Digital culture and music: The influence of fandom on musical consolidation in pandemic times through digital platforms

Abstract

This study aims to identify the influence of fandom on the consolidation of artistic success in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, analysing the behavioral phenomena related to the audience on digital platforms of independent artist Ana Cañas. The pandemic caused the cancellation of in-person concerts, bringing major difficulties for the artists. In the middle of this scenario, Ana Cañas achieved artistic success, made possible due the intervention of fandom. This research is based on qualitative and quantitative approach and is classified as a case study, using document analysis and netnography as research techniques for data collection and selection and analysis of comments generated from fan activism, around three digital platforms - Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. It was found that fandom activism effectively helped in the musical consolidation of the independent artist, but represented, above all, a political act of resistance.