VIP No.3 / 2023 Interview with Los Petit Fellas

We spoke with Sebastián Panesso of Los Petit Fellas, one of the biggest bands on the streets of Bogotá, and asked him about their upcoming show on May 26th, the importance of this concert for them, their relationship with their fans, and much more.

1. May 26th is a date etched in the memory of Los Petit Fellas, not only because of their upcoming show, but also because it marks a significant anniversary of their career. What was that concert like 10 years ago? We'd love to hear details about that debut in their hometown of Bogotá.

On May 26, 2012, a LosPetitFellas show was advertised on a flyer for the first time as LosPetitFellas. We had played in other cities before. The 26th was the first time we performed as LosPetitFellas. I remember it was a typical Bogotá night: clear, cold, with a warm atmosphere. The venue was Anónimo Bar, and without much fanfare, LosPetitFellas put on this show.

A few hundred people showed up, the walls were sweating, the lighting was minimal, everything was very Anónimo. The setlist was 1 hour and 20 minutes long. It was an incredible day. That day, LosPetitFellas, as LosPetitFellas, did something very important for the city: to be born and perform a show of love, packed with people, overflowing with joy. It's beautiful to remember that day.

2. A whole decade has passed since then, and you've established yourselves as one of Bogotá's most important bands. What was that key moment for you during all this time?

I think there are many moments in LosPetitFellas' career and history. The word "key" is crucial and pivotal, but when "Antes de Morir" from our first album was released, it was incredibly important for Bogotá and Colombia. That song spread to many places because Denise Gutierrez and I made a song without much expectation; we really didn't know what would happen with it. That moment is so important because it changes everything.

I could also say that with each show, LosPetitFellas have tightened the screws a little more to make this machine better and better. Every town, every city that hosts us, the biggest festivals, and even our own city gives us ideas for new formats and very different ways of doing shows. The 2017 Picnic was another moment when we realized how much we had grown; we witnessed a transition.

3. Well, along with you at Chamorro City Hall comes Combo Saoco, a special format that redefines your music. Tell us details about what we can expect from Combo Saoco on May 26th.

On May 26th, LosPetitFellas and their Combo Saoco will present a special, unique format. This format consists of seven wind instruments, a classical string quartet, choirs, Latin percussion, symphonic percussion, the band and guests, not to mention the onstage acts, the visual narrative, the lighting design, and the overall concept of this show—all specifically designed for this concert.

They will perform their most well-known songs, as well as selections from their latest album, along with a unique approach to experiencing them live. On May 26th, LosPetitFellas and Combo Saoco want to show the public the art in all its many dimensions that a show can have. Chamorro City Hall will host a truly beautiful show, filled with the energy, the lyrics, the joy, and the way we like our shows to unfold. It will be a beautiful moment for our history and the history of our city.

4. Your songs have meant a lot to many people. What's the most moving thing you've heard from your fans about your music?

There are some very moving things people have said, important things, very joyful and unique things; I can't even begin to describe them all.

It's beautiful to see when people get tattoos of phrases, but especially what kind of phrases they are. They're so joyful, so profound, combining ideas and designs. There have been beautiful letters, books, projects, and exhibitions that tell stories from so many different perspectives. There are people who come into our lives and never leave, friends who tell us that our music and our ideas have saved them. We've saved lives. There are incredible stories there, stories of overcoming adversity, of love.

It's so beautiful to see that music and ideas can connect with people like this.

5. The future is often uncertain, but we know that after this show, a thousand surprises are in store from you. What does the next few months hold for LosPetitFellas?

The future is always uncertain… For now, we have a wonderful tour coming up in Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico, and there are more venues to be confirmed. It will be several months; we'll be in Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Quito, Bogotá, Pereira, Cali, Medellín, Pasto, Tunja, Bucaramanga, Santa Marta, and Barranquilla. We're very excited about what's to come. We always love playing live, the party we create with the audience, reconnecting, being able to play songs, and bringing the show to life.

6. We'd like you to recommend a national artist and a Latin American artist that we should listen to and tell us why.

Well, there are many places I like in Colombian music, both mainstream and more alternative Latin American music. I'd like to recommend Delfina Dib, whom I like a lot. She's an incredible artist and recently released an album. I also suggest checking out beautiful places like Paula Pera y el fin de los tiempos, for example. Lately, I've been listening to a lot of Fito Páez, but I recommend seeking out local bands and supporting local talent.

Interview by Jaime Cortés