Legitimating local music

This study examines the legitimation of local music. Critics from peripheral countries such as the Netherlands often tend to focus on foreign music products. However, the rising popularity among ‘omnivorous’ audiences and increased production of Dutch music, together with the competition in the Dutch media landscape for readers, might lead Dutch elite newspapers to increase their coverage of local music. These media are cultural intermediaries who signal the legitimation of music. Local music genres thus might succeed in establishing themselves, but little is known about this process. This research therefore studies the legitimation of three local Dutch genres that are traditionally seen as less legitimate: volksmuziek, hip‐hop/rap and dance music. The findings suggest that the increased amount of coverage devoted to hip‐hop/rap music and dance music between 1955‐2012 in Dutch elite newspapers points to a legitimation of these genres. Their coverage is also increasingly characterized by reviews, which also signals appreciation. Dutch artists occupy a central position in these genres and are covered equal or even more than their foreign colleagues. Volksmuziek however remains at the bottom of the hierarchy. An analysis of reviews furthermore shows that critics classify these genres using the criteria of authenticity and originality. Dutch products are additionally evaluated on their added value to the international music field. Products need to meet both the criteria of authenticity and originality to be deemed legitimate. Volksmuziek is consequently not legitimized, as it lacks originality. When products fail to meet these criteria the media attention is legitimized by their popularity, but they are not appreciated as artistic products in their own right.