I’m currently studying a Music Technology course at DeMontfort University in Leicester. I am required to do a research project on a subject matter of my choice. This choice is the birth of underground electronic based music, and how it starts, develops and perhaps with popularity no longer can be classed as underground. Before I can form a questionnaire for the research I would prefer to get your opinions on this subject. Researching the research I need to do if you like. General opinions would be great, plus thoughts on these points would be really appreciated, also feel free to bring up any points you feel I need to look at which I have undoubtedly missed: Why do we need underground music? How does it develop into a new genre? What outside influence is relevant to the creation of new sounds and ideas, ie politics, fashion, social surroundings, other music, attitudes of others: positive or negative? What equipment at hand is used to compose and produce the music? Does money vs technology restrict the creative process? At what point does an underground music genre become mainstream? How does a popular underground artist then become mainstream or become considered a “sell-out”? A lot of points I know, but with your help I can get an understanding on this subject which is dear to me as a composer/producer, and student. Feel free to raise any other points, also point me in the direction of people who influence you and, you feel I should contact. Thanks for your time. Dean. plutonic.pleasure@googlemail.com