Musicians in Crisis: Working and Playing in the Greek Popular Music Industry

Musicians in Crisis is a music ethnography of contemporary Athens, exploring the effects of austerity and socio-political turmoil on freelance musicians and contesting popular narratives of the Greek predicament.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Musicians in Crisis is a comprehensive music ethnography that delves into the vibrant and complex musical landscape of contemporary Athens, encompassing both the pre- and post-economic and political crisis periods. Spanning two distinct periods in Greece, the book offers a unique perspective on the city's musical evolution. The first section (2005–2009) portrays a time of relative economic prosperity and social cohesion, marked by a thriving local music scene. During this period, the authors, who have been actively involved in the local music scenes since 2005, conducted extensive interviews with Athenian music professionals, shedding light on their creative practices, economic strategies, and social ideologies.

The second section (2010–2017) delves into the challenging period of austerity and socio-political turmoil that followed the economic crisis. The book explores the impact of these unprecedented socioeconomic circumstances on the daily lives of freelance musicians, highlighting their struggles, resilience, and collective efforts to navigate personal and collective devastation. By drawing on rich and evocative testimonies from these musicians, Musicians in Crisis challenges popular narratives of the Greek predicament as portrayed by political and financial elites through international media.

The book weaves a captivating narrative that explores the intricate relationship between popular music, economic forces, and social ideologies. It sheds light on the ways in which musicians navigate the liminal spaces between East and West, influence and poverty, harmony and turmoil, creating a rich tapestry of musical expression. Through its detailed analysis, Musicians in Crisis contributes to the growing literature on precarity and resistance in the creative industries, offering valuable insights into the challenges faced by artists in a rapidly changing global landscape.

In conclusion, Musicians in Crisis is a must-read for anyone interested in music, culture, and the complexities of contemporary society. It provides a profound understanding of the role of music in shaping social identities and narratives, and offers a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of musicians in times of crisis.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367500252