https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5965-6491
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ABSTRACT
This research explores the role of live music infrastructure and music cultural identity in building a city’s brand through a multiple case study comparing the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Montreal, Canada. We conducted 60 interviews and observed 35 live music events in cities known for their strong live music traditions. The results show a relationship between live music infrastructure and identity that affects city branding. Rio’s music identity has developed from grassroots, while Montreal’s is shaped by government-funded efforts. Our findings suggest that a favorable infrastructure and environment can contribute to developing a city’s identity over time. Our study also highlights that when a city’s musical identity is strong, live music can survive in the city’s neighborhoods despite poor infrastructure. We discuss implications for academics, urban planners, and city branding professionals.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1 Since our work focuses specifically on music as a cultural activity, we adopt the definition of culture as proposed by the UNESCO (Citation2001): the set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features of society or a social group, that encompasses, not only art and literature, but lifestyles, ways of living together, value systems, traditions, and beliefs.
2 It's worth noting that all the interviewees are individuals and hence citizens of the cities we focused on. For research purposes, respondents classified as « organizations » answered on behalf of the company or institution they represented.
3 “carioca” refers to everything related to the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, including the people who are born in the city.
4 Secretariat of Culture.