ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the popular music policy research process from the authors' histories and experiences as university employees engaged with governments and music industries at many levels. It describes and analyses the entwined roles of academic/researcher/consultant within the specific experiences of the authors' own engagements with industries and states. The chapter focuses on the experiences of Shane Homan and Martin Cloonan, who have been involved in policy research of different kinds within Australian and Scottish contexts. It also deals with the publication of a Music Manifesto for Scotland and a review of the music sector in Scotland by Creative Scotland. Homan's involvement in the Vanishing Acts report and live music venue reform in the state of New South Wales (NSW); a music industry strategy report for Melbourne City Council and a music recording sector report examining the funding structures and challenges facing Australian labels and musicians are also discussed here.
