Journal of World Popular Music

Scope & Guideline

Connecting Genres, Cultures, and Communities Through Music

Introduction

Welcome to the Journal of World Popular Music information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Journal of World Popular Music, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN2052-4900
PublisherEQUINOX PUBLISHING LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2014 to 2023
AbbreviationJ WORLD POP MUS / J. World Pop. Mus.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address415, THE WORKSTATION, 15 PATERNOSTER ROW, SHEFFIELD S1 2BX, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of World Popular Music aims to provide a platform for the study and dissemination of research on popular music from a global perspective. It emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on ethnomusicology, cultural studies, and media studies to explore the diverse contexts and meanings of popular music in various cultures.
  1. Global Popular Music Studies:
    The journal focuses on the production, consumption, and impact of popular music across different cultures and regions, exploring how local and global dynamics shape musical practices.
  2. Interdisciplinary Methodologies:
    Research published in the journal employs a range of methodologies, including ethnographic fieldwork, qualitative analysis, and critical discourse analysis, to investigate the complexities of popular music.
  3. Cultural and Social Contexts:
    The journal examines the social, political, and economic contexts of popular music, including issues of identity, representation, and community, particularly in relation to marginalized voices.
  4. Impact of Technology and Media:
    The journal explores the influence of technology and media on music production and dissemination, including the role of social media and digital platforms in shaping contemporary music landscapes.
  5. Music and Globalization:
    The journal critically analyzes the processes of globalization as they pertain to music, investigating how cultural exchanges and hybridization occur within the realm of popular music.
Recent publications in the Journal of World Popular Music have highlighted several emerging themes that reflect contemporary issues and shifts within the field. These trends indicate a growing interest in the ways popular music interacts with societal challenges and cultural transformations.
  1. Impact of COVID-19 on Music:
    A significant number of recent articles address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on music communities, events, and practices, highlighting how artists and audiences have adapted to unprecedented challenges.
  2. Digital and Online Music Practices:
    There is an increasing focus on digital music practices, including online performances and the role of social media in music dissemination, reflecting the changing landscape of how music is created and experienced.
  3. Gender and Representation in Music:
    Emerging discussions around gender balance and representation in music festivals and scenes indicate a growing awareness and critique of gender dynamics within the industry.
  4. Migration and Transnational Influences:
    Research on migration patterns and their influence on music production and identity formation is gaining traction, reflecting broader discussions of globalization and cultural exchange.
  5. Sustainability and Cultural Resilience:
    The journal is increasingly addressing themes of sustainability in music practices, particularly in the context of cultural resilience during crises, such as the pandemic.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of World Popular Music continues to evolve, certain themes have become less prominent in recent publications. This decline may reflect shifting interests in the field or broader changes in the music industry and cultural landscape.
  1. Traditional Music Forms:
    There has been a noticeable decline in the exploration of traditional music forms, as the focus shifts towards contemporary popular music and its intersections with global trends.
  2. Historical Music Analysis:
    Research centered on historical analyses of specific genres or movements has waned, with more emphasis placed on current practices and emergent trends in popular music.
  3. Local Music Scenes in Isolation:
    While local music scenes were previously a focus, particularly in pre-pandemic studies, the current trend shows a pivot towards examining the global interconnectedness and responses to crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

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