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Looking through a record shop window    

Music on the street    Orange lozenge left    

Music is everywhere these days: on our MP3 players or personal stereos, or via internet radio at work.  More and more of us even have our favourite tracks saved in our mobile phones as ringtones. The revolution in how and where we listen to music has been matched by a revolution in what we listen to.  

Ten years ago popular genres such as drum n bass, indie and Alt.country either didn't exist or were seen as underground music, only known by a few select people. Not any more. Pop music still has its place in the UK music industry, as the success of the contestants on TV programs like Pop Idol shows, but we also have a thriving, creative music scene that is making great, innovative music.

A collection of colourful flyers
A collection of colourful flyers

Posters decorate a buildingwall

Flyering

With the emergence of these subcultures has come a growth in advertisements. These are known as 'flyers' and promote events at nightclubs, records and so on. The flyers are posted up on abandoned buildings and public spaces around the country.  

Posters announcing upcoming gigs

Not everyone likes them; some people see them as eyesores. But for others, they are a way to keep in touch with what new records are coming out, or which DJ is appearing at their favourite nightclub. Flyers are also handed out outside nightclubs.  Many people collect them, as the artwork can be excellent. Many students, for example, stick them up in their bedrooms as a cheap way of decorating their walls.  

More music on the street...

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