Music Generations in the Digital Age: Social Practices of Listening and Idols in Japan

The act of listening to music in everyday life is complex and entangled in the digital age, especially in Japan with its vast multimedia idol and vocaloid industries. This ethnographic work examines the relation between music, generation, and society through various case studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 18 December 2023
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

When we listen to music, it is a complex and multifaceted experience that involves a range of activities and interactions. In the digital age, the act of listening has become even more complex and entangled, with participation, interpretation, circulation, and cultural production all playing significant roles. Japan, with its vast multimedia idol and vocaloid industries, is a particularly interesting case study in this regard. This ethnographic work at the intersection of cultural, media, and music studies explores a wide spectrum of music-related activities embedded in the daily lives of two Japanese cohorts. Through detailed case studies of teen idol groups and virtual idols, the research examines the relationship between music, generation, and society.

One of the key aspects of music listening in the digital age is participation. With the rise of social media and online platforms, music has become more accessible and participatory than ever before. Fans can connect with artists, share their opinions, and participate in online communities dedicated to their favorite music. This has led to the creation of a vibrant and diverse music culture that is constantly evolving and changing.

Interpretation is another important aspect of music listening. Music is a form of communication that can convey a wide range of emotions, ideas, and experiences. Listeners can interpret music in their own way, based on their own experiences, cultural background, and personal preferences. This can lead to a deep emotional connection with the music, and can even influence their behavior and attitudes.

Circulation is another important aspect of music listening in the digital age. Music is now distributed and consumed in a variety of ways, including streaming services, digital downloads, and physical media. This has led to a greater diversity of music available to listeners, and has also made it easier for artists to reach a wider audience. However, it has also led to concerns about the sustainability of the music industry and the impact of digital piracy on artists.

Cultural production is also an important aspect of music listening in the digital age. Music is a powerful tool for expressing cultural identity and values, and can be used to promote social and political change. In Japan, the multimedia idol and vocaloid industries are a prime example of this, with artists creating music that reflects their own experiences and perspectives. These industries have also played a significant role in the globalization of Japanese culture, with artists performing in countries around the world and gaining a global audience.

However, the digital age has also brought with it a range of challenges for music listening. One of the biggest challenges is the issue of piracy. Piracy has become a major problem in the music industry, with many artists losing revenue due to the illegal distribution of their music. This has led to a range of measures being taken to combat piracy, including the use of digital rights management (DRM) and the implementation of anti-piracy laws.

Another challenge is the impact of digital technology on the music industry. Digital technology has made it easier for artists to create and distribute their music, but it has also led to a decline in the value of physical media. This has led to a range of concerns about the sustainability of the music industry, and has also led to a shift towards digital distribution.

Despite these challenges, music listening in the digital age remains a vibrant and exciting activity. Fans can connect with artists, share their opinions, and participate in online communities dedicated to their favorite music. Artists can reach a wider audience and promote social and political change, and the music industry can continue to thrive.

In conclusion, music listening in the digital age is a complex and multifaceted experience that involves a range of activities and interactions. Participation, interpretation, circulation, and cultural production are all important aspects of music listening in the digital age, and Japan is a particularly interesting case study in this regard. While the digital age has brought with it a range of challenges, it has also led to a range of opportunities for music listening and cultural production. By understanding the relationship between music, generation, and society, we can better appreciate the value of music listening and work to ensure that it continues to thrive in the future.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 240 x 163 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789462985599