“Listen while you read”
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when technical mastery meets fearless creativity, Chile is your answer. This El Paso-based progressive rock band doesn’t just play music, they sculpt sonic experiences that feel alive, unpredictable, and deeply intentional. With roots in metal and a love for math-driven riffs, Chile is carving out a space that’s as intricate as it is explosive.
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The Origin Story
Before Chile came to life, bassist Jesus Escareno and guitarist Nathan Levario were part of a short-lived metal project called Dri Wol. That chapter may have closed quickly, but it planted the seeds for something bigger. “I’d ended up picking up the bass around that time and was getting acquainted when Nate pulled me under his wing for this project,” Jesus shares. The lineup evolved, and when drummer Paul Dumond joined, the band found its perfect balance of precision and power. Influences like CHON and The Mars Volta echo through their sound, but Chile’s identity is unmistakably their own.
Instrumental, But Never Silent
Being an instrumental band means no lyrics to lean on, but Chile turns that into an advantage. “While lyrics can carry a lot of the emotional weight of a song, I think the music underpins and guides the story and emotion in any song,” Paul explains. Their compositions link sections through vibe and flow, creating a narrative that surprises without losing cohesion. It’s progressive music at its most immersive.
Controlled Chaos
Progressive rock thrives on tension, and Chile embraces it with intention. “Everything is intentional and thought out with this band, even if the ideas originally stem from an improvised jam,” says Paul. Their music may flirt with chaos, but it’s built on a foundation of technical mastery and relentless practice.
Walls and Breakthroughs
Every band faces defining moments, and for Chile, losing their original drummer was one of them. “The great thing is that we now have Paul who is a badass drummer that can take something, make it his own, and have it coming out the other side just as awesome,” Jesus reflects. That challenge didn’t slow them down, it made them stronger, more collaborative, and more excited for what’s next.
The Road Ahead
What’s next for Chile? For Nathan, the answer is simple: “We don’t necessarily go for a certain sound, but instead we like to jam and see where it leads. Would rather not keep ourselves contained in a box we can’t leave.” That openness to evolution is what makes Chile so compelling because they’re not chasing trends, they’re chasing moments.
Our Take (Let Down’s Thoughts)
John: This is the second time we have had the pleasure of working with Chile. Our first Live from Let Down was so awesome and fun that when we found out they were coming back for three more videos, we knew it was going to be a crazy ride! Chile has such a unique sound, and even though they only have three members in the band, they still manage to sound so full, and they tell a story through their unique blend of sounds. These guys know what they want, how they want to sound, and it is very apparent in their performance. Jesus, Nathan, and Paul are such nice guys, and I’m so glad they are getting the exposure they deserve. Doing these videos gives us a chance to meet new people, and we made a new set of friends with Chile. They just released their EP, and everyone should give it a listen and experience it for themselves. I can’t wait to hear what else these guys have in store!
Hexx: Every time I hear Chile, I’m amazed at how powerful a three-piece can be. I’m so used to working with larger arrangements in the studio that it can be baffling to me how good just three people can sound. I love their unique approach to guitar and bass riffs and how locked in their drummer is. It feels like controlled chaos that somehow makes perfect sense. I love throwing their live sessions on at work and just zoning out. I know they mentioned in their interview that their music lends itself to three soloists, and I completely agree. Even though each member is doing something different, it all comes together in a harmonious cascade of sound. I see big things on the horizon for these guys!
Chile’s past performance on Live from Let Down
