Chezile: Looking Beyond the Viral Lens

If you've spent any time on social media over the past year or two, I'm willing to bet you've heard "Beanie" by Chezile, whether that registers by name or not. The song exploded in popularity shortly after its release in 2023, and the reason becomes obvious almost immediately. Atmospheric vocals, tantalizing guitar leads, and crisp drums touched with delay come together to create a memorable experience that clocks in at just over two minutes.

While the song performed exceptionally well - surpassing 600 million streams at the time of this publication and spawning a slowed-down version that further capitalized on its viral momentum - it also had the unintended effect of overshadowing the rest of Chezile's catalog. Between the original and slowed versions, roughly 84% of his all-time streams come from that song alone.

"Beanie" is really good. It puts you in a trance the first time you hear it, and its playlist placements speak for themselves. But as a song, there isn't a tremendous amount of substance beneath the surface. Whether that's a criticism is entirely subjective. I certainly think it's a great track, but I also believe there are far more impressive songs from a songwriting standpoint in Chezile's catalog - and, in some cases, simply better songs altogether.

I learned through an Apple Music interview that Alejandro Sanchez, the man behind Chezile, spent a period of time living out of his car before his breakthrough. Music became a make-or-break pursuit, and with very little left to lose, he poured everything he had into his work. It becomes blatantly obvious when you dig through his discography that he never phones it in. If you like what you hear, you're in good hands. He's one of the most consistently compelling artists operating in this lane today.

His EP 47 was the first major expansion of his sound following the success of "Beanie." Through tracks like "Alone At Last" and "Aleister in Wonderland," he made a statement that extended beyond raw vocal talent.

Chezile proved he possessed a remarkably genuine understanding of emotional range.

The vocals undoubtedly play a large role in conveying that depth, but what stood out to me was his ability to capture highly specific feelings of desperation, loneliness, and pain. Whether intentionally autobiographical or not, the songs feel lived in, and that authenticity is difficult to fake.

The intimacy didn't stop there. In many ways, it became even more refined with the release of his debut album, Alē, in 2025. In his own words, the record serves as an introspection on earlier periods of his life, taking its title from a nickname he carried when he was younger.

Sonically, there's a lot to unpack. From the carefully crafted wah-infused guitar work that becomes central to "Kev's House" to the satisfying build into the chorus of "Favor," the album rewards repeated listens. The production is often understated, but it's rarely simple.

A personal favorite that deserves some attention is "Lady Bug," a song I often see ranking lower than many of the album's other tracks depending on the platform or source. Aside from a brilliant guitar arrangement, the song doesn't have much competing for your attention. Swelling synths, overdubbed riffs, and subtle backing vocals provide atmosphere, but they never overpower the foundation.

That restraint leaves room for the vocals to do their job. The result of it all is a beautifully balanced mix of elegant songwriting and meaningful lyricism. It serves as a gorgeous closing statement to an already impressive project and, in my opinion, stands as one of the strongest examples of what makes Chezile such a compelling artist.

Since the release of Alē, Chezile has continued building momentum. He's released several new singles, collaborated with Bryant Barnes, and appeared on stages at Camp Flog Gnaw and Austin City Limits. It's undeniable, however, that he hasn't experienced another surge quite like the one that came with "Beanie."

That's perfectly okay. But, while "Beanie" may have been the slingshot that launched his career, it would be a mistake to view it as the full picture. Behind the viral success sits a catalog filled with genuinely great songwriting, thoughtful production choices, and an artist who clearly cares about his craft.

If any of the songs mentioned here are unfamiliar to you, I can't recommend enough that you take the time to listen. Most artists who build meaningful audiences earn their place, but there's something about Chezile's work that still feels understated despite his success. His music carries a sincerity that is becoming increasingly rare, and if the trajectory of his catalog is any indication, it feels safe to say he has even bigger things ahead of him.