, the first woman to star in a sitcom, the first woman to receive an Emmy nomination – and the first woman to ever appear on television, given ...
How much do you get paid if your song is on TV? ›A prime-time network TV show might pay a license of $500 - $5000 for an unknown artist - same for the smaller films. Major studio pictures pay well-known artists in the tens of thousands of dollars. Performance income is determined by the number of people estimated to have seen the show and therefore heard the music.
How much does a TV show pay to play a song? ›
It generally costs between $15,000 and $60,000 to license a song for a movie, TV show, or video game.
How much do you get paid if your music is in a movie? ›The synchronization fees charged by music publishers for major studio films are usually between $15,000 and $60,000 (with the majority ranging from $20,000 to $45,000) but can be lower if the music budget is small or higher if the song is used several times in the motion picture, if the use is under the opening or ...
Is TV Girl's bedroom popping? ›No band gets hazy, neon-lit bedroom pop like TV Girl. Their music is the sound of late-night fast drives and first kisses with a highschool boyfriend. Lo-fi, synthy instruments juxtaposed against frontman Brad Petering's delightfully mundane vocals capture the ups and downs of being young and not in love.