Fan Identities and Practices in Context

<p>Popular music is not simply a series of musicians moments genres or recordings. Audiences matter; and the most ardent audience members are the fans. To be a fan is to feel a connection with music. The study of fandom has begun to emerge as a vital strand of academic research one that offers a fresh perspective on the nature of music culture. </p><p><em>Fan Identities and Practices in Context</em> investigates fan identities and practices in different contexts and in relation to different bands and artists. Through a series of empirical case studies the book reflects a diverse array of objects and perspectives associated with this vibrant new field of study. Contributors examine how fans negotiate their identities and actively pursue their particular interests touching on a range of issues including cultural capital generational memory gender fan fiction and the use of new media. This book was originally published as two special issues of <i>Popular Music and Society.</i></p>