Singer-Songwriters and Musical Open Mics

Marcus Aldredge presents an ethnographic exploration of New York City’s live music events where musicians signup and perform short sets. Drawing from multiple qualitative methods, Aldredge describes how open mics have etched a vital organizational place in the Western and urban musical landscape. Important themes in the book include: the tension between self and society in the creative process, issues of creative authenticity and authorship, and ongoing cultural changes central to the Do-It-Yourself cultural zeitgeist of the early 21st century.