By José Gandue @Gandour Illustration Catalina bu
For some time now, and consistently, we have been talking about growth and consolidation of the contemporary Chilean music scene. We're not just talking about the wealth of talent we see showcasing their art and songs on social media and digital platforms every day. We're also referring to the excellent work of those who are building a business that has gradually expanded both locally and internationally. In Santiago and its surrounding areas, we can observe the work done by a significant number of independent labels that have strengthened the presence of contemporary sounds, primarily those leaning towards pop, rock, hip hop, and electronic music. One of these projects is... Beast Records, directed by Gustavo Bustos Mendoza. Bands such as Miss Garrison, Mantarraya, Portugal and even groups with a very long history like Lucybell.
We took advantage of a free slot in Bustos Mendoza's schedule to learn more about his company and interview him about his plans., the day-to-day life of music in Chile and its immediate future:
What sets Beast Discos apart from other labels?
To deliver a catalog of well-made, elegant pop artists who are daring and who sound and play very well live.
Tell me a little about the history of the label, what made you create it?
It started at the end of 2005. I was studying architecture in Concepción (where I was born and where it all began). I noticed that there wasn't any collective of bands, groups, labels, etc., in the city. One day I suggested to some friends that we create a label, and they all agreed.. After that, I continued on my own, always searching for new sounds and bands that have that spark you know are the ones that will work. Then, in 2013, I decided to move to Santiago, and that's where we opened an office.. There we met Planeta No, Fármacos, Miss Garrison, Portugal and continued working with Mantarraya, Niño Cohete and other bands.
The sound that the label explores is varied, what makes you decide to work with a band?
Their great live sound, their desire to work hard and dedicate themselves to music professionally. I really appreciate the development of artists in relation to their live performances. I think that's the essence of a band.. Beyond marketing, strategy, press, etc., the live show is everything.
How has the Chilean public received the label's artists?
Well, with some bands it's more difficult, which makes sense since not all of them have the same reach. But overall it's been very good. Concert venues are filling up more and more, and in some cases, tickets are selling out. Also, the albums have sold well both physically and digitally.
And internationally? What has been the result?
Also, the ones leading the charge there are Fármacos, Miss Garrison, Planeta No, We Are The Grand, and Lucybell, who have already filled venues in Mexico and Peru. And the same goes for their albums; they sell very well abroad.
How would you describe the current music scene in Chile?
A few years ago, the Spanish newspaper El País called it "pop paradise," and I think they're absolutely right; the work our colleagues here have done is tremendous. The albums released in the last five years have been of very high quality, featuring great songs that have toured all over the world.
Is this a phenomenon that is likely to become established, or is it just a summer dream?
It's become established; we see Chilean bands playing all over the world because things are happening. The summer dreams ended a long time ago in Chile. There are many bands that have done very well abroad. They release albums and play at great festivals.
What's coming up this year for Beast Discos?
New album releases from Planeta No, Miss Garrison, Fármacos, We Are The Grand, Colombina Parra, Yorka, and Arranquemos del Invierno. It's going to be a busy year.
Do you plan to include bands from other countries in your catalog?
Yes, in fact we already have one. They're called Pumcayó and they're from Guadalajara.
Have you set your sights on others?
Not for now. We're more focused on Chile, but we're not ruling out the possibility.
After this optimistic outlook you describe, this question might be redundant: Is it worth having a record label at this time when many say that music is no longer a profitable business?
It's a business venture, and like any small or large company, it can fail. I've seen doctors and engineers struggle and fail. Any job you dedicate yourself to can be successful. In music you have to be patient, publish and perform.