Call for papers: “Depression in Popular Music” International Conference

Dates: 26–27 June 2025

Location: Sorbonne University, Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (iPLesp), Paris, France

Proposals are invited for the international interdisciplinary conference “Depression in Popular Music,” hosted by Jessica A. Holmes, Associate Professor of Musicology at the University of Copenhagen and 4EU+ Visiting Professor at Sorbonne University.

This unique conference brings together scholars from diverse fields to explore the creative impact of depression on popular music, against the backdrop of increasing clinical depression among young people and its associated social inequalities. By bridging humanistic and epidemiological perspectives, the conference addresses critical questions about mental health, popular culture, and the transformative role of music in contemporary society.

Proposals are invited for 20-minute presentations exploring this rich musical phenomenon from diverse interdisciplinary and topical vantage points. The aim is to bridge humanistic and epidemiological perspectives on popular music and mental health. Relevant approaches include, but are not limited to, critical perspectives in popular music studies, Mad studies, disability studies, trauma studies, affect theory, gender and sexuality studies, critical race and ethnic studies, critical public health studies, the psy-disciplines, and epidemiology.