Satellite Voices

Santiago

Community: Astro

June 7, 2011

Chile's favourite psyche poppers release their highly anticipated debut album

• Text by Nico Castro

Chilean four-piece Astro are on the verge of exploding out of Santiago and across the globe. Although they only have one EP to their name, they have been very busy playing the live circuit around Santiago (including Lollapalooza) and traveling to other countries in Latin America. They're huge in Mexico, where their EP, "Le Disc de Astrou" was a certified sell out.

Things have changed since they emerged in 2009. The comparisons with MGMT seem a bit pointless and unaccurate as their musical palette has broadened to include more percussions and keyboards. They say that their debut album is going to sound a whole lot different. Satellite Voices spoke to lead singer Andrés Nusser about their bright future ahead.

Satellite Voices: What did you think about the great reception your EP got abroad?
Andrés Nusser: When we were uploading the first songs on the internet, we didn't have that in mind but we knew we wanted to approach other countries as well. The first ever edition of "Le Disc de Astrou" had a digital release in a small Danish label. That already told us that no matter the language barrier and the fact of being trapped by the Andes, some foreigners liked what we were doing.

SV: How different is Astro's sound now?
Andrés Nusser: We defined our sound better, you'll notice that when our debut album comes out later this year. We also started playing better. After so many rehearsals and shows, you get to know your bandmates and you want to take advantage of their talents. That's why we use more percussions now.

SV: What are the main influences you had writing your upcoming debut LP?
Andrés Nusser: While we were making the LP we were listening bands like Toro y Moi, Deerhunter, Ariel Pink, Beach House, Yeasayer, Broadcast, Bibio and some really "elf" stuff like Múm. We also love some weirder things like Friend (a band from one of the Ruby Suns guys). We also had plenty of non-musical influences, like the colour calypso and all sort of light blues. Postcards from tropical beaches and checking Bangladesh on Google Earth was very helpful as well.

SV: What are your plans for the rest of 2011?
Andrés Nusser: For now, we are planning to release our LP in Mexico and Chile and putting out a couple of videos. We don't have any, so that needs to stop now! We also want to travel a bit. We will definitely be performing at Rock al Parque (Colombia's biggest festival) and we have some shows in Argentina as well.

SV: What other local bands would you recommend?
Andrés Nusser: I think that Protistas has the best songs in the world and that Makaroni's live show is impressive.