Do it yourself … but not alone. How Portuguese jazz musicians do it together

This article explores the representations of Portuguese jazz musicians about the synergy (and asynergy) of the actions of different jazz art world actors. We analyse musicians’ perceptions about these actors’ contributions and impacts, both positive and negative, in maintaining and transforming the art world. We also explain how musicians use do it yourself and do it together practices to circumvent or add up to meanings created by others. Through this lens, we will demonstrate the tensions between different individuals and how a musicians’ DIY ethos emerges as a way of maintaining the art world whenever the remaining art players fail to secure their roles. We use data gathered through 45 semi-structured interviews to jazz musicians.