Youth, Music and DIY Careers

Abstract

Since the 1970s, the concept of DIY (do-it-yourself) culture has evolved from a bluntly resistant statement of independence from dominant forms of capitalist cultural production and dissemination to a more nuanced expression of creative cultural practice. While such practice remains resistant to more mainstream forms of cultural production and consumption it has at the same time evolved a level of professionalism aimed towards ensuring cultural and, where possible, economic sustainability. In a time where the concept of the cultural industries has become commonplace across many regions of the world and where various attempts are being made to co-opt or suppress forms of cultural production based on their perceived value or threat to the status quo, DIY careers become viable ways in which to mark out and maintain DIY cultural spaces as both ethical and aesthetically meaningful. The articles that make up this special issue consider the contemporary significance of DIY careers with specific reference to young people and music-making practices in a global context.