Dave Wilson

An ethnographic study of musical practices throughout Macedonia, this dissertation research will explore the ideological and political narratives put forth by Macedonian musicians as moderate alternatives to nationalistic state policies and projects. By examining scenes of “ethno-bands” (folk-pop hybrids), jazz, DJs, and classical composition, this investigation challenges and complements existing music research on Macedonia, which largely focuses on practices of minority populations. Teasing out the subtle but influential implications of the physical and ideological space made by these four genres will offer insight into several issues: relationships between music and nationalism in former Yugoslavia, cosmopolitanism in post-socialist societies, and creative modes of subversively resisting nationalisms that dominate public discourse.