Aesthetic labour in creative industries: the case of independent musicians in <scp>T</scp>oronto, <scp>C</scp>anada

Abstract

In this paper we examine the changing nature of aesthetic labour in creative industries. Drawing on a case study of independent musicians in T oronto, we argue that the spatiality and temporality of aesthetic labour has shifted as a result of technological change in the music industry and the decline of record labels. In particular, we demonstrate that aesthetic labour in the music industry has become more time‐intensive and takes place across a growing range of spaces, including the stage, the home and online. This paper contributes to existing studies in geography that consider the spatial dynamics and precarious conditions of creative labour.