Date of Award

2004

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Department

Communication Studies

Keywords

Music.

Supervisor

Machiorlatti, J.,

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

This research focuses on the political potential and value of Canadian independent music. Specifically, it aims to explore independents' place in Canadian musical culture, their role as a response to mainstream production, and how musicians experience their art as a political tool. Underpinning the work are two distinct, but related, schools of thought: the Frankfurt School and British cultural studies. This broad framework is narrowed through the use of theoretical discussion dealing specifically with the socio-political significance of music. To begin with, Theodor Adorno, Max Horkeimer and Herbert Marcuse are highlighted as cultural analysts, and forbearers of contemporary social critique. Cultural studies is then examined as a response to the Frankfurt School's totalization of the popular. Raymond Williams, Michel DeCerteau and Will Straw are particularly important as contemporary scholars of culture. Primary research consists of three interviews conducted with Canadian independent musicians (Wendy Irvine, Jian Ghomeshi and Neil Leyton). These interviews are examined through the lens of discourse analysis. Analysis indicates that recent independent music does indeed take on political significance, and functions as a concrete political activity by offering an alternative to capitalist modes of production, and a space for 'voices' which might be excluded from the mainstream.Dept. of Communication Studies. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2004 .S544. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 43-03, page: 0651. Adviser: J. Machiorlatti. Thesis (M.A.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2004.

Download

Share

COinS