Island Musics

From the sounds of reggae in the Caribbean to the dance club beat of Ibiza, islands tend to develop a unique musical culture. What does the music of Cuba or Trinidad tell us about the islands themselves and their inhabitants? Is there something unique about "island music?" How does island music differ from its mainland counterparts? Drawing on a range of diverse examples from around the globe, this book examines the culture of island music and offers insight into local identities. Island Musics examines the musical industry, music education, and the preservation of musical cultural heritage. It considers the role of "world music," exotica, global tourism, popular films, novels, and travel writing in constructing fanciful images of islanders and island life. Island Musics throws into question some of our most basic notions and assumptions about island societies.