Cultural Representations of the New Wave in Yugoslavia 40 Years Later

Abstract

This study is dedicated to the analysis of cultural perceptions of the New Wave (musical movement) within the Yugoslav context in the past decade (up to the 2020s). The observance of a particular anniversary brings forth a multitude of meanings ascribed to the event through recollections and nostalgic narratives. Inspired by Bennett and Rogers' theoretical insights in "Popular Music Scenes and Culture of Memory" (2016) regarding "memory bursts" in creating and consuming popular music, the primary objective was to explore how the narrative of the New Wave is currently constructed. Through an analysis of various events organized in the former Yugoslavia over the past decade, revolving around the New Wave, this study aims to identify cultural perceptions of this phenomenon as well as to highlight its recurring and repetitive key elements. Each analyzed event received media coverage, thus making online sources a fertile resource base for this research.

Keywords

• cultural perceptions
• music
• the New Wave
• Yugoslavia
• memories
• narrative