The Production of Independent Popular Music during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Guayaquil City

Abstract

This work delves into the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Guayaquil's music scene, with a
focus on the adaptation strategies of independent music producers. Drawing on the concepts of musical scenes
proposed by Bennet and Peterson (2004), the study reveals how a traditional local music scene shifted towards a virtual
one, impacting various cultural circuits. The pandemic necessitated the migration of music production and recording
processes to digital platforms, revolutionizing the modes of listening and audio production. The study employs a
qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory research approach, encompassing field research, netnography, and
ethnomusicology. It offers a holistic understanding of how independent producers coped with the challenges of the
pandemic and continued their work.