"Every Place Tells A Story": Akriila's Santiago Is Unpredictable and Vibrant
"Every Place Tells A Story": Akriila's Santiago Is Unpredictable and Vibrant
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.
In this Guide
Cafe Doméstico
“I like to get a coffee here. I buy an ice latte and a red berry cheesecake. ”
More InfoBlondie
“For parties, from Thursday to Saturday you go to Blondie. They have very good special nights. ”
More InfoCosta Bright
“This barrio is cool, you can get head to Costa Bright or go the Bar El Bajo which is a more intimate.”
More InfoSantiago Karaoke
“It's not in the Lastarria neighbourhood, but I love Karaoke Santiago in Santa Isabel. ”
More InfoMisoya
“In the Patronato neighbourhood I recommend Bunsik and Misoya, both serve Korean food. ”
More InfoRamen 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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