Young Cister Is Taking Chilean Music & Culture To A New Level
Chilean singer Young Cister has been making waves the past few years in Latin music and he’s just getting started. When it comes to topping charts, carving out his own lane and looking good while doing it, we could all learn a thing or two from him. We sat down with him to learn about his Chilean roots, plans for the future and everything in between, so keep reading to learn all about him!
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Congratulations on hitting #1 with “QLOO”! How does it feel to see your track topping charts worldwide?
I’m really happy that people are loving what we’re doing. It’s a rhythm that’s not very common in the Latin mainstream, since reggaeton usually dominates (which I love, by the way), but this time I wanted to take it somewhere else—a mix of urban sound with the Coolie Dance Riddim. I wish more urban rhythms could play in the clubs.
Your style is super fresh—how would you describe your fashion vibe? Is it more street, high fashion, or a mix of both?
I love dressing well, and since I was very young I’ve been influenced by American rap—tracksuits, technical wear, Nikes, jewelry, caps, accessories, etc. I also love high fashion, but I always try to wear it in a way that feels like me, and above all, to feel comfortable in what I’m wearing.
“QLOO” has this crazy energy—what was the inspiration behind the song?
As I mentioned earlier, this rhythm comes from the Coolie Dance Riddim, a drum sample from Jamaica. You can hear it in songs like Kehlani’s “After Hours,” Pitbull and Lil Jon’s “Culo,” or “Luna Llena” by Beny Jr. I love making people dance with rhythms that aren’t so common in the scene, and in doing so, opening up the sound spectrum for listeners.
You’ve been rising fast in the Latin trap scene. What’s been the biggest challenge on your journey so far?
I think one of the hardest challenges at one point was living in Chile. We live at the end of the world, and even though we have the internet, I think the geographical location of a country can affect the development of an industry that relies on collaborating with other countries. Still, the internet has been a great tool to spread our music.
How is your creativity disrupting the music scene in Chile?
I think the Chilean music scene is very rich in sound. It has all the colors and tones, with a strong mainstream and a very interesting underground. I feel like what I’m doing is a balance of both—always trying to create something out of the ordinary. And beyond the music, I’m also trying to create my own universe where fans are the main characters, giving them a soundtrack for their lives.
Who is your dream musical collaboration?
Since I was a kid I’ve been influenced by pop, rap, Latin music, and so on. If we’re talking pop, I’d say Justin Bieber—he’s a musical genius and knows how to express it. In global rap, definitely Drake. And in the Latin world, I have several: Bad Bunny, Rosalía… I think they all do it their own way and clearly enjoy the creative process.
Where did the name Young Cister come from?
My last name is Cisterna, and in school they used to call me Cister. “Young” comes from rappers I liked as a teenager, like Young Thug. Basically, it was the first thing I came up with when I wanted to be a rapper.
What is one thing fans would be surprised to know about you?
I love talking to myself. I like speaking out loud to myself—all the time.
Fans are dying to know—what can they expect from your next tour? Any special surprises or collaborations?
This will be my first world tour: La Ciudad Nunca Duerme Tour. We’re going to Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Spain, and France. I’m very excited to meet my fans in countries I haven’t visited yet, and reconnect with those I already know. It’s going to be a flawless show.
Your music and style are super influential . How do you stay true to your roots while evolving as an artist?
Honestly, I don’t feel like I’m doing anything out of this world or that I’m “different.” I’m just doing what I’ve loved since I was 10—mixing things, experimenting with others, and hoping that this blend of stuff connects with more than one person. I think when you do things with love, people notice.
What’s your favorite city or place to perform in?
Definitely Chile, because I love being close to the first people who believed in me. But I also love Barcelona. It’s one of my favorite cities—every time I go, I feel inspired by its streets, its architecture, its vibe. The fans have always responded well. And I can’t leave out Mexico. I go every year and it’s crazy.
What message do you want to send to all the young people out there chasing their dreams?
Use all the tools you have at your disposal. Manage your time, your money, and your savings wisely. Read and stay informed about interesting things that could help you in your plans. And never stop doing what you love. Don’t do anything that feels forced.
Besides music, are there any other projects or passions you’re working on right now?
I love cinema. I wouldn’t fully dedicate myself to it, but I would love to mix it with my music. And yes, my next project will include a lot of cinema and live theater elements.
What’s next for Young Cister? Any new drops or big plans you can share with us?
What’s coming next is the tour, and to close out 2025, my new album—which already started with “QLOO“—will be called “La Ciudad Nunca Duerme”. It’s a project with nocturnal sounds like Planes de Medianoche, and I’ll take the listener into my own universe, where they’ll also be part of it. Lots of R&B, lots of “sex music”, but also a mix of emotions, especially toward the end.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Writer: Lisa Jackson
Photographer & Retoucher: Claudia Ardid (@clardid)
Photographer Assistant: Gabriel Perez (@gabriellperezg) , Alex Ortiz (@p.lao_)
Wardrobe Styling Assistant: Tiare Arevalo (@tiarev.arevalo)
Grooming: Muriel Mugger (@muggerrr)
Studio: Fruta Studio (@fruta.studio) , (@espaciofruta)
