By José Gandue @Gandour
Here we have a good example of what an independent musician is, with self-management as their motto. His name is Diego Robles, He resides in Santiago, Chile, and, apart from being the keyboardist of the band Jota Lobo, Since 2015 he has had his solo project, where, when recording, he self-produces and plays all the instruments that sound in his songs and, incidentally, has created his own record label, Telepathic Records, to promote everything related to her career. She recently released her new album, From here to heaven. A compilation of finely crafted songs, which can be labelled within indie pop, with notable electronic sounds that create a pleasant and particular atmosphere. Robles is currently promoting herself in various media outlets. Here's our conversation:
What does your solo project sound like?
They are pop songs but with an electronic and more experimental approach
What do you feel distinguishes you from others?
I think there are few people who produce a nine-song album from composition to mastering entirely on their own.
Did you do it that way for economic reasons or because you felt that no one else would better understand what you wanted to express?
Mainly for the enjoyment of the challenge and the learning. For the experience and the satisfaction of achieving it.
And is the satisfaction achieved complete?
Absolutely, but I really want to make more music (laughs). And I'm currently working on new collaborative projects. I enjoy both approaches.
Speaking of new music: I see you created your own label, Telépata Records. Is this an independent business venture or simply about putting your own brand on how you make and distribute your music?
I didn't create it alone. I'm working with a team of friends from various areas related to music and visual arts. The idea is to work as a collective to promote our work and also to manage events with a full line-up and to record these events.
What projects do you have in mind, apart from supporting you in your career development?
Managing and promoting concerts and parties, first in Chile, and then abroad, as far as we can go. That's one thing. Another is working collaboratively on audiovisual projects. Integrating more projects into the label as well, finding people with a shared vision.
How do you see the current state of Chilean music?
Very interesting. I really enjoy attending events and I'm generally satisfied with the experience. There's a strong boom in electronic music right now, and I like that. But I'm not really a fan of the current Chilean mainstream; I consider the independent scene more organic and genuine.
What Chilean music projects do you recommend discovering?
Bronko Yotte, Javier Barría, Kinética, Rubio, Unstable Systems, Lovshai
Finally, what's next for you in the short and medium term?
In June, I'm releasing my live album with the label's lineup (Sebastian Carvallo, Solomon Demian, Tria). We're also working on an album with Jota Lobo, my side project, and a duo project is coming soon, with a single being released in the next few months. And I'll continue performing live alongside the album production.
