Why the blog?
I’m working on a Master’s project exploring the ways that current technologies have affected niche music. The number of people who become fans or otherwise involved with it; its impact on the ability of niche musicians, labels, etc to find their audiences; anything that may matter one way or another. It’s a broad field to explore.
Why niche music, and what is it anyway?
For my purposes, niche music is anything that’s not mainstream. Could be experimental or avant-garde as it gets, or could be the next big undiscovered rock band who just hasn’t hit the mainstream yet. Since I have more personal interest in experimental music and some contacts I can reach out to for the study, it may focus more on that.
Why technology?
It’s the focus of my MA program (Communication and Education) at Teacher’s College. The program basically explores the ways in which high technology is influences education and society.
I read Yochai Benkler’s Wealth of Networks book a while ago and wanted to further explore his theory of commons-based peer production; phenomena like the Linux OS and Wikipedia where people have been using networked technologies to create and contribute to projects that are essentially the opposite of the industrial model of production and distribution.
And the blog?
Just something I could use for notes, ideas, soliciting other’s ideas and feedback. Please comment and keep coming back if you’re remotely interested.
