Hartt Professor Marcus Thomas’ journal article “There Aren’t Any Rules in Paisley Park: Applying Mark J. P. Wolf’s Theory of World-Building, Sub-Creation, and Secondary Belief to the Music and Career of Prince” was published in the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association (MEIEA) Journal.
This article explores how Prince’s artistic work demonstrates Mark J.P. Wolf’s theory of worldbuilding—the crafting of alternate multimedia realities designed to engage audiences. The paper analyzes how Prince created a distinctive “secondary world” through his lyrics, fashion, audio and visual aesthetics, and business practices. This study holds that a major part of Prince’s success rests on his ability to create “secondary belief” — making fans feel a sense of belonging in his alternate world by responding to their desire for freedom, uniqueness, and autonomy.
The article can be accessed here.