Abstract

Cultural industries have risen to prominence in the economy of Montreal and other cities in the developed world. An important component of Montreal's cultural economy is its independent music scene, which has produced successful bands and receives international media attention. Members of the independent music scene are at least semi-autonomous of the four major record labels and associated production and distribution channels. By drawing on 42 semi-structured interviews with musicians and other key actors in Montreal's independent scene, this case study engages with debates on the social foundations of creativity by analyzing music industry networks and the place-based attributes of Montreal affecting those networks. Findings suggest that Montreal's music scene had its roots in the 1980s when musicians migrated to the city due to its low cost of living. The do-it-yourself attitude of the scene's founders coupled with a reduced major label presence has fostered a spirit of independence and solidarity among actors in Montreal's music industry, which makes the city a suitable incubator for emerging acts. Today, networking and diversification are the two principal survival strategies used by music professionals to cope with the challenges of the industry. Francophone networks are concentrated in Quebec and France while Anglophone networks are more international. Language-based cleavages within Montreal also considerably affect professional networks. Finally, music professionals in Montreal benefit from a number of institutions that facilitate networking and provide funding, expertise, and exposure.