For my topic, I have decided on the d-beat/drum&bass scene in Providence, centering around such venues as Firehouse 13, AS220, and warehouse spaces on the west end. I chose this topic because of the accessibility with it being local, so I can incorporate as much first-hand experience as possible. Also, I was involved with a related scene in Philadelphia, and I'm interested in how these similar scenes around this specific genre connect with each other through word of mouth and personal contact/travel (an idea discussed in the Music Scenes chapter on goth). The genre has a strong tendency to resist much of the web-based networking, and makes a point of it through gestures such as the band Lightening Bolt's "secret location" shows, that are quite accessible only if you have some personal connection to the local scene based around it. Interestingly, this effort to keep it off the internet is something happening in nation-wide tours of a somewhat well-known band. I intend to explore the various forms of communication regularly used by this community, and the origins of more centralized activity, such as the booking of shows, publication of flyers, etc. I also intend to explore the visual arts communities, often around public art that are so closely linked to this culture.
I will be attending as many shows as I can find (already have a few in mind) and trying to feel out the scene while making more personal contacts in the area. If needed, I may try to interview people in Philadelphia, and possibly use as a main example the veins of communication between the cities of Providence and Philadelphia, as well as New York.
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I think this is going to be a sick project. Providence is one of the better places to study this genre, and even aside from what I believe will be the interesting findings of the local subculture, the fieldwork for this will be great. Let me know when you're going to shows; I'd be interested to tag along. Additionally, if you want any information of the scene in Detroit for a point of comparison, I can fill you in or point you in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteAlso, have you considered extending this to more electronic music? Starting next weekend?
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Sounds great. You obviously gave this a lot of thought. It might be interesting to see if any other subcultures are adopting this under-the-radar approach in having shows be kept largely secret or if it's unique to D&B.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be studying the local electronic scene (focusing on experimental) and how it has been shaped by venues such as AS220 as well as by the student population. It's likely that our paths will cross in this research. Maybe we can work together, talk about our approaches or just hit up some shows sometime.
I am very interested in this project! I've been looking to DnB shows for so long... But it is so hard to find them if you don't know anyone in the scene. I'm also interested in knowing what d-beat is... All I know about it is that it is somehow related to punk.. somehow... But that is really all I know. I'm guessing it also has something to do with DnB, I guess i'll learn about it with you project.
ReplyDeleteIf you find any good shows to go to, please let me know. I am very interested in seeing how the scene is like.
Looks like your blog is already blowing the cover of the Providence D&B scene, at least where your classmates are concerned. This could actually be an ethical issue, so be sure to anonymize venues, locations, artists, etc. as seems appropriate! (If necessary, we can also password-protect your blog.) I think you are well-positioned to make this a great project.
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