Stephen R. Millar

Dr Stephen R. Millar is a Lecturer in Anthropology and Ethnomusicology at Queen's University Belfast's School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics. His work explores music's role in power dynamics, conflict, and identity, particularly in Ireland and Britain. He previously held roles at the University of Amsterdam and Cardiff University. Key research interests include Irish republican music, loyalist paramilitary songs, and music's impact on social inclusion and colonial legacies.

• Education: PhD in Anthropology (Queen’s University Belfast), M.Phil. in Music (University of Cambridge), B.Mus. (University of Glasgow), B.A. in Politics (University of Strathclyde).

His monographs include Sounding Dissent: Rebel Songs, Resistance, and Irish Republicanism (2020) and the forthcoming Performing Paramilitarism: Music, Conflict, and Culture War in Ulster Loyalism. He has also co-edited volumes on football and popular culture.

Research students include Eoin Kearns (PhD on Irish traditional music communities in China) and others under his supervision. Awards include the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship (2018) and a High Commendation from the British Association for Irish Studies (2021).

Grants funded by AHRC, ERC, and the Scottish Government support his projects, including the COOL Music initiative and studies on sectarianism. He contributes to media discussions on music's political role and serves on editorial and advisory boards.

Lab affiliations include the Centre for Creative Ethnography. His work bridges anthropology, ethnomusicology, and cultural studies, examining music's role in conflict, identity, and social change.