While there’s no shortage of great musical acts in the 21st century, sometimes it’s refreshing to look beyond reality and into our screens and novels to discover new artists. In a moment where fictional music blends into reality more than ever, from the unanimous success of “Kpop Demon Hunters” to Miley Cyrus celebrating the 20-year anniversary of Hannah Montana, it’s impossible to deny the cultural impact of fictional musicians. The artists below may not exist in our world, but with recorded albums and films to revisit, they feel just as real — and it’s safe to say we would be in the front row at every one of their shows.
‘Alvin and the Chipmunks’
Anybody who says they weren’t charmed by Alvin, Simon and Theodore’s cover of Daniel Powter’s “Bad Day” is a dirty liar. The anthropomorphic rodent trio has survived nearly 70 years not just because they’re adorable — their talent only increases with each show and film. Most of us were introduced to these little guys with the 1958 Christmastime staple “The Chipmunk Song,” but their best appearances are by far the 2007 to 2015 animated films, where they team up with songwriter and father figure Dave Seville (Jason Lee) and destroy the career of music executive Ian Hawke (David Cross), who tries to exploit the chipmunks’ talents. These films graced us with covers like “Club Can’t Handle Me” and “Bad Romance,” and for that, I’m eternally grateful. I just know they’d sell out Madison Square Garden and crush it on Zane Lowe’s podcast.
— Dani Biondi, Arts Editor
‘Daisy Jones & The Six’
Though I wasn’t alive to witness the volatile romantic tension of Fleetwood Mac in its prime, Taylor Jenkin Reid’s book-turned-television series “Daisy Jones & The Six” feels like an apt alternative. The story follows the rise and fall of the titular ’70s folk-rock band through a documentary-style series of interviews and archival footage. Though the 2023 TV adaptation feels oversaturated with underdeveloped love triangles and affairs, the band’s studio album “AURORA” makes up for any frustration. Clearly inspired by the folky grit of Stevie Nicks and her bandmates, the record is surprisingly solid for a fictional artist, especially considering lead actors Riley Keough and Sam Claflin had no previous vocal training. From Keough’s wailing bridge in “The River” to “Look At Us Now (Honeycomb)’s” guitar solo inspired by “The Chain,” the music beautifully brings to life Reid’s written band, give or take a few clunky lyrics. Three years later, I am constantly grieving that the cast never performed anything live due to SAG-AFTRA strike agreements.
— Amelia Knust, Music Editor
Cléo Victoire from ‘Cléo from 5 to 7’
In Agnès Varda’s quietly touching 1962 film, the young singer Cléo Victoire (Corinne Marchand) spends 90 minutes in Paris with the possibility of a cancer diagnosis looming over her. Midway through rehearsing at her flat, she sings a dramatic ballad titled “Sans Toi,” or “Without You.” Varda zooms in on Cléo as the background of her apartment disappears, leaving just her tear-stricken face singing devastating lyrics. Afterward, when her lyricist declares the song will be a hit, she lashes out: “What’s a song? How long does it last?” Varda allows us to meditate on Cléo’s slow transformation from a superficial singer to a vulnerable, self-aware woman contemplating her own mortality.
— Ethan Li, Copy Chief
Powerline from ‘A Goofy Movie’
In the 1995 cult classic “A Goofy Movie,” Goofy’s (Bill Farmer) teenage son Max Goof (Jason Marsden) is obsessed with the pop star Powerline (Tevin Campbell) — and for good reason. With his spunky lightning-shaped hair and bright yellow stage costume, Powerline is a magnetic force even in his limited screen time. The creators of the animated road trip comedy have said that the character is inspired by iconic musicians like Michael Jackson, Prince and Bobby Brown, evident in Powerline’s smooth stage presence and funk-pop music style. Campbell, a Grammy-nominated R&B singer, provides Powerline’s soulful vocals for the absolute bangers “Stand Out” and “I2I.” Meanwhile, Powerline’s stellar dance moves were choreographed by Anthony Thomas, who worked on the iconic routine in Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation.” As Max and Goofy join Powerline on stage for the film’s climactic performance, there’s no denying the star power of the anthropomorphic cartoon dog.
— Ella Sabrina Malabanan, Copy Chief
Austin Moon from ‘Austin & Ally’
Austin Moon was the pop star for all the Gen Zers who grew up watching Disney Channel in the 2010s. Whether it was his first punchy hit, “Double Take,” the synthy earworm “Illusion” or any of his other bangers, Moon embodied the confident dynamism of the era’s best popstars, from Justin Bieber to One Direction. Ross Lynch — who now sings for musical duo The Driver Era alongside his brother Rocky — played the heartthrob, whose hits now live on Spotify if you’re looking to relive the nostalgia of his pep rally performances. But if you’re really missing him, you could just rewatch all four seasons of “Austin & Ally.”
— Alessa Alluin, Copy Editor
Contact the Arts desk at [email protected].