Before people hear the Paraguyan band Los Ollies for the first time, they may be unsure what to expect. Yet, within minutes, the reaction is almost always the same: a sense of connection, nostalgia, and an infectious energy. In an honest and relaxed conversation over breakfast, bassist Sol (23) and vocalist and rhythm guitarist Matías “Mati” Caballero (24) open up to The Asunción Times about their journey, and their sound. And the obstacles they have faced to reach this new stage of their career.
On 5 December 2025, Los Ollies will perform at the annual Villagran Bolaños celebration, La Fiesta del Caos, at Voudevil in Asunción.
A fresh mirror for a new generation
“When someone listens to Los Ollies for the first time, they will find something new, something fresh,” Sol says thoughtfully. Although their roots are clearly Paraguayan, their sound travels far beyond geographical borders. “There is a lot of our style here, in Latin America, and in the world. But I feel that our music has something different. It is energetic, nostalgic, and it makes you connect.”
For the band, connection is everything. Mati reflects on their purpose: “We try to show young people in Paraguay that they can see themselves in a band like us. At the same time, we want to offer a product that is mature, professional, and carefully crafted.”
Sol agrees, adding that their commitment to quality does not stop in the studio. “We work extremely hard on our live shows. The energy that you hear on your phone or on the radio has to be even stronger when you see us in person.”
That effort has not gone unnoticed. “People always tell us, ‘You sound even better live,’ or ‘You are one of the best live bands.’ And that is because of the energy we build together in every rehearsal,” she says.
Growing through struggle
Despite their growing recognition, the journey has not been easy. “Recording our album was the hardest thing we have ever done,” Mati admits. “The financial side, the technical side, and even giving enough of ourselves in the studio. It was all a challenge.” For years, Los Ollies had released homemade tracks. Choosing to produce a full studio album was a turning point.
“We did not want to stay in the same place,” Sol explains. “Working with our producer, Christian Mesa, showed us what the professional world of music really is. After that, none of us wanted to settle for less.”
The waiting, she confesses, was difficult. “You see other bands releasing music, getting compared, getting ahead. And you start thinking too much.” Then she smiles. Mati reflects on a phrase that stayed with him: “Time is going to pass anyway, so you might as well do what you really want to do with it. But now that the album is out, we know it was the best decision.”
Returning stronger to the stage
Among the most emotional moments in their story is their return to Asunciónico 2026, one of Paraguay’s biggest music festivals.
“The first time we played there, back in 2022, we were just entering the professional scene,” Sol recalls. “Everything felt blurry. We were nervous, excited, overwhelmed.” This time, it is different. “Now we return with an album, with more experience, more people, and more confidence. We finally get to give what we could not give back then.”
A similar memory lives in Mati’s heart from their performance at Kilkfest. “There were so many people. Another big band was playing on the main stage, and still the crowd came to see us. That adrenaline, that moment. I will never forget it.”
Sol adds that playing in the city of Luque, near Adunción, was equally important. “People outside our usual circles were singing our songs. That made me realise how far our music can reach.”
When asked which song best represents Los Ollies, both point to ‘In the Middle of Disorder’ (En el Medio del Desorden). “It holds everything we went through,” Mati says. “You can hear our evolution in it.” Sol agrees, but also mentions ‘Sweet Neon’ (Dulce de Neón) as a personal favourite. “It is more pop, and many people connect with it. That connection means a lot.”
Dreams beyond borders
The band dreams big, but their vision remains grounded. “First, we want to travel around Paraguay,” Mati explains. “Ciudad del Este, Encarnación, Coronel Oviedo.”
From there, the horizon widens. “Argentina is a must,” Sol says, “but also Mexico, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Brazil, and maybe one day the United States or Europe.” For them, sustainability is the true goal. “Being able to live from making music is the real dream.”
They also imagine future collaborations. “We love the idea of working with artists who are completely different from us,” Sol says. “The clash of styles, cultures, even languages, can create something incredible.”
Still, there is a shared smile when names like Santi Motorizado from Argentinian band He Killed A Motorised Policeman (Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado), appear in the conversation. “Those are dream collaborations that do not feel impossible,” Mati admits.
From friendship to a shared rhythm
Los Ollies was born from friendship and musical chemistry. “In Paraguay, when you find people who truly understand you musically, you do not let them go,” Mati explains. From a cover band to Los Ollies, the trio found not only talent in one another, but discipline, respect, and shared ambition. “It is not just about wanting to make music. It is about committing to do it, even when it is hard,” Sol reflects.
And that commitment continues. On 5 December 2025, Los Ollies will perform at the annual Villagran Bolaños celebration, La Fiesta del Caos, at Voudevil, starting around 20:00. The line-up includes Uruguayan band Cuatro Pesos de Propina and Paraguayan artist Aleshit. Tickets are available through the Tuti website.
In the middle of the chaos, Los Ollies are not lost. They are exactly where they are meant to be.
For more information on future concerts, follow Los Ollies on Instagram.
