Self-made CD: Texture and Narrative in Small-Run DIY CD Production

Abstract

Small music communities like Australian hip-hop advocate a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) approach to music production and distribution, with the aim of empowering and personalizing music for both artist and audience. With the advent of affordable home studio set-ups artists have experimented in the creation of recorded music outside of commercial and industrial structures, often creating packaged musical products. Rather than detracting from the music, DIY packaging can form part of an operational philosophy for some alternative musical communities. The DIY creation of covers adds to the cultural value of the music, as the rough, 'hand-made' qualities of the package tie the music and the product as a whole into a narrative of its creation, which acts as a guarantee of authenticity.