Islands in the Stream: Climate-related Disasters and the Rhythms of Caribbean Music

Introduction

For decades, Caribbean musics have seen unparalleled global popularity, becoming key to the region’s tourism economy. Yet today, Caribbean live music scenes are in peril, reeling from recurring climate-related disasters.

Importance of Music in Recovery

In light of music’s centrality to Caribbean tourism economies and cultural life, and the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related events, the stakes for understanding the role of live music in recovery processes is particularly high.

Project Focus

Focusing on three urban contexts - San Juan (Puerto Rico), Kingston (Jamaica), and Havana (Cuba) - I-STREAM will investigate the impact of climate disaster on the long-term rhythms of musical activity. This includes:

1. The location of live music
2. The frequency of performances
3. The content of musical activities in the Caribbean

Methodological Approach

Responding to methodological challenges affecting research in disaster contexts, such as the displacement of local populations and cultural spaces, I-STREAM will integrate ethnographic research with analysis of online concert videography. This involves:

• Videos taken during performances
• Uploading these videos to online platforms

This approach will allow for the analysis of musical and geo-temporal data on processes of change and recovery following the occurrence of climate-related disasters.

Community Engagement

This will complement participatory on-site research and input from local stakeholders, including:

• Concert goers
• Musicians
• Industry professionals

Conclusion

I-STREAM aims to shed new light on the changing frequency and diversity of live music performances. This is a crucial index of displacement and touristification following major disasters in contexts such as the Caribbean, where music holds a fundamental role in sustaining the economy and in the lives of local inhabitants.