Sintija Brence

PhD student specializing in sociomusicology and politics of the 1990s Pacific Northwest movement. I have completed a Master's by Research in History and American Studies, focusing on sociomusicology and politics of the grunge scene and 1980s American hardcore punk.

My PhD research investigates American protest music from the start of the 20th century to the 1990s Seattle grunge scene. I examine the significance of celebrity endorsement in politics, the social value of music and the interplay between music and political movements, and its impact on cultural discourse. My research discusses Marxist and Western musicology and the importance, and significance of musicians transforming into political activists (specifically from subculture scenes). Likewise, I analyse the importance of economic, social and political environments for music and censorship throughout the 1950s to 2000s (Parents Music Resource Centre).

I have created documentary-interview series 'Close Focus', which discuss the production of photography and its relation to politics and culture.

More about my research, 'Grunge Included' interview series and other work can be found on my website: grungeincluded.com