Originally from Colombia, Juan David Rubio Restrepo’s research interests include theories of the human; decolonial theory; media studies; cultural and ethnic studies; critical theory; studies of music and sound; ethnomusicology; and Latin American, Chicanx, Caribbean and African-American thought.

He is currently using multi-sited archival research and auto/ethnography in his current book project, which focuses on placing the music and figure of Ecuadorian singer Julio Jaramillo (1935–78) in a dialogue with música popular (popular music in its literal translation). In his own creative pursuits, he has performed at Angel City Jazz Festival; Festival Internacional de la Imagen; Festival Altavoz; and the Rock al Parque and Jazz al Parque festivals.

He is currently Assistant Professor of Ethnomusicology and Integrative Studies in the Department of Music at UC Berkeley.