In this paper, I have tried to describe what a cultural transformation can be, using Austropop as a specifically Austrian example. For that, I first have rethought articles by Erward Larkey, Richard Wagnleitner and Gerd Gemünden. Their contributions and the critical class debates were necessary in order to understand cultural exchanges in a German speaking context. Going back in history and reconsidering the roots of certain developments can shed light on the reasons for their existence, as in the case of Austropop. Therefore, I have added a short history of Austropop that focuses more on the how and why than on its actors. In chapter three, I have analyzed a particular Austropop artist and compared him to his American 'counterpart' and pointed out the differences, similarities and especially novelties that came to life through a cultural exchange.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. AustroPop - a transcultural style and a product of cultural contact
2.1 The imaginary America – Cultural transformations linked to America
2.2 Short History of Austropop
3. An example of cultural translation
3.1. The Boss of America – Bruce Springsteen
3.2. Da Chef ausn Gemeindebau – Ostbahn-Kurti
3.3. Fire vs. Feuer.
4. Conclusion
5. Bibliography
6. Appendix I