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: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2020
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 music that reflects the diverse and dynamic nature of the city. 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 times of economic and political uncertainty.

In conclusion, Musicians in Crisis is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of music, culture, and society. It provides a deep and nuanced understanding of the musical landscape of contemporary Athens, offering a glimpse into the lives and struggles of freelance musicians during a period of profound change. The book's rich testimonies and insightful analysis make it a valuable contribution to the field of music ethnography and shed light on the resilience and creativity of artists in challenging circumstances.

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138615441