Perry vs. GaGa: The New East Coast vs. West Coast

The NEW East Coast Vs. West Coast

With the release of Lady GaGa’s Alejandro and Katy Perry’s California Gurls side by side, their rivalry returns. Created by record companies, gossip mags and my friends, Perry and GaGa seem to always be pitted against each other. Probably because they’re smart, talented, outlandish, opinionated pop musicians who are close in age and rose to fame in 2008. While they have much in common, they could not be more different. Perry represents the East Coast. GaGa represents the West Coast. Perry wrote California Gurls to represent her home state and compete with all the great New York based songs, including the latest mega hit out of the big apple “Empire State of Mind.” GaGa began her career in the Lower East Side club scene and she’s always gushing about her love for New York. It really becomes a comparison of taste for New York or California. Let’s see the differences for the NEW East Coast Vs. West Coast rivalry.

West

Both ladies are publicity machines. Katy Perry utilizes the new school way (think of The Hills Stars, Heidi and Spencer) – sharing every opinion, sharing personal information, having a public relationship with another celebrity and doing whatever it takes to get your name constantly in the press.

East

While Lady GaGa prefers the old school method (think Marilyn Manson) – withholding personal information, expression through shock videos, dramatic costumes, calculated opinions and elaborate performances.

West

Both ladies have buzz-worthy wardrobes. Perry’s wardrobe is full of colour, vintage and camp. When she started her career she made sure to stand out from the sexed-up crowd of pop stars with high-waisted shorts, halters, 50’s, polka dots and fruit adorned clothing.

East

GaGa done changed the game. In a world of stylists, worst dressed lists and celebrity-designer endorsement contracts, celebrity fashion has become predictable and too safe. Now everyone is scrambling to compete with GaGa’s stand out assortment of latex, hair bows, bubble dress, disco sticks, capes, lace masks and body suits.

West

Worst line: “I’m like a fatter version of Amy Winehouse and a skinner version of Lily Allen!”

Best Lyric: “You’re so gay, you don’t even like boys”

East

Worst line: “Pop stars don’t eat”

Best Lyric: Tie between -- "Russian Roulette is not the same without a gun / And baby when it's love if it's not rough it isn't fun”

“Find your freedom in the music. Find your Jesus. Find your Kubrick.”

West

Perry’s music is catchy and fun. She also has the vocal chops to sing live. While I’m not a fan, she definitely has no problem climbing to the number one spot of the charts.

Her latest video for California Gurls is ridiculously campy. At first I thought ‘Great. Another fergalicious video of a girl trying to be sexy on a pile of candy.” However, Katy’s adventures in make-believe Candyland are visually entertaining, even with the whip cream and cupcake tits scenes. (I get it. Straight guys will not listen to your music or watch your videos unless you are naked on a cloud.) I find this kind of degrading but the rest of the video looks like a Willy Wonka playground. Candy is my weakness.

East

GaGa has delivered some of the best dance anthems in the latter half of the decade. While her music is danceable pop with an edge, this lady has much to write and sing about - fame, love, obsession, society and fear. Her biggest strength in my opinion is singing acoustically with her piano. Pure magic.

Her latest video for Alejandro is dark yet beautiful. Steven Klein directed this video, which includes themes of religion and military control versus sexuality and freedom.

West

Perry has supported the following charities: Music for Relief, Project Clean Water and Keep-a-Breast – where she auctioned off her molded breasts to benefit breast cancer.

East

GaGa has supported the following charities: Alzheimer’s Association, Artists for Peace and Justice, Stand Up to Cancer and multiple other projects. Her most vocal stance has been for gay rights and for women. In the recent Viva Glam campaign against AIDS and HIV, she stated “We want women to feel strong and feel strong enough that they can remember to protect themselves. To have this lipstick as a reminder in your purse, that when your man is laying naked in bed, you go into the bathroom, you put your lipstick on, and you bring a condom out with you…There are no exceptions.”

Everyone has a favorite??? Check out the latest videos from Lady GaGa and Katy Perry.