Live Music Ecology
Live music is recognized as an essential component of urban culture, contributing significantly to both social and economic vitality. The literature emphasizes, live music "helps to attract tourists to cities, offers a sense of belonging, and contributes to a thriving cultural environment." (Hudson, Martin, Wynn) It plays a major role in the cultural and social identity of cities, creating spaces for community connection and enhancing the vibrancy of local life. Understanding live music's cultural importance leads to the concept of "live music ecology," a concept used to examine the complex network of actors, venues, policies, and social practices that sustain live performances in urban environments.
Live music ecologies are multifaceted, encompassing physical venues, social networks, institutional support, and cultural practices. Behr et al. describe these ecologies as including "live music as a material reality, a network of actors and organizations, a social institution, and a lived cultural practice." This definition highlights that live music is more than just performances; it is an ecosystem where venues, artists, audiences, and cultural organizations interact in complex ways. Each component plays a crucial role in the overall health of the ecosystem, from the availability of performance spaces to the connections between artists and their communities.
Urban policies significantly shape live music ecologies, both directly and indirectly. According to Lobato, "live music ecologies are subject to urban policies and political decision-making processes," which can affect the availability of venues, transportation, and financial resources. For instance, Whiting and Carter note that decisions regarding public transport can impact audience attendance at live events, while Homan highlights the importance of liquor laws, which regulate where and when alcohol can be sold. Such regulations have far-reaching effects on the ability of venues to remain financially viable. Ballico and Carter further argue that live music ecologies are often influenced by conflicting interests, such as balancing public safety with cultural development and economic growth. These policy frameworks play a pivotal role in determining the sustainability of live music scenes in urban areas, making them essential to understanding how local music ecosystems thrive or falter.
The way live music is valued also plays a crucial role in how resources are allocated within these ecologies. As Behr et al. argue, "the values of live music concern the diverse benefits and outcomes of this cultural form such as cultural, social, and economic impact." The value attributed to live music influences whether it receives financial and institutional support. For example, governments and local organizations may provide subsidies to venues or offer public spaces for concerts if live music is perceived as a cultural asset. This process of valuing live music is essential in determining the resources available to artists and venues.
Audience engagement is a key aspect of live music ecology. Christopher Small’s concept of "musicking" suggests that live music is a participatory activity, where audiences take part by "listening, performing, rehearsing, or practicing" (Small). This highlights that live music is a communal experience, with its value lying not in the ticket price but in the shared emotional and social connection created through performance. Behr et al. note that once attendees decide to participate, the ticket price often becomes secondary to the immersive experience, which is seen as "worth it" based on the emotional and cultural impact of the performance.
In conclusion, live music ecologies are complex, shaped by a combination of policy, cultural values, audience engagement, and institutional support. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for cities like Portland, where local music scenes face challenges from urban development and the rise of digital streaming services. A deeper understanding of live music ecologies allows for more targeted interventions to support local musicians and sustain cultural vibrancy.
The concepts of live music ecology and social capital are deeply intertwined, as the sustainability of live music scenes depends on both the structural ecosystem and the social networks that underpin it. While live music ecologies emphasize the interplay between venues, policies, and cultural practices, the role of social and cultural capital highlights how relationships and expertise enable venues to thrive within this framework. Together, these perspectives illustrate the importance of fostering both systemic support and community connections to sustain vibrant local music scenes.
