CFP: Music, Sound, and Politics, German Studies Association Conference, Arlington, 25–28 Sep 2025

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Jan 28, 2025, 3:36:10 PM1/28/25

Dear Colleagues,

Below please see the call for the Music and Sound Studies Network's sponsored panels for the 2025 German Studies Association Conference. Please consider sharing your work, and thank you!

CFP: Music, Sound, and Politics (Music and Sound Studies Network)
German Studies Association 49th Annual Conference
Arlington, VA
September 25-28, 2025

What is the “and” between music and politics? As a non-representational medium, music appears insulated from politics, giving rise to entrenched claims of apoliticism by German musicians. Yet, its highly “eventized” and affective qualities make music—and sound more broadly—well suited to political messaging and ceremony. This ambiguity remains evident throughout German history and culture, not least because of its tumultuous politics and (politicized) attempts to shield music from politics. The complex intersection between music and politics seems most active and intimate in moments of revolution and regime change.

The Music and Sound Studies Network of the German Studies Association invites papers that explore and interrogate the complex relationship between music, sound, and politics. Contributors are invited to consider both overtly political texts, contexts, and appropriations, as well as subtle, even unconscious politics of identity (national, sexual, racial, etc.) so germane to the aural landscape.

Potential topics include:

· Anthems, protest songs
· State policy, laws, censorship
· Anti-noise campaigns
· Music/sound in political ceremony
· Nationalism and national (re)unification
· Music/sound of revolutions and elections
· Ideology of musicians
· Aesthetics of politicians

Deadline: Friday, February 21, 2025

Please email your title and abstract of about 250 words and a short bio of 150 words to Jonathan Gentry (jgentr30 -at- kennesaw.edu), Abby Anderton (abby.anderton -at- baruch.cuny.edu), or Caroline Kita (ckita -at- wustl.edu).