Music Authenticity is in the Eye (and Ear) of the Beholder: Perception of Cues and Intentions of Behavior

Abstract

Perception of authenticity from a consumer point of view is more important than the origins of any particular piece of music. The fields of sociology and consumer behavior have contributed to the body of knowledge for authenticity in general terms, and as a perceived element of music consumption. Researchers in sociology present evidence that authenticity is a communally and sometimes situationally constructed perception. For example, Uzelac (2010) suggests national ceremonies must be viewed as performance, not ritual, to develop a perception of authenticity. This is a temporary construction, however, because when the audience dissipates at the end of the performance so does the authenticity. The fluidity of perceived authenticity is also seen in how its elements are presented. For example, Scottish folk music can be framed either as banal tradition or contrived spectacle to stage a particular type of authenticity (Knox 2008).