"Every Place Tells A Story": Akriila's Santiago Is Unpredictable and Vibrant

akrii

"Every Place Tells A Story": Akriila's Santiago Is Unpredictable and Vibrant

akri
Akriila

Santiago is a cacophony of sounds, places and influences, heard most evidently through the new-gen artists creating a fresh soundtrack to the city they've grown up in.

The soundscapes that characterise Akriila's 2024 debut, epistolares, are layered and complex; a web of reggaeton, plugg, trap, drum and bass and pure noise mashed together under the assured drawl of her distinctive rap style.

Born and raised in Maipu, a neighbourhood in the west of the Santiago, Akrii credits the Chilean capital as a core part of her sound: "Santiago has influenced my work. I’ve always been used to music sung in Spanish and knowing the importance to support and reference local artists."

She cites 90s hip hop acts like Anita Tijoux to recent trap and younger Chilean urban stars like Gianluca and Princesa Alba as key influences to her music. She's also explored beyond her familiar circles, adding an experimental edge to output. "I come from a family of teachers with artistic hobbies, who always taught me to find inspiration outside of my life. That’s why the city and places I go are important to me. Everything creates stories.”

Describing her home city as "unpredictable, diverse and vibrant", she reveals her favourite Santiago spots below.

alemeda

    Alameda

    I always go to play pool in Bar Alameda with my football team.

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    Cafe Doméstico

    I like to get a coffee here. I buy an ice latte and a red berry cheesecake.

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    Blondie

    For parties, from Thursday to Saturday you go to Blondie. They have very good special nights.

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    pasta

      irrev3rente

      For lunch, any pasta in @irrev3rente

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      Costa Bright

      This barrio is cool, you can get head to Costa Bright or go the Bar El Bajo which is a more intimate.

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      Santiago Karaoke

      It's not in the Lastarria neighbourhood, but I love Karaoke Santiago in Santa Isabel.

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      Misoya

      In the Patronato neighbourhood I recommend Bunsik and Misoya, both serve Korean food.

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      Ramen Kintaro

      I recommend Kintaro which is at the front of Bellas Artes metro station. I don't have a favourite restaurant to be honest, but this is one I go to. I love the ramen

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      El Túnel

      If you want to party after 11pm from Tuesday to Fridays, go to Túnel. They'll serve you drink that'll get you flipped.

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      Baco

      If it's a special occasion, I'll go to Baco. It's one of my favourite places to get dinner.

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