Sonic Mobilities: Producing Worlds in Southern China

Guangzhou's popular music culture expresses the city's unique cosmopolitanism due to its openness and energy. Ethnomusicologist Adam Kielman explores the city's music scene through two bands, Wanju Chuanzhang and Mabang, that capture the intersection of the global and local. This juxtaposition is an expression of the demographic, geographic, and political shifts underway in Guangzhou and across the country.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Guangzhou, a sprawling Chinese metropolis, stands as a testament to the country's remarkable economic growth and abundant job opportunities. Drawing both rural citizens seeking improved prospects and global corporations eager to establish a presence in one of the world's largest economies, it has emerged as a vibrant hub of openness and energy. However, what sets Guangzhou's musical culture apart is its unique cosmopolitanism. As a port city that once thrived on China's maritime Silk Road, Guangzhou has long been a crossroads of cultures, hosting a diverse array of migrants who have brought with them their rich folk traditions.

In his book "Sonic Mobilities," ethnomusicologist Adam Kielman delves into the captivating world of Guangzhou's music scene, focusing on two bands, Wanju Chuanzhang (Toy Captain) and Mabang (Caravan), that seamlessly blend their rural homelands and small-town roots with new cosmopolitan musical connections. Through their music, these bands capture the intricate intersection of the global and local, creating a sound that is both instantly recognizable and utterly foreign. They seamlessly incorporate popular Jamaican reggae beats alongside lyrics in their distinct regional dialects, often leaving their audiences puzzled by the unfamiliar language. This juxtaposition, argues Kielman, aptly reflects the demographic, geographic, and political shifts underway in Guangzhou and across the country.

Kielman's work spans ethnomusicology, popular music studies, cultural geography, and media studies, providing a comprehensive examination of the cultural dimensions of these shifts. He explores how the conceptions of self and space have evolved in response to the city's rapidly changing landscape, highlighting the ways in which music serves as a powerful medium for expressing and negotiating identity. By examining the musical practices of Wanju Chuanzhang and Mabang, Kielman sheds light on the ways in which globalization, urbanization, and cultural hybridization are shaping the city's musical landscape, creating a rich and dynamic tapestry that reflects the city's unique cosmopolitanism.

Guangzhou's musical culture serves as a testament to the city's ability to embrace diversity and forge new connections, while also preserving its rich cultural heritage. It is a reminder that music has the power to transcend boundaries and connect people from different backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging and community that transcends geographical and cultural differences. As Guangzhou continues to evolve and thrive, its musical culture will undoubtedly continue to evolve and reflect the city's ever-changing identity, making it a fascinating case study for scholars and music enthusiasts alike.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226817804