Two years after touring Songs by Triana, Manuel Martínez, Paco Ventura and Manuel Ibáñez returned to Medina Azahara’s core to unveil a double album of new material fans and critics awaited. The cycle signals a renaissance as the band hits the road again, eager to perform, create, and connect with audiences across the region. A signing event was set in Córdoba, with the group meeting supporters at Hipercor de Ronda at 18:00 to sign copies of the new release.
Why The Big Sleep?
Manuel Martínez explains that the title comes from a line in a song the band loved, choosing it as the album name for its resonance and meaning.
Paco Ventura adds that the title isn’t a farewell; it signals momentum, a return to the stage, and a continued presence in Andalusian rock history. He describes the project as driven by an enduring dream to keep performing.
The new collection comprises twenty-three original songs and a rendition of Umberto Tozzi’s I Will Walk. Some listeners viewed the approach as ambitious, but the band considers it a bold statement of creativity. Martínez notes that more material was written, though the decision was to avoid a triple album. This release acts as a vote of confidence in themselves after recent critiques suggesting the band had run out of ideas. It stands as a response and a renewed commitment to making vital music.
Discussing the idea of rebirth, Martínez believes the term arises from their return with new songs after a period focused on their own compositions. Ventura agrees that stepping away from Triana’s catalog allowed the group to reinvent itself, while Ibáñez emphasizes that Medina Azahara has more to offer after such a lengthy career.
What themes appear in these songs?
Martínez describes a broad spectrum of subjects, from love and childhood memories to women and children affected by conflict. He notes that politics creeps in occasionally, but the band remains focused on expressing viewpoints without targeting any specific group. The songs balance light and dark tones, often hovering between hopeful and somber imagery, with a persistent bridge of nuance between the extremes. Ventura highlights the energetic track Everyone Standing, a tribute to radio and a celebration of joy that invites audiences to join in the fun.
Has the musical direction shifted at all?
Ibáñez explains that the core sound returns to Medina Azahara’s essence, anchoring a rock foundation while preserving the keyboard melodies that define their identity. Ventura adds that the arrangement embodies a natural evolution: as technical skill grows, the production becomes more sophisticated, and each album aims for clearer, stronger sound. The evolution, he says, will become apparent upon listening. This outlook underscores a commitment to longevity and ongoing refinement in their craft.
Maintaining the band’s essence over decades has been a challenge, particularly for the original member, Martínez. He recalls that several producers and labels pursued collaborations, but the band stayed true to its vision and distinctive vocal style, embracing the quejío that marks Andalusian music. He emphasizes that the true measure of success is decades on the road with a devoted fan base that continues to sing along, not fleeting mainstream trends. The group’s earlier project, Llegó el Día, produced with José Luis Figuereo, El Barrio, remains connected to the new work through a guest appearance on a track, a collaboration Martínez describes as an honor grounded in shared roots and friendship.
How should the tour, conceived as a tribute to Triana, be viewed today?
Martínez reflects on the undertaking as a positive, albeit risky, venture that staged beautifully romantic songs with care. The two-year touring cycle broadened the audience, bringing in listeners familiar with the band and curious newcomers who wanted to understand Medina Azahara’s current direction. Ventura notes that performing in theaters allowed for a more attentive listening experience and helped win back fans who preferred a calmer, more intimate setting. The repertoire will shift gradually, favoring the newer pieces while preserving essential tracks, with a note that time inevitably changes what is performed on stage. The Córdoba visit remains to be scheduled as part of ongoing plans.
Across four decades and nearly 4,000 concerts, more than 23 studio releases and a string of Gold and Platinum recognitions, the group remains driven by a simple question: what more can be achieved? Martínez suggests a symbolic performance in a venue that carries significance, while Ventura expresses a hope to be recognized with honors such as the Andalusian Medal and other national accolades. The band’s stance is clear: they are not chasing trends but aiming to preserve a lasting musical identity. They see themselves as a reference point for Andalusian rock, a role earned not by dominance but by perseverance and continuous creation. If anything marks their legacy, it is this steadfast commitment to music rather than politics or popularity.
The lyrics often mirror the culture, history, and traditions of Andalusia. How has the landscape evolved over forty years? Ventura jokes about the practicality of travel before the era of fast transport, noting that music once served to unite people who could then sing together in public spaces. Martínez adds that earlier political moments left a similar imprint, while both agree that the music scene has always been shaped by artists who push boundaries—an ethic that remains central to their work. They also acknowledge the ongoing tension between artistic freedom and external pressures, asserting that Medina Azahara writes with independence and integrity, regardless of the surrounding climate.
Live music remains the band’s core strength. Ventura describes touring as the heartbeat of their career, underscoring that performances, not recordings alone, fuel their growth. Ibáñez adds that the warmth of the audience is essential; records document their history, but concerts connect them with the people who keep the music alive. When life on the road continues, it leaves tangible memories, a sense of home mixed with the thrill of travel and discovery, and a few favorite restaurants discovered along the way.
How do they sustain collaboration after so many years, particularly when disagreements arise?
Ventura highlights their deep familiarity as a resource for resolving differences, while Ibáñez admits that personality quirks are part of the mix. The dynamic remains a key ingredient of their longevity, seen as essential to the band’s identity and resilience.
From the band’s repertoire, which songs evoke the strongest emotional response from audiences?
Martínez notes that some songs demand a moment of calm breath, while others evoke a charged reaction from audiences who know the lyrics by heart. The crowd’s energy often drives the performance, and the band welcomes the connection, letting listeners set the pace and tone. The question of how they wish to be remembered comes up, and Ventura jokes about a Córdoba street bearing their name. Martínez, in a reflective mood, hopes their legacy is remembered as a long, stable career that withstood shifting cultural landscapes while staying true to their artistic identity. His final wish is to be remembered for what they were: a band that endured and remained true to its roots, a beacon in the Andalusian rock scene.
Note on sources: statements reflect discussions with the band members and collaborators, summarized for context and clarity.