Born and raised in Santiago de Chile, he picked up the guitar at 17, inspired by iconic bands like Iron Maiden, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin. Surrounded by local musicians, his youth was steeped in jam sessions and friendships built around music.
During his psychology studies, a professor introduced him to Argentine icon Luis Alberto Spinetta, while a close friend shared the work of Charly García—two transformative influencers that sparked Cristian’s songwriting journey. This led to the creation of his first band, Gabinetes Espaciales, marking a pivotal chapter in his musical growth.
Today, Cristian draws from a wide range of musical references, from Gustavo Cerati to Steely Dan, weaving together thoughtful lyrics and innovative arrangements.
Cristian has lived in Germany and now resides in Spain, where even his cat plays a role in the music-making process. He is also the founder of Aragó Studios Productions, a music production company that organizes concerts and events celebrating the fusion of cultures and styles.
We sat down with Cristian to learn more about the artist behind the recruiter.
“I believe music is deeply therapeutic”
How would you describe the music you create and perform?
“It’s quite eclectic. I’m drawn to many different styles, and I always try to infuse my work with my personality and imagination. I see music as a way to decorate time, capture emotion, and, above all, create catharsis. I believe music is deeply therapeutic—both for the listener and the creator. I’m not a professional musician and have no formal training, but songwriting comes naturally to me, like a game. It’s music with the limitations of an amateur but the passion of someone who truly loves what they do. Listeners who enjoy rock, funk, jazz, and Latin American influences will likely connect with my sound. The guitar, which is my primary instrument, is usually central to my compositions.”
Why have Charly García and Luis Alberto Spinetta had such a big impact on you?
“So many reasons! They are titans of Latin American music. Like me, they started by falling in love with The Beatles. Luis was the son of a tango singer, and Charly was a classical music prodigy before discovering rock. My university years were a turning point—listening to their discographies was mind-blowing.
Charly’s courage, sharpness, and ability to balance rock with melancholy really speak to me. Luis, on the other hand, brings intellectual depth and beauty to his work—his music blends philosophy, psychology, literature, and poetry. To know them, I recommend starting with Clics Modernos (García) and Artaud (Spinetta)—those were my first favorites and I still listen to them today.”
Clics Modernos (García)
Artaud (Spinetta)
“Berlin is the Babylon of modernity”
What was your time in Germany like?
“My relationship with German culture goes back a long way. What truly connected me to Germany was a friendship I formed during a university exchange program at the University of California, Santa Cruz. That’s where I met the Bavarian Lukas Batzer – a psychologist, surfer, and writer. Together, we shared many adventures – from a skateboarding trip from Los Angeles to San Diego (roughly 200 kilometers along the US1) to deeply challenging experiences that brought our families closer.
My impressions of Germany are therefore deeply intertwined with the experience shared with his family. In Bavarian culture, I found something very similar to what I feel when traveling through southern Chile, a region full of descendants of German settlers: hospitality, warmth, and a culture deeply connected to the land and the joy of its abundance. The people are principled, hardworking, and possess a quick and refined sense of humor.
I was also delighted to see that some of the classic stereotypes were absolutely true: plentiful beer, postcard-like villages and countryside, and of course, my last Oktoberfest before the pandemic, in 2019.
Berlin was very different. It is the Babylon of modernity – a global and cosmopolitan capital. I loved its vibrant energy, its multiculturalism, and the high regard it has for all forms of art and avant-garde expression.
It was a unique experience—I arrived in December 2019, just before the pandemic. I started playing music with an American opera singer named Taylor. Our cover of La Vie en Rose was a crowd favorite. But when the pandemic hit, live music disappeared. Ironically, while I had moved to Berlin to focus on music, I ended up returning to psychotherapy. I was one of the few Spanish-speaking therapists in a predominantly Latin neighborhood, so the demand was high. It was fulfilling work and music had to take a backseat. Then I decided to pursue a master’s degree in Barcelona. That transition marked the beginning of a new chapter, both professionally and artistically.”
How has your experience been integrating into the Barcelona music scene?
“Fantastic. Barcelona has a vibrant scene, especially with the growing Latin American community. Many artists have come here in recent years, making the city a creative haven. I’ve felt warmly welcomed, particularly by the Latin community. The city is full of live music, jam sessions, and an impressive cultural offering. Local musicians are collaborative and open to experimenting, which motivates me to keep growing as an artist.”
Surely, with this multinational background, you must have connections with other musicians all over the world.
“I have musician friends all over the world, and quite a few of them are based in Europe. Among the Europeans, I can mention Lila Veil, a Georgian singer-songwriter based in Berlin, with whom I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating on a couple of concerts, both there and in Barcelona. I’m also friends with Laura Elle, an artist who moves between the same two cities.
“I have musician friends all over the world”
Some examples of my fellow Latin American migrant friends include Nico Rosenberg, a Chilean sound artist and producer living in Berlin. We studied psychology together and shared a deep passion for music. Another close friend is Agustín Perié, an Argentine musician, my partner at Aragó Studios, flatmate, and friend. We met a year and a half ago and quickly realized we had similar musical tastes and complementary skill sets, which led to a fruitful collaboration. He has a band in Argentina called Vermut, and they recently released a four-track EP.
Here’s my favorite track so far:
I am also connected with the music of my Chilean friend Paulo Gallo, a composer and guitarist who specializes in music for film and commercials, as well as orchestral arrangements. “
Which language do you prefer to work in?
“Both English and Spanish. Like the Argentine musician Kevin Johansen, I write in whichever language fits the mood. It’s a reflection of my life—I move between languages, so naturally, my music does too. That said, I tend to lean toward English, probably because the first bands I loved—The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Metallica—were all English-speaking.”
What’s your next project?
“I’m currently producing an album called Radio Rocafort—a collection of songs I’ve written over the years, unified by the concept of a fictional radio station. I’m working on it at home with my flatmate and producer, Agustín Perié. It’s a playful, genre-spanning album featuring collaborations with talented friends. Expect everything from rock and pop to bossa nova and ambient.
I’m also focusing Aragó Studios on intimate live performances at home, which we plan to share on YouTube in a Tiny Desk-style format to spotlight emerging artists.
I don’t know how the studio will evolve, but if I had to choose the aspect I enjoy the most, it would be its potential to create a sense of community — especially through the intimate shows we host for around 20 people.
Additionally, I’m producing two debut albums: Como la vida misma by OXI and Lo que no ves by Fegner—two promising Chilean artists based in Barcelona. Fegner’s album launches in May, and OXI’s is expected later this summer.”
Playlist
Now that we’ve gotten to know Cris Left a little better, let’s dive into his music:
Follow Cristian on Instagram:
Cristian’s Album Recommendations
If you’re looking for records to enjoy from beginning to end, here are his top picks:
Charly García
Clics Modernos
Pescado Rabioso
Artaud
The Beatles
Revolver
Astro
Astro
Daft Punk
Discovery