A Sociology of Sound Technicians: Making the Show Go on

Sound technicians are essential actors in the cultural production of live or recorded music performances, contributing to their meaning as technical intermediaries. This book proposes a model that includes various types of actors in different roles, all necessary to produce a cultural object, challenging the notion that artists should be at the center of art worlds.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 140 pages
Publication date: 24 July 2021
Publisher: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden

In the realm of cultural sociology, art, and particularly music, has been perceived as a collective endeavor, intricately woven with the involvement of diverse actors and technicians. While technicians have often been relegated to the role of "support personnel," their impact on the meaning and significance of cultural productions has been underestimated. This book takes a fresh perspective by examining sound technicians as technical intermediaries, recognizing their autonomy as active agents in the realm of cultural production. It explores their multifaceted contributions to the meaning of live or recorded music performances, positioning them as integral components of interaction rituals.

Through this analytical lens, the book challenges the conventional notion that artists should be positioned at the center of art worlds. Instead, it proposes a comprehensive model that encompasses a diverse range of actors, each playing distinct roles, in the creation of cultural objects. This model recognizes the essentiality of technicians, producers, distributors, and consumers, among others, in the intricate tapestry of artistic production.

By acknowledging the diverse roles and contributions of these actors, the book offers a valuable insight into the complex dynamics of cultural production. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration, synergy, and the collective effort in shaping the meaning and impact of artistic endeavors. It encourages artists, technicians, and all stakeholders involved in the creative process to embrace a broader perspective, recognizing the interdependence and interconnectedness of various actors in the production of cultural objects.

In conclusion, this book provides a groundbreaking exploration of sound technicians as technical intermediaries, challenging the traditional hierarchies and highlighting the vital role of technicians in the realm of cultural production. It offers a compelling argument for a more inclusive and interdisciplinary approach to art, one that recognizes the diverse contributions of all actors and seeks to foster collaboration and creativity in the pursuit of artistic excellence.

Weight: 233g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783658330286
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021