A reunion with the album that marked the Chilean musician's 2020 debut.
Since arriving in the United States in 2019, musician and producer Fco. Chandia, from Peñalolen, has built his own sound that blends alternative hip-hop, indie, and nuances of Latin R&B. Today, he announces the re-release of his debut album, "SANTIAGO..." , with an anniversary edition titled "SANTIAGO... (5 Years Later)." The new release adds two previously unreleased songs and a new meaning for the artist, which he invites us to listen to.
Five years as a symbol
For Chandia, the number five is more than a marker of time. At five years old, he became a brother for the first time, a milestone he associates with the awakening of consciousness and the ability to take one's place in the world. "That 'SANTIAGO...' is five years old means that the album now has a mind of its own, it can speak for itself," says Francisco.
Although the artist has explored new territory in projects like "LA CARITA DEL DIABLO" and "A LA CALMITA," this release doesn't seek to modernize the original sound. It's the same album, with the missing songs. What changes is the listener, plus the five years. Over time, "SANTIAGO..." revealed itself as a profound artistic expression of the migratory experience of a young Chilean, grappling with long-distance love amid the social uncertainty of the 2019 Chilean uprising.
Two songs that complete the story
The previously unreleased songs "SOLOS CONTRA EL MUNDO" and "ÁMATE" were part of the original production but were left out of the final cut in 2020. Today, they find their natural place on the album. "SOLOS CONTRA EL MUNDO" portrays the feeling of setting out to achieve a dream, like a soccer player running straight for the goal; "ÁMATE" is a love letter turned song, a reminder of self-love in the face of an uncertain world. Five years later, these songs make more sense than before, as if they were always destined to return.
Gratitude and new audience
Chandia recalls in detail those who accompanied him on the original release: “They believed in a long, different album, released in the middle of the pandemic. This re-release is also for them, so they can listen to it again and ask themselves where they are today. To new audiences, I invite them to discover an album that still sounds relevant and make it their own.”
What's coming
Following this release, Fco. Chandia plans the rest of 2025 with one goal in mind: to communicate his message, inviting his audience, colleagues, and friends to his first solo show in Santiago, Chile, at the end of the year.
Release data-technical sheet
Title: SANTIAGO… (5 Years Later)
Pre Save: https://orcd.co/santiago_
Release Date: September 25, 2025
All songs written, produced and arranged by Fco. Chandia
Co Production: by Heartgaze and Kyle Walsh
Mix: Antonio Caballero (@centellamusica)
Mastering: Andres Jaramillo (@ahivieneandie)