Abstract

Industrial decline has had severe impacts for cities across the globe, resulting in massive job losses, urban decay, and high rates of crime, poverty and unemployment. Deindustrialisation can erode senses of civic pride, place attachment and individual and community well-being. As researchers, we are interested in how different cities have dealt with the economic, social and cultural changes brought about by deindustrialisation. In particular, we are curious about the role that popular music history and heritage might play in the revitalisation of these cities. Sounds of Our Town: The Birmingham Edition features contributions from Paul Long, Jez Collins and Sarah Raine. These contributions reflect on the role of music in the city’s history, efforts to preserve and celebrate this heritage, and how popular music relates to cultural justice efforts. The zine also features fieldwork photos from Zel’s time in Birmingham.