Posfolklore: Roots and globalization in Chilean popular music

Abstract

This article discusses the development of the concept of folk roots, introduced by Chilean singer-songwriters in the mid-seventies, as a strategy to legitimize their divergent practice from the norm of folklore in times of military rule. The institutionalization of this concept with the return of democracy in the early nineties and its continued tightening from a third generation of Chilean singersongwriters and bands derivatives from theater companies, allow us to discuss the problem of folk roots in times of globalization. We propose the concepts of posfolklore and hydroponic roots, attached to the trend of Chilean listeners and musicians to incorporate world music to their artistic practices and consumption. These concepts would facilitate the discussion of the mixing of influences in Chilean music and the consequent proliferation of intermediate rather than hegemonic identities in contemporary Chilean culture.