Research Question:

How have Chicago’s  various music scenes shifted in popularity and strength from their birth to present day?

I am going to consider the following questions during my research:

Which individuals were fundamental in Chicago forming as a musical city?

Which neighborhoods/districts were important to Chicago in the 20th century? Now? Tomorrow?

Research Methods:

  • Interviewing artists, record shop owners, venue bookers, figures important in the scene (taste-makers, etc.)
  • Reading books and articles
  • Listening to local/street sounds
  • Viewing documentaries/interviews

Research Outcomes:

Transcribed/recorded interviews, weekly playlists, a solid understanding of the Chicago music scene from approximately 1960 to present day, written reports on findings