Personal profile
Biography
I am a teacher and research with an interest in ethnographic research methods; popular music genres and audiences in Latin America and the Caribbean; technologies of musical dissemination; lived experiences of the cost of living crisis.
My doctoral thesis conducted ethnographic research with punk musicians in Cuba, discussing aspects of national identity and political opposition. I also published a book, 'Outside the Revolution; Everything' on hip hop, folk music, punk and political opposition in Cuba.
I have previously worked at Newcastle University in the Combined Honours Centre and Music Department. I have also worked as a secondary school teacher and as a community engagement worker for Sunderland City Council.
I am currently working as a research associate on the See Me North project, working with Experts by Experience to develop more inclusive trauma-informed approaches to homelessness services.
I also make music in several bands, playing gigs across the UK and Europe. I am a fan of Newcastle United Football Club.
Education/Academic qualification
PhD
14 Nov 2014 → 31 Dec 2099
Award Date: 14 Nov 2014
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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As [Side A]bove, So [Side B]elow: Future Palimpsests, Cassette Aesthetics and Improvisation for Tambourine and Vibrator
Astley, T., 1 Feb 2026, In: Riffs. 9, 1, 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
'Do You Know What I Mean?’: Rhizomatic Biographies and Unbelievable Stories in Trauma Narratives
Astley, T., Lhussier, M., Bilby, C., Cooper, C., Kirton, A. & Riley, F., 17 Apr 2026, (Accepted/In press) In: International Review of Qualitative Research.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile8 Downloads (Pure) -
Ghosts in the Coalfields: The spectral geographies of post-industrial spaces in Sunderland
Astley, T., 1 Jul 2025, In: Cultural Geographies. 32, 3, p. 407-414 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile47 Downloads (Pure) -
Ours is a Strange Pornography’: Reflections on Performing Punk in Academia
Astley, T., 1 Mar 2017, In: Punk and Post-Punk. 6, 1, p. 41-61Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Three Moments of (Mis)Placed Identity Performance
Astley, T., 1 May 2017, In: Popular Music. 36, 2, p. 302-307Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Activities
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