Don’t Close Your Eyes: Cilos Circle Of Control

Cilo is steadily forging his own path as one of the most promising voices in music, building a sound rooted in presence, freedom, and self-trust. With his newest project, dont close your eyes, Cilo steps into a new creative era defined less by control and structure, and more by instinct and honesty. It is a project that reflects not only his growth as an artist but also his growth as a person.

Growing up, Cilo was shaped by the sound of the Bay Area. Windows down, local classics playing, and moments that now live deep inside his creative identity. As life progressed, he experienced things that molded his perspective and became the foundation for much of his music. His albums are often built around heavy concepts and layered storytelling, with every detail carefully planned and intentional.

Following his previous project WAITING FOR THE HEAT TO BURN, there was no immediate plan to release anything new. Instead, Cilo returned home and entered a period of reflection and reset. In that space, he stopped trying to control every outcome and began focusing on what was directly in front of him. Music became a daily practice, and one song turned into another, soon the project began to form naturally.

At the core of dont close your eyes is a mindset shift. Cilo learned to accept that not everything can be controlled and that creativity often works best when it is not forced. Instead of overthinking ideas or waiting for the perfect plan, he leaned into action. Writing every day, creating freely, and allowing the process to guide him became the foundation of the project.

The title itself reflects this philosophy. dont close your eyes is about staying present, paying attention to what is in front of you, and being aware of the energy you put into the world. It also carries a second feeling, one rooted in nostalgia and freedom, capturing the carefree energy of summer records meant to be lived with, not overanalyzed.

Photo by Julian Amado Garcia

Throughout the project, that sense of freedom is clear. This is some of the most natural and unfiltered music Cilo has created. Ideas that once would have been overanalyzed or set aside were instead allowed to exist, evolve, and find their place in real time.

More than anything, dont close your eyes captures an artist learning to let go. Let go of timelines, expectations, and over-planning. In doing so, Cilo found a version of himself that feels more honest, more present, and more aligned with his creative identity than ever before.