In the final stretch of M-Clan’s tours, the shows nearly line up with the previous run, which was carried by a small, dedicated audience for the album that defined a chapter. There was no grand celebration for the Murcia band’s 30th anniversary, and Sin Enchufe remained in two drawers as the group outlines a hiatus. During this period, Carlos Tarque releases his second solo project, debuting with a single at the end of August that signals a return with a certain cinematic edge and a nod to Tarantino’s flair. It serves as a preview of his second album, Volume 2, planned for release this fall, and it arrives with a strong sense of purpose. Under the moniker Led Zeppelin, Tarque collaborates with Carlos Raya, a guitarist known for his rock foundations who has integrated his playing into Tarque’s vision with consistent presence and occasional shifts in sound. M-Clan’s status as a leading Spanish rock band remains undisputed. Over the years, they have traversed multiple phases and moods, yet they have preserved a clear signature and an unwavering attitude. This week marks their final concert on a Friday in La Manga, a moment that will be felt by fans while Tarque’s solo material offers more than simple consolation. The press spoke with him about the journey.
M-Clan, you arrive in La Manga at the end of a touring phase. Was the decision to hit the road a natural one, or did you feel compelled to keep pulling each other along?
The band has always lived on tour. There were short pauses of four or five months here and there, but the road is part of their identity now.
Has the tour changed in any meaningful way, or is the setlist basically the same?
A few tracks have shifted up or down, yet the classics still lead the way.
How is the songwriting happening these days? Will it feel like summers spent with friends, rather than a formal studio process?
It truly feels like a summer spent with friends. The band members are as close as ever, and some nights find them gathering on the beach as if the studio were outside their door.
This year marks thirty years for M-Clan. Is there a plan to celebrate this milestone? How have the last three decades shaped you?
Nothing specific has been scheduled. We already celebrated a milestone a decade ago, and more than half of a life has been spent with M-Clan. We’ve watched the world evolve from this shared ship, growing up together with the music and the society around us.
Do you plan to take a break from M-Clan, perhaps as a pause before new music? How did the most recent tour feel?
Yes, a solo project is in the works, and Ricardo has had a hand in the production. The concerts have been powerful, and it feels like the years have placed the band in a more respected, grateful position than ever before.
It has been seven years since Delta. When can fans expect a new studio album with original songs, and what was the last track you wrote?
There could be a cover album in the future, something the band has wanted to do for many years. The most recent composition is a track called Wild Concert, a piece that captures their current energy.
Tarque is sharing a preview of his new solo project, noting a blend of classical and rock foundations. What can listeners expect from that direction?
The lead single, I’m Back I Came To See It Burned, arrives as a hard-edged rock anthem with a relentless drive and a sense of reckoning, a signature Tarque touch with a practical, almost cinematic edge.
Is this musical approach a constant thread, or does it shift with time and new material?
It remains a constant through ongoing updates in volume and scope, while continuing to introduce new songs and a strong rock core that feels timeless.
Has a title been chosen for the new album, Volume 2?
Yes, the album is titled Volume 2.
Where was it recorded, and were there any collaborations?
Production took place in Carlos Raya’s studio, mirroring the setup of the first album. Chapo plays bass, Coqui handles drums, and Raya himself plays guitar as Tarque and Raya co-create all the songs. There are no featured collaborations on this project.
In today’s climate, do Tarque’s lyrics lean more pessimistic or optimistic? How do current events influence the anger in the words?
There is a spectrum. Some songs carry a stark, almost apocalyptic view of what’s happening in the world, and it’s difficult not to feel anger when watching news and seeing hate and intolerance take hold. Yet that mood is seen as a passing phase rather than a permanent state.
Will the upcoming album signal a return to their rock roots? How does Tarque feel about touring after its release?
A new record arrived in October, and from November the band will tour in theaters across cities that matter to them, maintaining a strong live presence.
What about the old form of physical media? How does the band view the relevance of albums in today’s music landscape, and how do they approach collecting music?
The core value is still the songs and the direct connection with audiences. The band belongs to the album era and plans to stay there. Tarque still buys records, especially vintage ones, and he cherishes the tactile experience of collecting music.
Is there still room for rock among today’s diverse musical landscape, and does the genre continue to fill large venues?
Absolutely. Rock remains a dominant force, capable of filling stadiums. If it ever declines, it won’t be for many years. Tarque believes he will keep making rock music for a long time to come.
How about other projects, like Rollers or a potential Grand Canyon venture?
Those are playful, memory-evoking projects reserved for specific moments. They’re important for keeping energy alive in the moment.
When Tarque recently watched Rod Stewart perform, there was a thought about a Murcia collaboration. Could a joint project with Rod Stewart have materialized?
It would have been a thrill to partner with Stewart in Murcia, and there was even a proposal to bring him to Riazor in Coruña, but the plan didn’t come to fruition in the end.
If Carlos Tarque isn’t labeled a rock star, who in Spain would qualify as a rock star?
Tarque identifies himself as a rock singer and believes he is a star in the night sky, a simple, direct way to express his place in the scene.
How does Tarque conserve his energy for demanding performances?
His passion for music and rock goes beyond merely singing. He grew up worshiping posters and albums by those who seemed gods to him, and that early admiration continues to shape his approach to the stage. He carries that influence with him every time he performs.