ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that popular music artists can be viewed as nation builders who through their musical pieces, performances and discourses create certain representations and narrations of the nation. It investigates popular music, its creators and reception as a prolific site to explore how official identity narratives are processed, amplified or challenged through the artistic medium which surrounds and engages people in their everyday lives. The chapter analyzes lyrics, visuals, and online materials. It discusses the different approaches to the relationship of music and the nation. The chapter presents the case study of Estonia, starting from the historical context of 'singing nationalism' and the role of music in Estonian nation building. It also discusses the case of Metsatoll to illustrate how the band attempts to reconcile 'taken for granted' romantic national identity with modern, global music business. The chapter reviews the selected characteristics of the band's music, discourses and performances in the context of nation building in post-Soviet Estonia.
