A Coruña welcomed Nancho Novo with a night of Guarockmántico
The days in A Coruña can feel like endless hours for Nancho Novo, the multifaceted performer born in 1958 in the region. His career spans television, cinema, theater, and radio, complemented by composing, organizing concerts, and writing books. During a brief pause that will carry him through January, he returns to the city that has always drawn him back to share his songs with the public. Tonight, at 21:15, the Mardi Gras room hosts a show that blends music with humor, romance, and satire under the banner of Guarockmántico, a title that captures the essence of his live artistry.
This marks his first-ever concert in his hometown. How did that happen?
As an actor, Novo has toured in theater companies and appeared in films, yet he had not performed in A Coruña. His focus had been elsewhere, in cities like Santiago and Carballo. The moment finally came with genuine anticipation, a mix of nerves and excitement that comes with returning to a city he loves to perform in.
Is the reception private or public?
It is a public event, described in vivid terms by Novo. He recalls the thrill of performing in the theater with a well-known production like El cavernícola, a show staged countless times that stirred strong emotions even years later. This upcoming evening promises to be a concert, a party, a monologue, and plenty of playful moments. The tone, as always, leans festive and inviting, connecting with the audience through humor and shared experiences.
The venue itself seems to deserve its own chapter. Does Novo remember the room?
Yes, he has performed there on several occasions. He first encountered it when it opened in Madrid, and its legacy left a lasting impression. It remains a legendary space in A Coruña, and performing there feels like an honor for him.
How would Novo describe the term Guarockmántico?
It is a label he crafted years ago to define the show he delivers. The repertoire fuses punk sensibilities with romantic touches, weaving intense romance, satirical humor, wordplay, and reflections on his own artistic style and life. The result is a live experience that feels both intimate and electrifying.
Does humor intertwine with music in his outlook on life?
Absolutely. Novo aims to live a life where humor and music intertwine, even when life places him in tough spots. The show mirrors this philosophy with candor and a playful spirit that keeps the audience engaged.
Has Novo ever felt he has strong backlinks to the public in this phase of his career?
The connection is like a visible thread that follows him. The feeling of homesickness, stitched into his performances, remains a constant presence. He describes his work as rooted in sincerity, mixing humor with intensity and a willingness to laugh at the singer-songwriter’s role. He sees himself as a writer who can empathize with listeners while maintaining a humorous voice.
Humor, in these times, can feel constrained. Does Novo address this in his show?
Yes, the show embraces the reality that some remarks can offend. Novo remains committed to a spirit of resilience, poking fun at himself and inviting the audience to laugh along without resentment. The aim is a shared joy that doesn’t shy away from honest laughter.
How is the repertoire built for Guarockmántico?
These are songs Novo has crafted over the years, performed with the Punished Without Dessert band. The material has appeared on YouTube, Spotify, and vinyl, and the group has toured Madrid and elsewhere. Now, he has woven these tracks into a cohesive live narrative, building a solo show around them. He has kept music active even as other projects demanded his attention, seeking space to develop the musical side he loves most.
This year Novo also ventured into musical theater with Billy Elliot, a new frontier for him. How did that experience go?
It was his first time as a musical actor and singer, and it proved to be enriching. Performing with an orchestra and conductor offered a different dynamic from rocking with his usual band. He learned a lot, soaking up the energy from younger performers who brought experience beyond their years.
With so many disciplines, how does Novo balance theater, television, cinema, and personal projects?
He is taking a break from work to focus on the concerts, either solo or with his group. He plans to resume work in January and will manage performances primarily on weekends, seizing every available space for creative expression.
And the books, where do they fit in?
Recently he published a collection of works titled Obras cosocidas y rembras completas, along with a compilation of micro-theatrical pieces. He continues an unfinished novel, unsure when it will reach completion, a sign of ongoing literary exploration that runs parallel to his stage life.
Insights into social media and his sense of origin also come up. Does Novo celebrate his ties to the city on these channels?
While he has spent many years abroad, he remains deeply connected to A Coruña. Born and raised there, he considers himself a son of the city, a permanent link that anchors his identity and his work to this place and its people.