The Beat of Our Drums: The Role of Community in Shaping Black Musical Success

Purpose - This thesis focuses on the experiences of Black music artists in the creative and cultural industries (CCIs) and their perception of community. As Black people are still faced with discrimination in their daily lives as well as in their careers, this research focuses on if, and how, community impacts the development of said careers. Although the CCIs are often viewed as a fair and equal field, the reality is far less glamorous. So, how do Black music artists navigate an industry that often marginalises them, and what role does community play in supporting their career development? This thesis aims to study the relation between Blackness, community and the music industry. It also considers the impact of intersecting factors such as gender and class, examining how their interplay may shape an individual's understanding and experience of community. The research question is the following: How do Black music artists view the importance of community in the development of their career? Methodology & Data - This thesis employs a qualitative methodology and a thematic analysis approach to explore the concept of community among Black music artists. The study is based on ten semi-structured interviews with artists working across a variety of musical genres and creative practices. Participants include singer-songwriters, DJs, rappers, producers, musical theatre performers, voice actors, and a studio owner, each offering unique insights into their experiences, influences, and understandings of community within their respective artistic and professional environments. Main Findings & Conclusions - This thesis demonstrates that community plays a significant and multifaceted role in the lives of Black music artists. Participation in a community not only fosters creative expression but also cultivates vital support systems and professional networks. These networks serve various functions, enhancing mental well-being while also generating career advancing opportunities and increasing visibility of Black artists in the music industry. The findings further suggest that for individuals from marginalised backgrounds, community often acts as an essential coping mechanism and a source of resilience. The results also suggest that Black women's perception of community is shaped by the intersecting challenges of racism and sexism.