Jenessa Williams, PhD
@jenessawilliams.bsky.social
🎓Music, Fandom & Internet Cultures Postdoctoral Researcher (Stanford University)
✍🏽Music Journalist (DIY, FortyFive, Guardian, NME etc.)
📌 https://jenessawilliams.substack.com
✍🏽Music Journalist (DIY, FortyFive, Guardian, NME etc.)
📌 https://jenessawilliams.substack.com
🎸 🖤 🤘 New publication just dropped, and this time it's open access! 🎸 🖤 🤘
Williams, J. N., & Sobande, F. (2025). Note to scene: Gender, race and rose-tinted nostalgia in emo. European Journal of Cultural Studies, 0(0). lnkd.in/eMmjq6ue
Williams, J. N., & Sobande, F. (2025). Note to scene: Gender, race and rose-tinted nostalgia in emo. European Journal of Cultural Studies, 0(0). lnkd.in/eMmjq6ue
November 25, 2025 at 4:37 PM
🎸 🖤 🤘 New publication just dropped, and this time it's open access! 🎸 🖤 🤘
Williams, J. N., & Sobande, F. (2025). Note to scene: Gender, race and rose-tinted nostalgia in emo. European Journal of Cultural Studies, 0(0). lnkd.in/eMmjq6ue
Williams, J. N., & Sobande, F. (2025). Note to scene: Gender, race and rose-tinted nostalgia in emo. European Journal of Cultural Studies, 0(0). lnkd.in/eMmjq6ue
Reposted by Jenessa Williams, PhD
The full Special Issue of Celebrity Studies on Celebrity Crises and Conflicts is now out!
www.tandfonline.com/toc/rcel20/1...
www.tandfonline.com/toc/rcel20/1...
November 25, 2025 at 2:55 PM
The full Special Issue of Celebrity Studies on Celebrity Crises and Conflicts is now out!
www.tandfonline.com/toc/rcel20/1...
www.tandfonline.com/toc/rcel20/1...
Reposted by Jenessa Williams, PhD
redid my personal site post-layoff :)
my contact form is open! if you're looking to talk to or commission someone with expertise in covering and analyzing social movements, prison and police abolition, trans politics, climate organizing, cultural criticism... reach out! (my DMs are cursed rn, lol)
my contact form is open! if you're looking to talk to or commission someone with expertise in covering and analyzing social movements, prison and police abolition, trans politics, climate organizing, cultural criticism... reach out! (my DMs are cursed rn, lol)
Lex McMenamin
Lex McMenamin is a writer, editor, and organizer from Philadelphia, based in New York.
lexmcmenamin.com
November 22, 2025 at 5:43 PM
redid my personal site post-layoff :)
my contact form is open! if you're looking to talk to or commission someone with expertise in covering and analyzing social movements, prison and police abolition, trans politics, climate organizing, cultural criticism... reach out! (my DMs are cursed rn, lol)
my contact form is open! if you're looking to talk to or commission someone with expertise in covering and analyzing social movements, prison and police abolition, trans politics, climate organizing, cultural criticism... reach out! (my DMs are cursed rn, lol)
Reposted by Jenessa Williams, PhD
The DePaul Pop Culture Conference theme this year is Remixing Pop Music, to be held at DePaul in Chicago on May 2. If you're interested in the theme, you can submit an idea for a presentation here (by Jan. 31): popcultureconference.com/2026-remix-p...
RSVP 1 — DePaul Pop Culture Conference
popcultureconference.com
November 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The DePaul Pop Culture Conference theme this year is Remixing Pop Music, to be held at DePaul in Chicago on May 2. If you're interested in the theme, you can submit an idea for a presentation here (by Jan. 31): popcultureconference.com/2026-remix-p...
The realities of being a pop star.
According to my experience...
open.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Reposted by Jenessa Williams, PhD
Now instead of simply reading the abstract for an academic article I have to contend with multiple pop-ups from adobe asking me if I want an AI summary and I cannot stress enough how much I DO NOT WANT this.
@adobe.com has made a useful product less useful with an annoying and redundant feature
@adobe.com has made a useful product less useful with an annoying and redundant feature
November 19, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Now instead of simply reading the abstract for an academic article I have to contend with multiple pop-ups from adobe asking me if I want an AI summary and I cannot stress enough how much I DO NOT WANT this.
@adobe.com has made a useful product less useful with an annoying and redundant feature
@adobe.com has made a useful product less useful with an annoying and redundant feature
New newsletter is out! Read if you like thoughts on 'it was better in my day' taste-shaming, questionable concert conduct, and the eternal tension between artists and online communities
open.substack.com/pub/jenessaw...
open.substack.com/pub/jenessaw...
Sombr spaces
Or, some thoughts about teenagers, the internet, and the right to talk online trash
open.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 6:22 PM
New newsletter is out! Read if you like thoughts on 'it was better in my day' taste-shaming, questionable concert conduct, and the eternal tension between artists and online communities
open.substack.com/pub/jenessaw...
open.substack.com/pub/jenessaw...
Reposted by Jenessa Williams, PhD
those of us laid off from Teen Vogue were really fortunate to complete our fundraising goal — the laid-off staffers at VIBE deserve the same support, as Black media outlets and journalists continue to be targeted and discriminated against in “austerity” measures
It was announced on October 16, 2025 that VIBE was "joining forces" with Rolling Stone. As a result, the majority of VIBE employees were laid off. If you have the means to give, this team could use the support! www.gofundme.com/f/support-vi...
Donate to Support VIBE Staff After Sudden Layoffs, organized by Mya Abraham
It was announced on October 16, 2025 that VIBE was "joining forces" with Rolling S… Mya Abraham needs your support for Support VIBE Staff After Sudden Layoffs
www.gofundme.com
November 15, 2025 at 4:38 PM
those of us laid off from Teen Vogue were really fortunate to complete our fundraising goal — the laid-off staffers at VIBE deserve the same support, as Black media outlets and journalists continue to be targeted and discriminated against in “austerity” measures
Reposted by Jenessa Williams, PhD
Are you a fan of the 1978 film THE WIZ? I would LOVE to chat with you about your fandom for a book on THE WIZ. You only need to be 18 years old or older and love the film. DMs open and please share.
November 17, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Are you a fan of the 1978 film THE WIZ? I would LOVE to chat with you about your fandom for a book on THE WIZ. You only need to be 18 years old or older and love the film. DMs open and please share.
I did not survive the Hayley Williams ticket battle 🫠 But May is 6 months away and I WILL win the war!
November 14, 2025 at 6:54 PM
I did not survive the Hayley Williams ticket battle 🫠 But May is 6 months away and I WILL win the war!
Reposted by Jenessa Williams, PhD
On top of being a great site run by great people who give work to lots of great writers, Stereogum also pay within a few days of filing your copy, which is virtually unheard of in this industry. Subscribe now to their snazzy new site!
For years, advertising has been how Stereogum made money to pay its writers. While we made progress moving away from that model, Google AI search has decimated the business almost overnight. Today we relaunch with a greater focus on subscription. We’d love your support: stereogum.com/2478838/ster...
November 11, 2025 at 12:02 AM
On top of being a great site run by great people who give work to lots of great writers, Stereogum also pay within a few days of filing your copy, which is virtually unheard of in this industry. Subscribe now to their snazzy new site!
Reposted by Jenessa Williams, PhD
Hi writers! I’m looking to assign a couple of features for Slate before the end of the year. If you have anything in mind that you think would be a fit please send me a pitch! Jenée.Desmond- [email protected] or dm me.
RTs are appreciated so this can reach more people. Thanks!
RTs are appreciated so this can reach more people. Thanks!
November 10, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Hi writers! I’m looking to assign a couple of features for Slate before the end of the year. If you have anything in mind that you think would be a fit please send me a pitch! Jenée.Desmond- [email protected] or dm me.
RTs are appreciated so this can reach more people. Thanks!
RTs are appreciated so this can reach more people. Thanks!
Reposted by Jenessa Williams, PhD
Reposted by Jenessa Williams, PhD
SIG members, don't forget that our event with @alfredmartin.bsky.social is a week from today. Al will be talking about his new book, FANDOM FOR US, BY US. Please register here to get the Zoom link: tinyurl.com/fandomforus
November 7, 2025 at 9:16 PM
SIG members, don't forget that our event with @alfredmartin.bsky.social is a week from today. Al will be talking about his new book, FANDOM FOR US, BY US. Please register here to get the Zoom link: tinyurl.com/fandomforus
Reposted by Jenessa Williams, PhD
thank you for the outpouring of support!
those of us laid off from Teen Vogue yesterday are now sharing our GoFundMe to help us cover our emergency expenses now that we've lost our incomes, as we get back on our feet.
those of us laid off from Teen Vogue yesterday are now sharing our GoFundMe to help us cover our emergency expenses now that we've lost our incomes, as we get back on our feet.
Donate to Help Laid-Off Teen Vogue Staffers Recover, organized by Lexi McMenamin
More than half the team at Teen Vogue was laid off this week by our parent co… Lexi McMenamin needs your support for Help Laid-Off Teen Vogue Staffers Recover
www.gofundme.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:17 PM
thank you for the outpouring of support!
those of us laid off from Teen Vogue yesterday are now sharing our GoFundMe to help us cover our emergency expenses now that we've lost our incomes, as we get back on our feet.
those of us laid off from Teen Vogue yesterday are now sharing our GoFundMe to help us cover our emergency expenses now that we've lost our incomes, as we get back on our feet.
The new John Lewis ad definitely took more than a hint of inspiration from 'Aftersun' (one of the best movies and underrated movies of the last 5 years imo), but is still a very lovely choice:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1bR...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1bR...
Where Love Lives | John Lewis & Partners | Christmas Ad 2025
YouTube video by John Lewis
www.youtube.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:54 PM
The new John Lewis ad definitely took more than a hint of inspiration from 'Aftersun' (one of the best movies and underrated movies of the last 5 years imo), but is still a very lovely choice:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1bR...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1bR...
Reposted by Jenessa Williams, PhD
Teen Vogue took young people seriously. It's impossible to overstate how important, how rare, and how profoundly needed that is.
November 3, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Teen Vogue took young people seriously. It's impossible to overstate how important, how rare, and how profoundly needed that is.
Reposted by Jenessa Williams, PhD
We strongly condemn @CondéNast’s consolidation plans for Teen Vogue, a move that is clearly designed to blunt the award-winning magazine’s insightful journalism at a time when it is needed the most. More from our statement:
November 3, 2025 at 11:24 PM
We strongly condemn @CondéNast’s consolidation plans for Teen Vogue, a move that is clearly designed to blunt the award-winning magazine’s insightful journalism at a time when it is needed the most. More from our statement:
Reposted by Jenessa Williams, PhD
thank you for all the support; the statement from our union is now live here with some more reporting.
now that this is public I can confirm that the majority of today’s layoffs were women of color. there are no longer any Black women working at Teen Vogue.
now that this is public I can confirm that the majority of today’s layoffs were women of color. there are no longer any Black women working at Teen Vogue.
November 3, 2025 at 11:25 PM
thank you for all the support; the statement from our union is now live here with some more reporting.
now that this is public I can confirm that the majority of today’s layoffs were women of color. there are no longer any Black women working at Teen Vogue.
now that this is public I can confirm that the majority of today’s layoffs were women of color. there are no longer any Black women working at Teen Vogue.
When is somebody going to invent Popstar Manager so that I can stop being jealous of the joy and relaxation that my husband derives from kicking back and playing Football Manager every autumn and instead embrace my own
October 31, 2025 at 9:58 PM
When is somebody going to invent Popstar Manager so that I can stop being jealous of the joy and relaxation that my husband derives from kicking back and playing Football Manager every autumn and instead embrace my own
Reposted by Jenessa Williams, PhD
THIS is an interesting data point
No rap songs are in the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 40 for the first time since 1990
No Rap Songs Are in the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 40 for the First Time Since 1990
No rap songs have ranked in the top 40 on the last two Billboard Hot 100 charts, following Kendrick Lamar and SZA's "Luther" dropping off the chart.
www.billboard.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:20 PM
THIS is an interesting data point
Reposted by Jenessa Williams, PhD
Whenever there is a global climate emergency, news outlets overlook the folks who live in the region and instead they talk to Americans who are stranded or impacted. I find this to be so dismissive of the people who are ACTUALLY living there.
It gives, "we only care if it affects us, too."
It gives, "we only care if it affects us, too."
October 29, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Whenever there is a global climate emergency, news outlets overlook the folks who live in the region and instead they talk to Americans who are stranded or impacted. I find this to be so dismissive of the people who are ACTUALLY living there.
It gives, "we only care if it affects us, too."
It gives, "we only care if it affects us, too."
Hello good morning my new article for Celebrity Studies is live!
The link here will give the first 50 viewers free access (ideal if you don't currently belong to a University with a subscription):
www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10....
The link here will give the first 50 viewers free access (ideal if you don't currently belong to a University with a subscription):
www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10....
October 27, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Hello good morning my new article for Celebrity Studies is live!
The link here will give the first 50 viewers free access (ideal if you don't currently belong to a University with a subscription):
www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10....
The link here will give the first 50 viewers free access (ideal if you don't currently belong to a University with a subscription):
www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10....
Reposted by Jenessa Williams, PhD
LAST CALL - The deadline to apply is NOVEMBER 1!
We're looking for TWO postdoctoral scholars in African American history and history of the Civil War era. Fellowships are for two years, and the anticipated start date is July 1, 2026.
Links in the replies below.
We're looking for TWO postdoctoral scholars in African American history and history of the Civil War era. Fellowships are for two years, and the anticipated start date is July 1, 2026.
Links in the replies below.
October 27, 2025 at 1:07 PM
LAST CALL - The deadline to apply is NOVEMBER 1!
We're looking for TWO postdoctoral scholars in African American history and history of the Civil War era. Fellowships are for two years, and the anticipated start date is July 1, 2026.
Links in the replies below.
We're looking for TWO postdoctoral scholars in African American history and history of the Civil War era. Fellowships are for two years, and the anticipated start date is July 1, 2026.
Links in the replies below.
Reposted by Jenessa Williams, PhD
it’s almost as if all of the things folks argued would happen after race-conscious admissions were limited - precipitous declines in Black enrollment, among them - are happening. weird how looking at history can tell you a lot. who would have guessed it.
Black student enrollment at elite colleges is dropping, by nearly half at some schools, just two years after the end of race-conscious admissions. This trend threatens decades of hard-fought progress in education. We must find new ways to ensure equity and representation.
Black enrollment is waning at many elite colleges after affirmative action ban, AP analysis finds
An Associated Press analysis finds that the number of Black students enrolling at many elite colleges has dropped in the two years since the Supreme Court banned affirmative action in admissions.
apnews.com
October 25, 2025 at 12:54 PM
it’s almost as if all of the things folks argued would happen after race-conscious admissions were limited - precipitous declines in Black enrollment, among them - are happening. weird how looking at history can tell you a lot. who would have guessed it.