TRYO

Even before they’d recorded a note of music, TRYO (Chile) found themselves opening for prog royalty Yes at the prestigious Quinta Vergara Amphitheater in the coastal city of Viña del Mar. “It was a big honour!” beams band manager Ignacio Carvajal, who acts as translator for his charges. It was also the culmination of seven years’ hard work. Formed in 1987 in the Chilean city Valparaíso by brothers Ismael and Francisco Cortez on guitars and bass respectively and drummer Felix Carbonne (recently replaced by his protégé Felipe Baldrich), the group initially found success on the college circuit before releasing their debut album in 1996. Since then, the band – now augmented by keyboardist Pablo Martínez – has released a further six albums, the most recent of which, //Suramérica//, was released earlier this year.

Pondering the motivation that keeps them going, Ismael Cortez says, “We love the music and the language that we have created together. We’re not just family – we’re also friends. So we try to have good relations not just within the band but also in our daily lives.”

Originally inspired by King Crimson and The Mahavishnu Orchestra, TRYO (Chile) have developed their sound to encompass a number of permeations.

“Nowadays, the band sounds more progressive, and with a greater rock fusion and more open to other kinds of music,” says Francisco. “From the beginning, it was important for us to be playing not only in an electric format, but also playing acoustic formats. And we’ve also played with orchestras and choirs. So we have a very wide range of music.”

Just as importantly, the band’s music is informed by Chile’s own music and cultural traditions.

“We’ve has always made music and art that’s influenced by our ancestors. Whether its costumes or colours or music from this part of the world, we’re trying to put that into every album,” says Carvajal.

“As artists, we’re trying to do something new with those influences,” adds Ismael. “So what we’re trying to do is to transcend as musicians. We’re not trying to repeat a formula to sell albums or be on the radio; our objective as artists is trying to create something new, something important and to try to contribute something positive to the life of people.”