The Story Behind “Chan Chan”

The Story

We were on our way north, driving back through the Baja Peninsula, en route to the USA.

We had just rebuilt the engine and were hoping no screws would pop loose. Our plan was to drive north and stop to film sections of “Wanderer” along the way.

Our friend Lucas had recommended an interesting spot in Cataviña. We know better than to pass on a good recommendation so off we went.

Sometimes when we arrive in a place, some aspect of its nature just kicks our creative gears into action. The moment I saw the dilapidated, grungy, graffiti-covered dome, I knew,

“Oh this isn’t a location for “Wanderer”..this has “Chan Chan” written all over it.”

No sooner had we parked the bus that José Luis was out with the drone, inspired in his own way to capture the landscape. This was one of the most remote places we camped in Baja, and that yielded an extra special treat for the photographer among us…

The night sky.

We only stayed a few days in Cataviña, as its remote location also meant there was zero cell signal. But in our few days there, we captured walking shots for “Wanderer”, those amazing night sky images, and all the footage for “Chan Chan”.

In contrast to the other videos so far, “Chan Chan” features just one location. This felt right somehow. Sometimes the flavor of a place matches the so song perfectly, that including other scenes would somehow dilute the potency of their combination.

The creative instincts said to leave this one simple. To express the music through the grunge of an abandoned space, the magesty of an expansive and harsh environment, and the gentle swishes of a bright red dress.

Listen to CHAN CHAN on your favorite streaming platform here.

Did you know?

The AWTY Patreon Family is the beating heart behind the Art We There Yet project.

Patrons pitch in $1.50/mth to help support our community art programs…

…And they get a mountain of goodies in return!

50+ unreleased demos from Cora
100 print-ready fine art photographs from Jose
Untold stories and behind-the-scenes vignettes
Early access to new Cora Rose songs
Downloads of all new Cora Rose songs and albums
Credits in the final film and book