Maltese producer Chris Goa unveils his latest track, Deżert Astrali, a genre-defying piece inspired by a recent stint in Istanbul, Turkey. The artist explains how the city’s unique blend of cultures and energies left an indelible mark, shaping the sound and feel of the track, which features introspective lyrics narrated in Maltese.
At the heart of Deżert Astrali is a free-verse poem penned by the producer himself. The lyrics, brought to life by the voice of musician and voiceover artist Annabelle Galea, delve into existential questions about the nature of reality, dreams, and the universe. By incorporating the Maltese language, Chris explains that he wanted to showcase the expressive potential of our language, while breaking new ground and creating one of the first organic house/downtempo tracks in Maltese.
“Being proud of our language, I always wanted to introduce my international followers to the beauty and uniqueness of Maltese,” Chris explained. “It felt like the perfect fit for the track’s introspective tone.”
The track’s title, Deżert Astrali, invites listeners into a dreamy, otherworldly landscape where celestial and earthly worlds converge. In addition to the original mix, a reimagined version by Majnoon offers a hypnotic interpretation featuring broken drum patterns and the band’s signature sound. Both versions transport listeners into an immersive soundscape that is as thought-provoking as it is ethereal.
From inspiration to immersion
Chris’s journey with Deżert Astrali began upon his return from Istanbul. “The city’s mix of energies left me inspired,” he shared. “The first thing I did in the studio was produce the track. Later, I realized it needed vocals to fully express its depth.”
When envisioning the vocals, Chris immediately thought of fellow artist Annabelle Galea. Together, the two collaborated to create the evocative narration that perfectly complements the track’s mood. For Chris, the journey came full circle when the track was released on Istanbul-based label RIST, whose influence had long inspired him.
The video – a surreal narrative
Conceived as an immersive experience, the accompanying video reflects themes of finding balance and embracing one’s darker aspects to achieve personal growth.
“I wanted to step away from my usual neon and futuristic visuals and opted for an earthy, barren aesthetic,” Chris explained. Masks play a central role in the video, with Chris designing them himself after failing to find suitable options online. The minimalist approach to visual effects—achieved with in-camera illusions and carefully selected filters—enhances the raw, mystical quality of the visuals.
The video, produced in collaboration with cinematographers John and Snoop from Sharpshoot Media, aims to transcend traditional music videos, presenting itself as a short film that envelops viewers in its mystical world.
Deżert Astrali is now available on all major streaming platforms. The music video is live on Chris Goa’s official channels, offering fans an immersive journey into the astral desert where music, visuals, and introspection collide.