Musical careers develop along particular trajectories as a consequence of the relationships that are established between the musician and the industry. This thesis studies the nature of these relationships and the manner in which they contribute to the development of a musical career. The dichotomy between the artistic concerns of the musician and the economic interests of the industry that informs many popular music studies is re-oriented in light of the economic interests that are inherent in the musician's pursuit of a musical livelihood. The importance of commercial success in the maintenance of a musical living is explored in the case study of Men Without Hats, a Montreal based pop band that has maintained a fifteen year career despite a lack of commercial success over the past decade. This study suggests that the maintenance of a musical career over an extended period of time is a consequence of the types of relationships that are cultivated by the musician over the course of his/her career.

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