"Spaces, Technologies, and Networks of Musical Creativity and Production in London’s Music Industry"

Supervisors: Michael Hoyler and Professor Phil Hubbard

FROM 1ST SEPTEMBER 2008 I WILL JOINING THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY AS LECTURER IN HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My research interest is situated in debates surrounding the cultural economy, creativity, and knowledge, with a specific focus on global cities. I am particularly interested in the relationships between knowledge transfer, creativity, and innovation, which have to date been rather ill defined for the cultural/creative industries.

My current PhD research, funded by a faculty studentship from Loughborough University, is investigating the formal and informal knowledge networks that foster creativity across multiple scales in London’s music industry. The research will in particular focus on how the cosmopolitan environment of London attracts creative talent.

PUBLICATIONS

Watson, A (2008) "Global music city: knowledge and geographical
proximity in London's recorded music industry" Area 40 (1) , 12–23

Watson, A, Hoyler M, and Mager, C (2008) "Spaces and Networks of Musical Creativity in the City" Paper in preperation for Geography Compass.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Watson, A (2006) “London as a Global Music City: Clustering and Innovation in the UK Music Industry” Manchester: Music and Place Conference, Manchester Institute for Popular Culture, Manchester Metropolitan University, 8th -10th June

Watson, A (2006) “London’s music industry under globalisation: Clustering and non-scalar knowledge networks” The Futures of Music Conference, 2006, International Association for the Study of Popular Music UK and Ireland, University of Birmingham, 1st – 3rd September