Interviews: Estado De Sitio
1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Did you plan it or did it just come out like that?
The group formed in the late 1980s, amidst the military dictatorship of Manuel Antonio Noriega and the subsequent invasion by U.S. armed forces. We were living through a time of great tension and social chaos, and the government had declared a state of siege in the country; it seemed like the ideal name for the band.
2. Why did you want to play this genre?
Back then, like other young people, we listened to thrash, metal, hard rock, and rock in general. One day, a friend gave us a cassette featuring The Exploited and G.B.H.; we loved the energy and speed of the music combined with lyrics that often addressed the reality of life in Panama.
It was love at first sight, and we decided—despite lacking experience or musical frills—that this was the music we wanted to play.
Today, our music has evolved to incorporate new nuances and rhythms. We have integrated and fused Latin sounds and rhythms that reflect who we are, allowing us to convey an artistic message more aligned with our cultural identity while still preserving the essence of our musical identity.
3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?
Currently, Estado de Sitio consists of Luis Gotti on bass, Juan Iribarren on drums, and Billy Mata—the band's founder and only original member—on guitar and vocals.
For many years, the group maintained its original lineup; however, for the past four years, Juan and Luis have been integral to Estado de Sitio, actively shaping the group's sound.
This has allowed us to evolve musically and explore diverse sounds and rhythms, enabling us to express ourselves through a broader musical language.
4. Each band member's favourite band?
Luis Gotti loves all kinds of hardcore and extreme music.
Juan Iribarren listens to a lot of Latin music; he likes Ska-P from Spain and Foo Fighters from the USA.
Billy Mata would cite Rubén Blades as one of his most important musical influences.
5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?
We live in a country and a continent classified as the Third World, marked by deep inequality and limitations that have affected the humblest segments of the population for decades.
Across Latin America, there are many stories behind every sun-weathered face. These stories deserve to be told and turned into songs.
6. Where was your last gig?
We headlined the Tortura Tour festival in Costa Rica, and in June, we returned from Colombia, where we performed at Decadas de Ruido and the Pogopallooza Festival in Bogotá.
It was a great experience to reunite with our family outside of Panama; we are immensely grateful for the warm welcome we received.
Right now, we are preparing a massive concert and the premiere of our upcoming music video, "La Historia de mi Vida," alongside Los Rabanes from Panama. It’s sure to be wild.
7. Where would you like to act?
We would love to tour Latin America and play on every available stage.
In the immediate future, we are planning to go to Mexico in early 2027; we have great fellow bands there and many people asking us to visit. It is sure to be a fantastic experience.
8. Whom would you like to feature with?
If there is one artist we would love to collaborate with, it would undoubtedly be the maestro, Rubén Blades.
Rubén has been a great inspiration to us and the voice of the people throughout his career spanning more than 50 years.
9. Whom not?
With Donald Trump (Laughs)
10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?
Rather than stage fright, we feel a sense of eager anticipation whenever we step onto the stage.
Each concert offers a new experience, and the uncertainty regarding the audience's reaction makes it exciting. Every show is different, depending on the crowd and the energy of the moment.
Yet, every concert has been magical, no matter which country we are in.
We would advise up-and-coming bands to fully enjoy every performance and not worry about what they want to prove as musicians. Just enjoy the audience and enjoy the music.
11. What bands have inspired you the most?
We have been influenced by a million bands throughout our musical career. In our early days, we drew primarily from the energy of G.B.H., The Exploited, Bad Brains, and the Descendents; the chaotic spirit of the Sex Pistols; and the lyrics of La Polla Records.
Nowadays, we lean mostly toward Latin sounds, regardless of the specific genre. We enjoy artists like Mercedes Sosa and León Gieco just as much as bands like Todos Tus Muertos and La Maldita Vecindad.
Luis Gotti loves fast, intense, high-energy music. The wilder, the better!
Juan Iribarren draws inspiration from ska, roots reggae, and pop-punk; his favorites include Ska-P, NOFX, Foo Fighters, Blink-182, and Desorden Público.
Billy Mata tends to listen to Latin American music—not always rock. Many of these are bands formed by friends we’ve met on tours, at festivals, and at concerts—people with whom we now share great friendships.
These include acts from Colombia, Panama, Mexico, Central and South America, spanning metal, hardcore, punk, ska, salsa, and trova.
12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?
A fan in Costa Rica stole a kiss from Billy at the end of a concert.
It was both embarrassing and funny, since the young woman's boyfriend showed up just seconds later—hahaha
13. What do you think of your fans?
We love them! They turn every concert into a truly unique experience.
We’ve made good friends who are now part of the big Estado de Sitio family. They love our music, and we love them.
And despite the distance, whenever we return to their country, they always welcome us with open arms—ready for the mosh pit, ready to sing and jump along.
They’re the best!
14. What do you think of our site?
We think Breathing the Core is fantastic! From the interviews with musical groups to the immediate access to the music, it strikes us as a wonderful platform for discovering great new music from around the world.
Congratulations on the excellent work!
15. Something to add?
Many thanks to Breathing the Core for the wonderful interview, and thanks to everyone who has made it this far and discovered our music.
To listen to our new album, "La Sangre Latina," learn more about our music, and connect with us, please visit our website at www.estadodesitio.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bandcamp, Spotify, and YouTube: @estadodesitio_oficial.
Booking: info@estadodesitio.com
Greetings from the Republic of Panama in Central America.
See you soon!
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