How to Cite Music in MLA: A Symphony of Citation Styles and Creative Chaos

How to Cite Music in MLA: A Symphony of Citation Styles and Creative Chaos

Citing music in MLA format can feel like trying to harmonize a jazz improvisation with a classical symphony—structured yet unpredictable. Whether you’re referencing a Beethoven sonata, a Taylor Swift hit, or a podcast discussing the evolution of hip-hop, the Modern Language Association (MLA) has guidelines to ensure your citations hit the right note. But let’s not stop at the basics; let’s explore the nuances, the controversies, and the creative possibilities of citing music in academic writing.

The Basics: How to Cite Music in MLA

Before diving into the complexities, let’s start with the fundamentals. MLA citations for music depend on the format of the source: a song, an album, a live performance, or even a music video. Here’s a breakdown:

  1. Citing a Song from an Album

    • Format:
      Artist’s Last Name, First Name. “Song Title.” Album Title, Record Label, Year.
    • Example:
      Swift, Taylor. “All Too Well.” Red, Big Machine Records, 2012.

  2. Citing an Entire Album

    • Format:
      Artist’s Last Name, First Name. Album Title. Record Label, Year.
    • Example:
      Lamar, Kendrick. To Pimp a Butterfly. Top Dawg Entertainment, 2015.

  3. Citing a Live Performance

    • Format:
      Artist’s Last Name, First Name. Performance Title. Venue, City, Date.
    • Example:
      BTS. Permission to Dance on Stage. SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, 27 Nov. 2021.

  4. Citing a Music Video

    • Format:
      Artist’s Last Name, First Name. “Video Title.” Website Name, uploaded by Uploader, Date, URL.
    • Example:
      Grande, Ariana. “Thank U, Next.” YouTube, uploaded by Ariana Grande, 30 Nov. 2018, www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl1aHhXnN1k.

The Nuances: When Music Defies Structure

Music is an art form that often resists categorization, and so do its citations. What happens when you’re citing a remix, a cover, or a collaborative piece? Here’s where things get interesting:

  1. Citing a Remix or Cover

    • If you’re citing a remix, include the original artist and the remixer.
      Example:
      The Weeknd. “Blinding Lights (Chromatics Remix).” After Hours, remixed by Chromatics, XO Records, 2020.

    • For a cover, credit the performing artist but acknowledge the original creator.
      Example:
      Cyrus, Miley. “Jolene.” Originally performed by Dolly Parton, Backyard Sessions, RCA Records, 2012.

  2. Citing Collaborative Works

    • When multiple artists contribute to a song, list them in the order they appear on the track.
      Example:
      Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Childish Gambino. “MOOD 4 EVA.” The Lion King: The Gift, Parkwood Entertainment, 2019.

The Controversies: Who Gets the Credit?

Music citation isn’t always straightforward. Consider these debates:

  1. Sampling and Interpolation

    • Should you cite the original artist or the artist who sampled the work? The answer: both.
      Example:
      Lamar, Kendrick. “HUMBLE.” DAMN., Top Dawg Entertainment, 2017. Samples “Look Alive” by BlocBoy JB.

  2. Anonymous or Traditional Works

    • For traditional folk songs or anonymous works, use the title as the primary element.
      Example:
      “House of the Rising Sun.” Performed by The Animals, The Animals, MGM Records, 1964.

The Creative Possibilities: Music as a Multidisciplinary Medium

Music isn’t just sound—it’s a cultural artifact, a historical document, and a storytelling tool. Here’s how to cite music in unconventional contexts:

  1. Citing Music in Film or TV

    • If you’re analyzing a song’s use in a film, cite both the song and the film.
      Example:
      Simon & Garfunkel. “The Sound of Silence.” The Graduate, directed by Mike Nichols, Embassy Pictures, 1967.

  2. Citing Music in Podcasts or Interviews

    • When referencing a discussion about music, cite the podcast or interview.
      Example:
      Questlove. Interview by Terry Gross. Fresh Air, NPR, 15 Mar. 2021.

  3. Citing Sheet Music or Scores

    • For classical or instrumental works, cite the composer and the score.
      Example:
      Beethoven, Ludwig van. Symphony No. 5 in C Minor. Edited by Jonathan Del Mar, Bärenreiter, 1999.

The Bigger Picture: Why Music Citation Matters

Citing music isn’t just about following rules—it’s about honoring creativity, acknowledging influence, and contributing to a broader cultural conversation. Whether you’re writing about the socio-political themes in Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics or the mathematical precision of Bach’s fugues, proper citation ensures your work is grounded in respect and rigor.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

  1. How do I cite a song I heard on Spotify?

    • Follow the standard song citation format but include “Spotify” as the platform.
      Example:
      Eilish, Billie. “Bad Guy.” When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, Darkroom/Interscope Records, 2019. Spotify.

  2. What if the release year is unknown?

    • Use “n.d.” (no date) in place of the year.
      Example:
      Anonymous. “Greensleeves.” Performed by John Doe, n.d.

  3. Can I cite lyrics in-text?

    • Yes! Use quotation marks and include the artist’s name and line numbers if applicable.
      Example:
      In “HUMBLE.,” Kendrick Lamar declares, “I’m so fuckin’ sick and tired of the Photoshop” (line 12).

  4. How do I cite a concert I attended?

    • Treat it like a live performance citation, but omit the URL.
      Example:
      Coldplay. Music of the Spheres World Tour. MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, 22 July 2023.

Citing music in MLA is more than a technical exercise—it’s an opportunity to engage deeply with the art form and its creators. So, the next time you’re writing about music, remember: every citation is a tribute to the artists who soundtrack our lives.