New direction that starts from the home as its compass. Malafé launches his tour Tour of Desire this Saturday, January 20 (23:00), at the Marearock Room in Alicante. While they haven’t released every track from their latest EP yet, the third installment in their catalog, the band feels this show will be a little different and memorable. “You can see the crowd’s reaction in real time,” says the group’s leader. Javi Bosque (Alicante, 1992). In a candid chat, he shared project updates and touched on the Alicante scene: “There is a stunning landscape in the province, and it is time to celebrate it.”
Alicante artists Malafé and Karvel and the BOW group release new works
They kick off Tour of Desire at the Marearock Room in Alicante. How is this concert being received?
Anticipation runs high, not only because it marks the tour’s start but also because they haven’t played in Alicante for a year and a half and are eager to perform at home.
They begin without a fully loaded EP Desire. Why?
The chance to play at Sala Marearock came up, and they chose to seize it. There’s also a sense of excitement about testing new songs before their official release, gaining immediate feedback from the audience.
The group started filming amid the pandemic, and now the project seems to gain momentum.
Malafé has evolved considerably and now appears to have found the right band formula. What began as a personal songwriting project shifted toward a more danceable, indie-pop sound during the pandemic, with collaboration from producer Alberto Belando via video calls. Today the band is five musicians strong, supported by a dedicated team behind the scenes.
Several projects started during the pandemic but stalled; Malafé is on its third EP and even performed at WiZink Center.
Hard work shows. They consistently refine their craft, both in writing and in live performance, and invest in networking and team development. They also benefited from opportunities like opening for Funambulista at WiZink in 2023 and touring Spain through Girando por Salas, using that momentum to push forward this year.
Are Malafé’s efforts too rapid?
They value every moment that reaches listeners, mindful that some bands never get a chance to shine. Pace varies among groups; Arde Bogotá is a notable fast riser. The band aims high, pursuing growth on their own terms as they stay hungry for more.
Do they prioritize numbers to gauge success?
Numbers matter to some extent, but the industry’s obsession shouldn’t drown the core goal: making great music. The focus remains on artistic output and connection with listeners.
Yet numbers do help sustain a music career.
Indeed, one member also holds another job, while the others rely on music as their main path. Many members participate in other projects, a reality in Spain where a solo music career often needs supplementary gigs. The hope is to dedicate themselves fully to Malafé someday, though that isn’t feasible yet.
How does a healthcare professional decide to start a music project?
The pandemic clarified priorities. Facing human fragility and the ease with which life can change, the artist chose happiness as a guiding force and pursued music with renewed seriousness.
And about the new EP from the third album, what can be shared?
The new material shows evolution from earlier releases, both in song construction and sound. Listening to the tracks feels like encountering an international band. This EP marks the project’s maturity, drawing inspiration from late 80s pop-rock influences such as Phil Collins and Bryan Adams, while embracing Spanish-language phrasing in a fresh context.
“Malafé has evolved a lot and now we seem to have found the formula as a band”
A key question for new bands is festival exposure. Will Malafé enter this year’s festival circuit?
They hope so. Getting into festivals is challenging, but once a band breaks in, it becomes easier to stay in rotation and gain momentum.
Arde Bogotá’s rise from a small Spring Festival appearance to major venues is noted.
It would be special for Malafé to perform at Bahar, the city’s festival, and many feel audiences would be surprised by their live energy.
How is the band managing social networks? Are they central to their strategy?
The focus remains on the album rather than online metrics, though social media is still a practical channel for discovery and engagement. The key question is: what platform best serves the music’s reach?
Festival exposure remains crucial for new bands. Will Malafé participate this year?
Participation would be ideal, but breaking into the festival circuit is tough. Once established in some festivals, the door opens wider and the momentum shifts.
Arde Bogotá’s trajectory shows what’s possible with a breakthrough.
It would be meaningful for Malafé to perform at Bahar, the city’s festival, and many anticipate a surprising live show.
Other issues point to the sector’s current state, including social media stewardship. How do they view that landscape?
Social media is a practical tool, but the emphasis stays on the album itself. It is a channel to be used wisely, not the sole measure of worth.
This makes me wonder if Malafé could have existed in another era.
The band jokes about the 80s, imagining a full album built around a consistent storyline. Yet today’s era offers greater musical democracy. They are adapting to the times while preserving their voice and vision.
Would Malafé have survived the 80s without democratization?
Perhaps not. Recording then was costly and dominated by large labels. Today, democratization makes it more possible for ambitious artists, though it also demands substantial investment in studio resources and a robust, multi-instrument setup. It is a different world, with its own challenges and rewards.
Kilómetro Cero Music, an initiative to support local bands in Alicante
Seeing how costly it is to keep a band afloat, is there city support?
City backing is essential. The success of Arde Bogotá shows what happens when a city welcomes a band and helps them grow. Alicante’s support has been uneven, and the scene hopes for stronger recognition and opportunities to showcase local talent.
Are there plans for more help from the Provincial Council?
Funding and space for live shows remain scarce. The goal is to boost music culture, create more competitions, and provide stages for local acts. Malafé first performed at CreaMurcia, a platform that supported bands from that region, and a similar model is what Alicante needs to elevate its own talents.