‘Casi 30’: The Most Chill Breakdown You’ll Hear This Year

By Val Hernández
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Bogotá, Colombia — There’s something oddly comforting about hearing your late-20s crises sung back to you with a groove. ‘Casi 30’, the new collaborative single by Colombian artists Nicolle Horbath, Alemor, and Pio Perilla, is a warm, witty take on ageing, responsibility, and the weird joy of no longer being twenty-something. Set in what feels like a laid-back 4/4 time signature, the song is rhythmically grounded and emotionally resonant, pairing lyrical honesty with a gentle, danceable groove.

The title translates to “Almost 30”, and that’s exactly the theme: three artists approaching a new decade, reflecting on what adulthood actually feels like. “La vida adulta no es acerca de salir y no avisar; es hacer un desayuno con lo que hubo de cenar” (“Adult life isn’t about going out and not telling anyone; it’s making breakfast from last night’s dinner”) is one of the song’s standout lines, toeing the line between satire and sincerity. Another, “confieso que en pijama es que me siento más feliz” (“I confess I’m happiest in pyjamas”), captures the comforting absurdity of growing up and finding joy in the mundane—and, in my humble opinion, is the most relatable lyric in the entire song due to its also socially awkward energy.

Each artist takes a solo section, offering their own lyrical lens before joining in on the beautifully harmonised chorus. There’s a quiet magic in their vocal chemistry, with no need for flashy runs or ornamentation—just control, warmth, and intimacy. It really pops in the chorus, where their chest-voice harmonies make it feel super natural and kinda chatty. Between the bridge and the last chorus, Nicolle drops in this soft, almost whispered scatting bit that keeps the break flowing and fun. 

The whole vibe is clean and expressive, with groovy drums, bass, keys, and guitar holding it down. There’s no over-the-top production — no heavy auto-tune or fake-sounding stuff. That clarity actually makes it more accessible for hard-of-hearing listeners too: the clear tone and minimal layering mean the lyrics and melody stand out on their own, without needing the lyric sheet — unless you’re not fluent in Spanish, of course. Alemor, who wrote and composed most of it, even adds her own trumpet playing, which gives the song an extra personal, emotional touch.

​The final chorus throws in a nice surprise too: the same lyrics come back, but with a fresh twist in the rhythm. Instead of following the earlier pattern, this version uses offbeat accents and a looser groove that lets the melody stretch and settle into something more fluid. It’s a rewarding musical shift that reflects the song’s theme—adulthood doesn’t follow the beat you expected, and that’s okay.

For fans of musical theatre, ‘Casi 30’ may feel like the Latin pop cousin of Jonathan Larson’s ‘30/90’ from Tick, Tick… Boom!. Where Larson’s track is an anxious, high-energy outcry about turning 30, ‘Casi 30’ offers a more reflective, groovy take on the same milestone—less panic, more acceptance, and a little humour to ease the existential weight.
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In all, ‘Casi 30’ is a quietly brilliant ode to not having it all figured out. For anyone dancing through the uncertainty of adulthood—with a cup of tea in one hand and rent payments on the brain—this might just be your new anthem.

About the Artists

Nicolle Horbath is a rising voice in Colombian music, hailing from Barranquilla. Blending soul, pop, and Latin influences, her music has gained critical attention for its warmth and vocal purity. A classically trained musician with a background in jazz, Nicolle has gradually made her mark in the indie scene, praised for both her vocal finesse and honest lyricism. She was nominated for two Latin Grammy awards in 2024 and is set to open for Colombian superstar Camilo on 5 June, in her hometown.

Alejandra Mor Tatis, known as Alemor, is a Colombian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who splits her time between Colombia and Miami. Her music fuses jazz, Latin American folk, and pop, often weaving introspective lyrics with soulful instrumentation. Nominated for Best New Artist at the 2021 Latin Grammy Awards, she’s recognised for her DIY spirit and commitment to authenticity.

Pio Perilla is a Bogotá-based singer-songwriter, producer, and guitarist known for his emotive lyricism and soft, acoustic-leaning pop. Starting out in Colombia’s independent scene, he gradually built a career behind the scenes as a composer and producer for other artists, while releasing solo material that blends indie, pop, and Latin folk influences.