Proyecto Paz Miranda: Fusion and Independent Music in Valparaiso

This research addresses the case of the independent viñamarina singer-songwriter Paz Miranda and her homonymous project, described as fusion music. On one hand, an approach to the concept of fusion in popular music is proposed, taking into account its questioning in the academy and its expression in this local area. On the other hand, the Paz Miranda project’s relationship with the independent scenario of the province of Valparaíso (Chile) is explored. According to the above, it seeks to answer the following question: How does Paz Miranda help us understand independent local fusion? Methods combined the review of primary sources (web pages, previous interviews, social media) and bibliographic sources, with the conduction of an interview with Miranda. In addition, the album Desvelado Punto Cardinal and live presentations were analyzed. This research reveals, in terms of sound, that the album has the presence of jazz elements as a constant, including, in some songs, elements of Latin American music. Lastly, the concept of amiguismo, examined by Shannon Garland, appears as a key to understanding the development of the Paz Miranda project and other local fusion music, since these are produced through interpersonal favors, and the interconnection of musicians and workers in the field.