Exploring the synergy between the electronic music industry and dance music culture

: the example of Lisbon

Abstract

This internship report discusses my traineeship at Ritmo Fulcral Agency in Lisbon between September 2023 and February 2024. During this period, I had the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the management, production, and dissemination of electronic dance music, what led me to select the contemporary dance music industry, its evolution over time, and the state-of-the-art in clubbing as the focus of my internship report. Through a focused examination of my internship at the Lisbon-based music agency Ritmo Fulcral, this study traces the evolution of electronic dance music from its countercultural roots to its contemporary commercial landscape. By delving into the historical, cultural, and economic dimensions of this genre, the research highlights the intricate interplay between artists, labels, and fans. A particular emphasis is placed on the role of independent music agencies in shaping local music scenes and supporting emerging talent. Moreover, the study examines the unique characteristics of the dance music industry, including its underground ethos, democratic structures, and complex relationship with mainstream culture. Through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates knowledge from the fields of Cultural Studies, Music Studies, and Sociology, theories of reputed experts on the electronic music industry, empirical observations and firsthand accounts from interviews, this report offers a nuanced understanding of the industry, its cultural significance, and the role of agencies like Ritmo Fulcral in shaping its future.

Date of Award	22 Jan 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Adriana Martins (Supervisor)