Peruvian-American singer-songwriter Alejandro Chal Salazar, known as A.CHAL, channels his raw emotion, multicultural background, and omnivorous appetite for music into plainspoken, singularly powerful statements. Continuing a new chapter in his career, the Peruvian-American artist shares “Walk On Everything,” his new video single. Written and produced by Alejandro himself, aided by visuals by renowned photographer Xavier Scott Marshall, the new song and music video are emblematic of the artist’s efforts to build a world that emerges from his two homes the Andes of Peru and the concrete jungle of Queens, New York.
Inspired by the “beach goth” aesthetic that animated some of Alejandro’s favorite 80s alternative music and by the fast-living iconoclasm of Argentinian soccer legend Diego Maradona, “Walk On Everything” is a dark, propulsive post-punk banger, built upon spindly guitar licks and a motorik rhythm section. Floating over the instrumental with mantra-like pronouncements, A.CHAL creates a motivational anthem, telling a story about stepping into the fire and walking out the other side.
“When writing this song, I was living in New York and getting back in touch with my ‘beach goth vibe,'” says Alejandro. “I was inspired by 80s alternative, and how the singers wouldn’t channel their ego: they would be vulnerable, and feel comfortable being vulnerable. They made that sadness sound cool. This song is vulnerable, but it’s not sad, it’s motivational. It explains my mindset as I make my way through the industry. No matter how I’m thinking or feeling, when I hear this song, it’s gonna make me get up and do my thing.”
Filmed in both Peru and New York, and directed by Xavier Scott Marshall, who uses raw Super 8mm film to create a sense of intimacy, the video is as propulsive and forward-moving as the song itself. The film begins with a shot of the artist running through through Huanchaco Beach in Trujillo Peru, where Alejandro lived in tent as a child (as seen in the artwork for recent single “Numb The Pain“), before transitioning to the dense urban environment of NYC, as Alejandro trudges through crowds before finding his center on a nearby rooftop.
The artist born Alejandro Chal Salazar spent years making his own way in the music industry, building an audience with his evocative, trap-influenced sound that produced hits like “000000,” “Love N Hennessy,” and “GAZI.” Now, after departing his major label and two years of soul-searching, A.CHAL is preparing to release his most introspective music to date, exposing all sides of himself. Earlier this fall, A.CHAL shared “Saico,” covered by Office Mag, which borrows elements from psychedelic rock as it interrogates his reckless behavior, and “Numb The Pain,” which bares A.CHAL’s soul using bilingual lyrics and a light reggaeton riddim.
Stay tuned for much more music from A.CHAL and expect his next project in early 2024.
