Pop Pagans: Paganism and Popular Music

Studies in Contemporary and Historical Paganism

by Donna Weston (Editor)

Paganism is back and it's loud. Widely regarded as 'rationalized' out of the West, paganism is rapidly becoming a religious, creative, and political force internationally. It has found its most public expression in popular music, where it now influences singers and musicians across rock, folk, techno, goth, metal, Celtic, world, and pop music. With essays ranging widely across the US, UK, continental Europe, Australia and Asia, Pop Pagans examines the histories, genres, performances, and communities of pagan popular music. Pagan music has a history, one often connected with specific sites or places. Over time, it became associated with the counter culture, satanic and gothic culture, rave and festival culture, ecological consciousness and spirituality, and new ageism. Paganism has used music to become a powerful and transgressive force in everyday life. Pop Pagans examines the many artists and movements which have contributed to this growing phenomenon.

Genres: Music

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Donna Weston is Head of Popular Music at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, Australia.