Ones2Watch Home

Photo: Mowgly Lee

Alejandro Sanchez, known to a rapidly growing fanbase as Chezile, shares his new EP, Alē. The title is a nod to Chezile's childhood nickname, a name that carries with it a sense of nostalgia and personal history. Alē also symbolizes a journey, a transformation from his past to his present. The project is nostalgic and delves deep into the breakout star's emotional reservoir, exploring themes of isolation, childhood, nostalgia, and sudden changes. It reflects on Chezile's humble beginnings while contemplating the trappings of fame and trying to stay grounded in the storm of his new reality.

"I overly manifested this since I was young," reflects Chezile. "If I'm able to do it, I know for a fact that people can do the same thing I'm doing and whatever they want to do. I somehow want to convey that message through art and be a tool to help kids who were as fucked as I was, people who don't have influences around them to just tell them that they're fucking special."

The record opens with the atmospheric "Welcome," an intricate and textured instrumental that serves as a sonic introduction to the EP. It features foreboding samples, drooning and distant guitar riffs, anxious breathing, and warped, dreamlike vocal notes and messages. The sound collage elicits an almost visceral reaction, sending shivers down the spine as it evokes deep, emotional responses and a sense of falling into a spooky, trance-like trip. It leads seamlessly into the hypnotic piano arrangement that drives the following track, "Hotel," which sees Chezile dealing with the aftermath of losing what could have been real love. Realizing that he's yet again played himself, he ponders why he runs away from help and does know that he "probably should change," but that's a problem for another day.

The title track, "Alē," sees the artist reminiscing on childhood comforts and conflict, including memories of broken air conditioners and skating through patches of brown grass. It's a beautiful addition to the record that uses sunny instrumentation and vocal delivery to juxtapose darker, more complex experiences and feelings. Although the verses paint a picture of struggle, he croons on the chorus, "Everybody's friendlier now / Friendlier now / Friendlier now, now, now/  Everybody's friendly."

The album's closer, "Lady Bug," is a meditative and bittersweet finale to a collection that isn't afraid to bare its soul and its teeth. Dulcet falsettos and gentle guitar picking envelop the listener as Chezile pleads with his love to stay. He asks them, "Don't shy away too far/ I'll hold your hand, don't move on," sharing that he, "...fell asleep for too long/ One day you'll see it through love/ The mess we made is true love/ I'll make it up, don't say it's gone." Although the track contains bittersweetness, it also harbors a sliver of hope that the relationship can be mended one day.

Chezile's music is a profound narrative of his journey, inviting listeners to delve into his experiences and feelings. Chezile emerges as a luminary, a beacon of unfiltered expression and artistic integrity in a world craving authenticity. Earlier this month, Chezile embarked on his first headline U.S. tour with support from Valley Boy. The seven-date run hits San Luis Obispo, Santa Ana (sold out), Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and both Los Angeles and Brooklyn shows, which sold out instantly.

Listen to Alē below: