Miguel Loor Paredes

Imagining possibilities for automated work futures at the intersection of music and technology - PhD in progress

The rise of automated, digital and networked technologies presents a challenging landscape for music workers. As music becomes more ubiquitous in digital platforms and services, so does its ongoing devaluation, making pursuing a career in this sector a risky endeavour. In this context, big tech companies and venture funds are increasingly investing in startups developing AI-powered music technologies, such as generative music software, automated mixing and mastering services, and ideation and composition companions. Accordingly, these emerging technologies transform our understanding of music and its associated roles. Thus, while it stimulates an uncertain scenario for aspiring musicians, it offers new opportunities for them both in and beyond the industry.

Therefore, this project will offer an exploration of how music technology practitioners anticipate and imagine what might come next in terms of the generation, production, distribution and valuation of their labour. By drawing on social theory to discuss how value is created and perceived in the music technology ecosystem, and visual ethnography and speculative methods to capture what is anticipated in the everyday life of the participants, this research aims to engage with musicians, developers and researchers in a multi-sited study in Melbourne. Through collaboration with participants, it aims to inform possibilities for a more equitable music industry and sustainable livelihoods for workers in this sector. Moreover, the findings may contribute to policy and skills development and design, concerning the future of work and creative technologies.

Postlatino is a podcast about contemporary latin music and shifting identities. The first season included 12 episodes with some of the most important artists in the Ecuadorian music scene.

Produced by Miguel Loor
Sound design: Camila Espinosa
Production assistant: Naomi Chalá
Graphic design: Luciana Musello

Since 2018, I have been part of SembraMedia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to increasing the diversity of voices in Spanish by helping digital media entrepreneurs become more sustainable and independent. I have collaborated with this organisation as ambassador in Ecuador, until 2022 and also as a consultant for academic initiatives (research, instructional and educational content development). Recent projects and roles include being the Latin America Regional Research Coordinator for Inflection Point International, SembraMedia’s Ambassadors Team Coordinator, and Project Oasis Europe Team Coordinator.

Analog photo series by Miguel Loor Paredes, 'Siete' was an exploration into identity, luck, and the uncanny encounters in everyday life.

The rabbit: Santiago Soto Gómez de la Torre

KARA SOLAR is a project by Fundación Kara Solar in alliance with the Achuar Nationality of Ecuador (NAE). In response to locally identified needs, this organization aims to build a solar-powered community transportation system for the Amazon rain forest that combines indigenous knowledge with modern technology.

Between 2016 and 2018, I worked in this project as Communications Officer. During this time, I designed and applied comms strategies and a crowdfunding campaign as well as the coordination of video and image production.

Kara Solar received attention from several international media outlets including El País, AJ+, The New York Times (Español), BBC, etc.

El Carpazo was an annual music and arts festival in Quito, Ecuador. Between 2016 and 2017, I was in charge of the communications strategy and communication team coordination during its last two editions.

Videoclip produced for Alkaloides. I listened to one of this band’s songs and told them: "¡Hagamos una película de bajo presupuesto! (Let’s make a low budget film!)”

Script / Directing / Editing: Miguel Loor
Production assistant: Marcos Echeverría
Editing assistant: Juan Pablo Viteri
Graphic design: Alexis Madrid

Videoclip for the Ecuadorian band, "Mundos". Roger Ycaza, band leader, asked us to produce a video with zero budget. This is the final result

Directing: Juan Pablo Viteri
Produced by Miguel Loor
 

This song was recorded live in Bogotá at Juan Pablo Vega’s studio. Vega is a colombian producer, composer and singer, part of the new wave of pop artists in this country.

Directing and editing: Miguel Loor
Production assistant: Loredana Ferese

Short video produced as part of the communication strategy for the 2017 edition of El Carpazo, music and arts festival in Quito, Ecuador.

Original idea and production: Miguel Loor

Live session of Squirrel Nut Zippers (swing revival band) at El Ejido Park. This improvised show was registered hours before their presentation in the music festival, Ecuador Jazz 2013, at Teatro Nacional Sucre in Quito.

Directing and editing: Miguel Loor