Argentina’s Bandalos Chinos on Their Steady Global Rise: “We’re Building a Story, a Career, a Discography”

In their recent interview, Goyo Degano, the lead singer of Argentinian indie band Bandalos Chinos, discussed the band's steady rise in global popularity. Degano expressed that many younger bands in Argentina and Latin America view Bandalos Chinos as an example to follow. Despite having formed in 2009, the band seems to have always been a part of Argentina's indie scene, yet they still feel like they are on the rise.

This paradox is largely intentional, according to Degano, who stated, "We’re not chasing the kind of exponential growth that defines the times we’re living in." Instead, the band focuses on building a cohesive story, career, and discography. The band's international expansion recently began with their first show in Mexico, where they experienced receiving gifts from fans at the door.

Before this, Degano had never experienced this level of fan interaction. This path to expansion was also shaped by the band's underdog attitude, as they struggled to gain recognition in the Argentine scene and had to carve their own path from the sidelines. This stubbornness eventually led to the band's 2018 breakthrough album, BACH, which marked the beginning of a successful partnership with producer Adán Jodorowsky.

However, as the band felt comfortable with their current sound, they decided to change producers and working methods for their latest album, Vandalos, recording in Argentina instead of at Sonic Ranch. Degano views this creative evolution as another form of expansion, stating, "Changing the way you work forces you to do things differently, and that naturally leads you somewhere new."

The band has developed a feel for how different audiences behave and what draws each of them to their music, adjusting their nightly setlists accordingly. Despite the long road to success, Bandalos Chinos have gained valuable experience in learning from new audiences without allowing those audiences to dictate who they are. This gradual growth has also given the band members the opportunity to learn how to support one another through challenging times.

The band's success has been part of a broader musical movement in Argentina, with other artists like Bizarrap, Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, Nicki Nicole, Tini, and Lali also gaining international recognition. Degano views these artists as the tip of the spear, paving the way for other alternative and regional music to reach a wider audience.

For Bandalos Chinos, maintaining their authenticity and being true to themselves has been the guiding principle throughout their journey.