About A-Style Media Matters:

The name came about as names often do, in complete lieu of any decently acceptable ideas. I wanted to make up something that would make it obvious how much media means to me (all media, from books and music to TV shows and video games), and also keep my posting options open to the whole of the world-wide multi-media entertainment industry. I needed to think of a way to explain how much 'frivolous' media actually matters in the big picture, while still letting myself be free to talk about a whole mess of other socio-cultural matters that affect people's live outside of the media industry.
See how 2 and 2 became 4?

This website is designed to chronicle my media review (mostly books and music these days), entertainment industry analyses, and the evolution of modern media as a socio-cultural influence as a whole. It primarily aims to fill the void surrounding academic evaluation and critique of the modern entertainment industry through a lens of literary validation and genuine psychological impacts on global culture as a whole. As a graduate student in the field of Media Culture and Global Communications, I mean to explore how media builds our sense of culture and why such 'empty entertainments' are actually humanity's most critical building blocks in out endless search for meaning.

Stories, after all, are what make  us Human.

If I do not have a review for something (be it a book, album, movie, etc) and you would like me to make one, please feel free to contact me!


I believe that media is the most magical thing in the world, and also the most innately human. It unites us all and can rewrite reality, and supporting that sort of Art is the most worthwhile thing a person can do.  
Find me on the Netscape:
 
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          I'm always on the lookout for new opportunities to interact with people at all levels of the global media industry.
          If you would like a consultation, or to enlist my speaking or review services, or even simply to buy me a cup of coffee, check out my Patreon or drop me a line.

          If you have any questions, or if you would like to review my sponsorship media kit, feel free to let me know!

About Me:

My name is Alexandra Swords and I am a graduate student at George Mason University, aiming for a PhD in Media Culture.

My Bachelor's Degree is from the University of Mary Washington, in the realm of Media Analysis and Intercultural Communications. I have a background of both practical and academic experience in music production, music theory, cinematic theory, literary theory and storycraft, and ethnomusicology.

I've spent time at Yonsei University in Seoul, learning about the practicalities of the day-to-day operations within international music industry and have studied the social effects of globalized digital media on modern culture.

Currently, I wear a number of different professional hats, especially in the wake of 2020's chaotic economy. I run the children's department at a local bookstore. I tutor students in grades 6-12 and undergraduate programs. I consult with parents on how to approach home-issues for children with Autism / other neuro-divergences. I guest-lecture at middle schools about the importance of media literacy. I'm a member of the Junior League of Washingon focused on projects to promote equitable empowerment through literacy programs. And I write stories, both original fiction and fanfiction as a creator on Patreon. 

I’ve spent time running the operations of an active radio station, I've even hosted my own bi-weekly music and discussion program. I've been a recurring chair person of the planning committees for various week long multi-cultural events, and I've been an entertainment coordinator, choreographer, commentator, and the Master of Ceremonies at multiple events.

I've assisted on the production of over a dozen concerts for artists like Krewella, fun., Icona Pop, Passion Pit, Matt & Kim, Taking Back Sunday, and the Maine. On these productions I've worked as a sound tech assistant, a stage-hand, and a human resources coordinator, as well as a promotional assistant manager.

My ultimate goal is to become a power player in the world's evermore integrated global media industry, as both a writer / creator and as one of the people who encourages a deeper, nuanced understanding of the tremendously far-reaching and profound affect of media on culture.