The Music City: popular music’s “policy moment”

Abstract

Over the past 10 years or so, the concept of a 'Music City' has achieved considerable attention both within academic analyses and as an instrument of (local) governmental policy. However, hitherto it has attracted relatively little critical analysis of the sort which this article offers. It suggests that while the term 'Music City' has little explanatory power, it remains something worthy of academic investigation. Further, it argues that the Music City can be envisaged as popular music's 'policy moment' and examines the implications of this.