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Some bands play music; others craft entire worlds. Gigantes de Papel, an independent alternative rock band from Mexico City, falls firmly into the latter category.
With roots deeply embedded in the “Rock en tu idioma” movement of Latin America’s ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s, the trio—Dan Rangel (vocals, guitar), Ángel Samperio (bass), and Alex Pohl (drums)—has taken those classic sounds and merged them with a contemporary sonic approach. The result? A raw, organic, and emotionally charged musical experience that transcends the limits of traditional rock.
From High School Jams to a Thriving Career
The story of Gigantes de Papel began in the corridors of high school, where a shared love for music sparked a friendship that would later evolve into a full-fledged artistic journey. College years were spent composing, experimenting, and refining their sound, but it wasn’t until 2019 that they made their official debut with the single “Rehilete.” That track now boasts over 100,000 streams on Spotify, marking a significant milestone for the band.
Their first full-length album, released in 2021, introduced listeners to songs like “Paraíso de Medusas,” “Los Muertos También Ríen,” and “La Chilanga.” Now, with a second album in the works, they’re pushing their creative limits even further. Leading the charge is “Mil Vidas,” featuring Ruby Ojeda, a singer-songwriter who blends R&B, jazz, boleros, and pop, adding a rich new layer to Gigantes de Papel’s evolving sound.
A Dreamlike Approach to Songwriting
For Gigantes de Papel, every song is a portal to another world. The band thrives on transforming everyday moments into cinematic, surreal soundscapes. Their songwriting process is dynamic—sometimes beginning with a fully formed concept, other times starting from a simple jam session that evolves into something magical.
“Our music is a reflection of the world around us,” the band shares. “We romanticize life itself, drawing inspiration from third-person experiences, world events, and our own personal journeys.” This deep emotional connection is what gives their lyrics such raw intensity, whether they’re exploring themes of love, loss, existential crises, or self- discovery.
Visuals That Echo the Sound
Music isn’t the only way Gigantes de Papel expresses its artistic vision. Dan Rangel, the mastermind behind their visual identity, finds inspiration in paintings and illustrations from museums and galleries. This influence translates into the band’s album covers and music videos, each serving as an extension of their sound.
While their earlier artwork depicted imaginative takes on reality, their latest project flips the script—using cubist and conceptual styles to construct dreamlike landscapes with a tangible edge. By collaborating with photographers, illustrators, and painters, they ensure their visuals are as immersive as their music.
What’s Next for Gigantes de Papel?
The band’s journey is only getting started, and 2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year. Their music has been selected for the Vive Latino 2025 festival’s independent artist compilation album, a massive achievement for any rising band in the Latin American rock scene. They’ve also hinted at exciting collaborations that will further expand their musical boundaries.
Beyond the festivals and new releases, Gigantes de Papel remains dedicated to the heart of their mission: creating music that resonates, inspires, and transports listeners to a place where reality and dreams collide. As they continue their journey, one thing is clear —this band isn’t just making music. They’re building an experience, one surreal soundscape at a time.
Stay tuned, because the best is yet to come.
