POP MUSICIANS IN SINGAPORE : COMMODITIZATION AND ARTISTRY

Abstract

This is an exploratory study of pop musicians in Singapore about the aspects of commoditization and artistry. Different sociological approaches to the relationship between commoditization and artistry will be discussed, where the tendency is to view the two aspects in an oppositional manner. The means and ways which lend themselves to the process of commoditization will be identified and analyzed in relation to the social contexts involved. Similarly, when the local musicians reported or indicated a sense of artistry, the objective was to identify the conditions and processes involved which led to the experience of artistry. It was found that the aspect of commoditization and artistry were not in opposition for most of the local musicians. The research finding indicates that the existing guidelines and norms within the music industry do not act as constraints for most of the musicians, but as standards for them to strive for, where the guidelines and norms provide the means and standard for commoditization and artistry respectively.