The Concept of Scene and its Applicability in Empirically Grounded Research on the Intersection of Religion/Spirituality and Popular Music

Abstract

Research into contemporary intersections of religion/spirituality and popular music has much to contribute to the wider study of ongoing changes and transformations in the contemporary Western religious landscape. Together with new media and other popular cultural forms, popular music has come to play an ever more important role in how contemporary religion is practised, experienced, and lived. An increasing number of scholars have become interested in exploring the possible religious or spiritual significance that individuals may attach to their involvement in particular cultures of popular music. However, any such explorations need to be based on a solid understanding of the particular structural, musical, aesthetic, and discursive environment in which this may occur. This article argues that the concept of scene provides researchers interested in exploring contemporary intersections of popular music and religion with valuable tools for mapping and making sense of such environments.