Jack Williams

During my time at university, I have had many interests in musicology, but my main interest has always been in pop music and pop culture. Currently, I am a 2nd year PhD student at the University of Bristol, researching the disco revival during the pandemic and how nostalgia and escapism influenced music. My overall interest in pop music tends to focus on music created or celebrated by minorities, however, I also find the concept of 'what is popular' fascinating. In my personal life, I am an avid fan of pop music and keep up to date with the releases from many artists, and I find this relationship between fan and artist interesting and would like to research it. My previous research has looked at Madonna's use of disco in 2005, as well as Black musical canon creation in the music of Lizzo and Janelle Monáe. I am also a keen follower of music award shows and find the institutionalisation of musical achievement an area that needs constant research and attention.

Research interests specifically would include; pop music, revivals, award shows, cultural commentary in music, music from queer experiences, chart music.