“OYE, nostalgia.” The hidden gem of Chilean alt-pop blows out its first candle.
- Ale Fuentes
- Aug 26
- 4 min read
Exactly one year ago, Temuco-born musician Cris Casti released his debut EP , "Oye, nostalgia," a hidden gem of five songs where electronic alt-pop, indie-folk guitars, and urban-Afro percussion all pulse together. Today, as he blows out the first candle, we sit down to talk with him about his post-release journey, his recent anniversary show, and the new music he's already cooking up. Here's the full interview.
How have you been feeling since the release of "Oye, nostalgia"? Was it more excitement or anxiety?
After releasing the EP, I felt a huge sense of relief. It was a project that had been brewing since 2020, so bringing it to fruition was incredibly exciting. At the same time, I felt a strong motivation to bring it to life and create visual content to go with it. Being an independent artist involves taking on a lot of responsibilities, and that can sometimes create anxiety, especially the pressure of being constantly active on social media. There were times when that discouraged me a little, but I realized that it's necessary to take breaks, disconnect from the digital noise, and take care of your mental health.
Expectation vs. Reality: What Did You Learn and What Surprised You?
I learned that a big part of enjoying this path is knowing how to surround yourself with people with whom you can build something together. I was fortunate to put together a creative team that, in addition to being talented, is made up of close friends. They support me in audiovisual, design, and photography. Although there isn't always much structural support for artistic creation in my city, there is an impressive creative energy among its residents. That inspires me to continue.
How did it feel to be back on stage last Saturday for your anniversary show?
It was truly special to be reunited with the audience. We hadn't played with the full band in several months, and we were eager to get back on stage. I was thrilled to see new faces and feel the same old support, that shared energy that gives us strength. I think it was our most energetic show yet; we even performed a new track that had me jumping from start to finish. It was definitely an unforgettable event for us and an incredible way to celebrate this anniversary with everyone who was there.
Is there a new single, EP or album in the works?
Yes, I'm working on new songs that could be included on my next album. I'm excited about releasing a preview of them soon as a single. I'm also exploring new aesthetics that go along with this phase, aiming for each release to have a strong and coherent visual approach.
Tell us about the art of “Oye, nostalgia.”
Since my beginnings in music, back in 2016, it was contemporary art spaces that first opened the doors for me to perform live. This marked my decision that my album covers should be handmade, like visual works. The EP cover was painted in oil by Jared Silva, a visual artist and close friend. He knew how to translate each song into a visual element. The Lada car represents the nostalgia and 90s identity of the Chilean working class and is directly linked to the track of the same name. The shadow alludes to "Silueta," the umbrella to "Invierno," the clocks to "Las Horas," and the water represents the emotional refuge of "Quise."
Who is Cris Casti besides being a musician?
Outside of the studio, I spend time with my partner, family, and friends. I also try to find time for leisure, and whenever I can, I play sports. I work for a construction company, where tasks are fairly routine. That's precisely why I need art in my life: to create, explore, and share from a more emotional place.
What have you been listening to lately?
This winter has led me to seek warmth in music. I've been listening to a lot of bossa nova, jazz house, and electronic pop. Some artists I have on rotation are Novos Baianos, Stan Getz & Charlie Byrd, Ana Frango, Berlioz, and Lewis Of Man. I want to highlight Willow's Empathogen album , which has been a real find. It's a gem I haven't stopped listening to.
Any anecdotes from when you created the EP Oye, nostalgia?
One of the most significant moments came with the title track. I had a clear concept, structure, and chords, but I was struggling with the lyrics. At the time, my producer, Diego Santiago, was going through a breakup, so I asked him to help me write. What came out was very honest: he poured his sadness into verses and choruses that fit perfectly with the melancholic tone of the song. It was a very real and collaborative moment that gave the track emotional depth.
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