Summary of the Key Points
This article argues that music is becoming a new identifier for urban identities, but not by simply replicating the models of Berlin or Nashville. Instead, cities need to combine their own history, spaces, and populations to develop a unique musical presence. The formation of a vibrant urban music scene requires both the right “soil” (such as affordable spaces and a relaxed atmosphere) and specific elements that facilitate growth (like record stores, live venues, and influential figures). A true music city is not sustained by short-term festivals; it relies on a long-term accumulation of creators, communities, and a supportive ecosystem. Music can serve as a starting point for rethinking how cities can retain young people, revitalize old spaces, enrich public life, and enhance creativity.
1. Music: More Than Entertainment, a City’s “Voice Card”
In the past, cities were remembered by their industries or landmarks. Nowadays, more and more cities realize that music can serve as a warmer and more distinctive symbol of their identity. For example, Berlin is associated with electronic music, Nashville with country music, and Liverpool with The Beatles. These musical traditions have bonded people to their cities—electronic music brings to mind Berlin’s industrial landscape, and country music reminds people of Nashville’s bars. The United Nations’ “Cities of Music” initiative aims to highlight the cultural power of music and use it to connect people with their surroundings, fostering a stronger sense of community.
2. Unique Urban Musical Styles: The Result of History, Space, and Population
The musical style of each city is shaped by a combination of history, environment, and its inhabitants. For instance:
- Wuhan’s Punk Music: Its vibrant punk band culture may be linked to the city’s industrial heritage and its adventurous spirit.
- Chengdu’s Rap Music: It is closely connected to the local lifestyle, population mobility (with a gathering of young people from various backgrounds), and a relaxed cultural atmosphere.
- Berlin’s Electronic Music: The post-industrial abandoned factories have provided the perfect environment for the development of electronic music. Similarly, Detroit’s declining automotive industry has created spaces that have become fertile ground for this genre. Music anthropologists emphasize that while space and environment are crucial, they alone are not enough; additional factors such as record stores, record labels, and active individuals who organize events are also necessary to build a musical community. For example, FRUITYSHOP in Shanghai’s Changle Road not only sells vinyl records but also hosts DJ events and small concerts, becoming a hub for music lovers.
3. The “Nurturing Ground” for Musical Scenes: Old Spaces Giving Birth to New Cultures
Music often emerges in less bustling areas of cities, in spaces that have not yet been fully defined. For example:
- Wuhan’s Vox Live House: Located in a commercial shopping street, it has developed its own punk atmosphere through years of performances and strong connections with music fans.
- Shanghai’s Changning District Workers’ Cultural Palace: Once a venue for employee activities, it now combines traditional functions with new subcultural events, bringing old spaces back to life. These places are characterized by their affordability and flexibility, allowing young people to express themselves freely. This approach resembles the “gray areas” in urban renewal—spaces that are neither completely old nor entirely new, providing opportunities for new cultural experiments. Such repurposing of old spaces preserves the city’s history while fostering new cultural activities.
4. Beyond Festivals: A True Music City Needs a Sustainable Ecosystem
Many cities rely on music festivals and star concerts for short-term excitement, but what truly defines a music city is a long-term musical ecosystem. This includes a community of continuously creative artists, live venues where small bands can perform, and dedicated music enthusiasts. For example, Shijiazhuang’s “Rock Home Town” initiative aims to promote local rock culture as a city brand by building this ecosystem. Valparaiso in Chile has improved its musical landscape through policy support and industry organizations. Music festivals are the result of a mature ecosystem, not the starting point; without a sustained community of creators, festivals lack lasting impact.
5. Music as a Key to Urban Development
Music is more than just a decorative element in urban development; it can help us reevaluate important issues:
- Can young people stay in their cities? (Are there affordable spaces for creativity and a relaxed environment?)
- Can old buildings be repurposed? (For example, converted into live venues?)
- Is public life diverse enough? (Do transportation options allow people to enjoy concerts without difficulty?)
New York’s “Food Forward NYC” initiative has successfully integrated issues related to health, community, and employment through food. Music can do the same by connecting talent, spaces, and public life, making cities more vibrant and creative. In essence, music is a tool for improving urban quality, not an end goal in itself.
The main message of this article is that cities should seek to develop their own unique musical identities rather than copy others’ models, using music as a means to make their cities more humane and innovative.