Walter Riffler (32) speaks with the creative energy of an artist who never stops searching. The Asunción Times has a conversation with Walter, founder of one of the resonating bands in the alternative scene. When discussing the band’s name, his explanation reveals a strong aesthetic instinct. “I like names like The Cars, The Clash, The Drums. I wanted something in that line. ‘Crayon’ (Crayola) sparks nostalgia, but I no longer feel attached to the past. I am very much in the present.”
A band born from an urgent need to create
Walter introduces himself briefly. “I am Walter Riffler, artist and composer of The Crayolas.” The band emerged in July 2016, in Asunción, as a response to a creative void. “There was nothing like it here, but I felt there was an audience for it.” That initial impulse quickly evolved into a musical project that blends indie rock, dream pop, and a consistent cinematic sensibility.
From the outset, The Crayolas distinguish themselves through a boldly forward-thinking approach. “None of our records sound the same. It is hard to know what to expect from us.” The band cultivates an ever-evolving aesthetic, guided by curiosity, emotional collage, and a deep passion for every influence the members absorb.
The evolution of a sound that never repeats itself
To speak of evolution in The Crayolas is to speak of metamorphosis. Walter describes his creative process as an accumulation of experiences, obsessions, and references that later erupt in new directions. “I romanticise the process of being inspired by other things far too much. As you live, you accumulate information, and eventually it needs to be channelled somehow. It does not have to be musical; it can be anything. Something sparks in my head, and in the end, I use all of that, create a sort of mental collage, and then an album appears.”
It is unsurprising, then, that he relates the band to the movie Lost in Translation. “That film has a vibe of calm uncertainty. It could fit us perfectly.” That blend of soft melancholy and constant exploration becomes a defining theme across their discography.
A musical family reinventing itself at every stage
The band’s current line-up comes after several natural shifts. The Crayolas began with four members, but their personal journeys led to changes in the configuration. Martín, the original guitarist, moved to Spain. Others followed different paths. Walter and Gea remained. “Gea moves from keyboards to bass. Then Tutu joined. And Pablo came in just by dropping by the house while I was making the record,” Walter says warmly.
The integration happened organically. “It was obvious that Pablo had to stay.” The band’s dynamic rests on trust, constant rehearsals, and a shared musical intuition.
Making indie music in Paraguay
Discussing the independent scene in Paraguay means confronting local realities. “You learn how to run a music career, but then you have to adapt all that to the Paraguayan reality. You cannot live off touring here. You need collaborations and alternative income.” Other local indie projects, such as Los Ollies, have navigated similar paths, gradually building audiences through persistence and community-driven exposure.
Still, Walter cannot imagine giving up. “If you truly feel the need to express yourself, you will do it no matter where you are.” In his view, Paraguay may be the “last cultural stop in the world”, but it is never an excuse not to create.
When recalling a defining moment in his career, Walter does not hesitate. “(Our participation in) Primavera Sound 2023 here in Paraguay was incredible.” The Cure and Slowdive also performed that night in Asunción, and Slowdive has been a key influence for the band. “It felt like a parallel-universe moment. It was by far our most special show.”
The Crayolas in 2026
The Crayolas continue presenting Eon Beat, their latest album. The band wants to play more shows, add new dates, and begin their next record. “Now that we are back in rhythm, we want to keep going.” The band plans to return to the stage during the summer, although no dates are confirmed yet.
As he speaks, Walter maintains that mix of calm and excitement that defines his work. He talks about the past without nostalgia, the present with commitment, and the future with the certainty that there is still much left to create.
Find information about upcoming shows following The Crayolas on Instagram.
