This paper studies authenticity and its relevance in contemporary Danish popular music. The basis of examination is the underlying research question of the paper: How is authenticity understood in the context of contemporary Danish popular music? In order to answer this question, we have implemented a mixed method approach. Through a sequential research method that incorporates both qualitative as well as quantitative methods, we provide a nuanced insight of the concept of authenticity.
Firstly, this paper covers relevant existing research and literature on the subject of authenticity within popular music in general. Furthermore, we highlight key points and branch out by conducting a survey of the consumers of popular music. Said survey highlights which elements of popular music the average consumer values the most. In addition, the survey provides an overview of the consumers listening habits as well as their demographic. To supplement this survey, we have conducted a qualitative study of the Danish music industry, in which we have interviewed leading people in the industry from the record label Sony Music Denmark, the venue Pumpehuset and radio station P3. In this study, we have examined the points of focus of the top people within the industry when selecting music. In this regard, we have focused on their attention to cater to the consumer, as well as other parts of the industry.
These studies form the basis of a theoretical concept surrounding authenticity. We present three types of authenticity – two primary types and one secondary type. The primary types are observed authenticity and individual authenticity, and the secondary type is reminiscent authenticity. These various types of authenticity provide the foundation for understanding who obtains the status of being authentic, as well as how they gain this status. In order to illuminate this process, we supplement the theoretical concept with a model for assessing authenticity, which we apply on two case studies based on two contemporary Danish artists: The Minds Of 99 and Jada. The practical application of the model becomes the foundation of the discussion of the validity of this type of model, the methodology of this paper, as well as the relevance of authenticity in contemporary Danish popular music.
Ultimately, this paper concludes that authenticity is still highly relevant in contemporary Danish popylar music. Through the use of our theoretical model, we have demonstrated that the value of authenticity is decided by consumers, people from the industry and music critics, as illustrated by the studies. This is in spite of a general distancing from the concept of authenticity, with related concepts such as otherness, originality, trustworthiness and relatedness obtaining a similar value.