For some artists, music is a career path. For others—like chuk888—it’s a lifeline.
Born Carlos Alsina-Batista in San Juan, Puerto Rico, chuk888 started his musical journey with a guitar in hand and a heart full of rhythm. From classical ensembles to rock and Latin fusion bands in the ’90s and early 2000s, he was building a solid foundation in performance and composition. But in 2004, life called him in a different direction—law school, marriage, and the pressure of financial stability. Music took a back seat.
Now, two decades later and freshly emerging from the emotional wreckage of a failed marriage, chuk888 has found his way back to his first love—music. And this time, he’s showing up with nothing held back.
“Music saved me,” he says. “When my second marriage ended, I was in a dark place. Picking up my guitar again was like remembering who I really am.”
From Courtroom to Chords
It’s not every day you meet someone who juggles a legal career and a blossoming music project—but then again, chuk888 isn’t your everyday artist. At 50 years old, he’s rewriting the narrative of what it means to start “late.” For him, there’s no such thing.
Though he’s back in the studio, he’s not chasing trends or algorithms. He’s writing from the heart—and in three languages no less. English, Spanish, Portuguese—and soon, even French. His songwriting draws from life’s deepest emotional currents: love, betrayal, faith, and healing.
“I’m not bound by genre,” he explains. “I write protest songs, tropical grooves, gospel themes, Pink Floyd-inspired ambient tracks. It’s all in there. It’s all me.”
Music That Mirrors a Life Lived
Want to know his story? Listen to these three tracks:
- “Before I Forget What I Can’t Remember”
- “You Did Not Last ‘Til Spring”
- “Once A World, Now A Memory”
Each song, in its own way, walks you through the last 20 years of a life spent giving everything to work and family—and the painful unraveling that eventually forced him back to his art.
But make no mistake: this is not a tragedy. It’s a comeback.
“This second half of my life,” he says, “is going to be superbly creative. That’s the plan.”
Rebuilding With Sound
Despite having no formal record deal or mainstream marketing machine behind him, chuk888 is steadily carving out a presence. He shares his music on BandLab, streams on Spotify, and connects with listeners across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Brazil, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
Recent tracks like “Across Time and Space (Part 2: Reversed)” echo the moody grandeur of Pink Floyd, while his upcoming releases will showcase his range—from gospel-infused anthems to multilingual ballads. His first track in Portuguese, “Amor Na Chuva Fria,” is a sultry, rain-soaked vibe you’ll want on repeat.
“I’m still practicing law,” he says, “but music is no longer just a hobby. It’s a calling. It’s my healing and my gift to share.”
No Age Limit on Art
At its core, chuk888’s story is a reminder that artistry isn’t limited by time, title, or tradition. Whether you’re 25 or 50, it’s never too late to start making music—or start living with purpose.
“If you’re sitting on a dream, don’t wait,” he says. “Let heartbreak become harmony. Let your second act be your best yet.”
Listen and Connect
Stream chuk888 on BandLab: BandLab Profile
Facebook: Carlos Alsina
Instagram: @carlos.alsina
X/Twitter: @chukAlsina