Remix, cover, mash : remediating phonographic-oral practice online

Tens and sometimes hundreds of musical variations on and covers of many of today’s top 40 hits on the pop chart appear on websites such as YouTube. Generally, these music productions are made by hobbyists or enthusiastic amateurs rather than famous, established artists. Although these enthusiastic amateurs’ practices are often regarded as simple forms of copycat behaviour or easy ways to capitalise on famous artists’ success, this dissertation shows that such activities can be regarded as important forms of learning and experimenting. This knowledge is particularly relevant with regard to bringing nuance into the current debates on copyright, musical skills and online participation.