Attitude isn’t always kept inside. Rock and roll has a way of projecting a lifestyle outward, turning feelings into a public statement. Carlos Tarque has long understood this dynamic, and his decision to step away from the M-Clan spotlight to pursue a solo project reflects a deliberate shift in focus. While niche music might not speak to every listener, it keeps exciting audiences across the country with its bold, personal honesty.
To spotlight his new album, after the first two tour dates sold out, posters for Volume 2 went up in Gijón and Vitoria. The artist will perform at Sala The One in San Vicente del Raspeig on December 15, unveiling a refreshed sound and mood where hard rock and roll take center stage.
He is presenting his album on December 15th Volume 2 Sala The One Do you approach your solo concerts differently than when you tour with M-Clan?
Indeed. It’s a different crowd and a different group of musicians. These shows demand more from the performer, a total commitment to giving everything on stage. Since this is a newer project, there’s a bit more work to do, a little more breaking of ground. With M-Clan, a lot has already been said. The music I create now speaks to a smaller, more selective audience, and that makes the live experience feel even more intimate and charged.
Did you need this project to show your musical interest?
Yes. Tarque’s project connects me to my roots; it’s like reuniting with a version of myself I hadn’t met in years. It isn’t about chasing novelty or fashion, but about a personal, almost spiritual, relationship with the music. It marks a point where making music becomes a deliberate, reflective act rather than a mere progression of trends.
There’s something innovative about the return to a classic sound.
There is some truth to that. When earlier California acts emerged, they drew from country origins more than they announced themselves as inventors. Looking backward doesn’t mean a lack of invention; it often fuels fresh ideas. For Tarque, this isn’t a revolutionary break, yet it can feel like a small revolution for those discovering the music at sixteen. It offers depth beyond mainstream narratives, inviting listeners to explore ideas that linger beneath the surface of contemporary discourse.
Do you feel strange in a world where mainstream music doesn’t follow the same dynamic?
Tarque has always stood apart. The solo path amplifies that sense of being different. There was a time when M-Clan managed to set a trend, but chasing trends never held strong appeal. Fashion fades; a lasting, classic approach endures, and that is a comfort to the practitioner and the audience alike.
Are all these years at the helm of M-Clan taking its toll?
After decades in the industry, the spark can wane. Long-term involvement with a band can mute certain sensations of excitement. Tarque’s new project brings a fresh energy, like welcoming a new child into the family of music. It rekindles the thrill of performance and discovery that had been softened by routine.
The good thing about M-Clan is the benefit that can be gained from it
There is undeniable value. The band provided a solid foundation and a pathway to stability, including personal milestones. It’s not about wealth or celebrity; it’s about finding a meaningful life through music and recognizing an audience that has stayed loyal because the work resonates with them.
A band that hasn’t even fallen into the cancel culture of social networks.
Tarque’s voice has always carried a sense of honesty. Some songs invite debate about their themes, yet the intention remains storytelling rather than endorsement of harm. The public often reads a lot into fiction, but the artist’s aim is to tell a narrative rather than present personal confession. The music endures because it connects with listeners who appreciate real, lived-in stories, especially among younger audiences discovering the work for the first time.
How do you navigate this world of social networking?
Online spaces are a tool with both creative and personal value. They enable connection without surrendering autonomy. Tarque appreciates the outlet they offer, but he remains cautious not to let the platforms redefine his reality. The goal is genuine communication, not constant consumption. It’s possible to enjoy networks while staying anchored to a sense of self and a broader perspective on life beyond clicks and trends.
I’m surprised you mentioned TikTok, which is dominated by sounds distant from rock and roll.
The landscape isn’t a fixed map. Rock and roll coexists with many forms, and the algorithms shape what each person sees. A sixteen-year-old might hear reggaeton more than rock, but that doesn’t erase the existence of rock. The genre persists with new energy, and major events still showcase it alongside artists who bridge generations. The core idea remains intact: music is a shared experience, not a strict boundary.
Is ego necessary for a rocker’s aura?
Ego can be a source of strength when it reinforces self-belief and authenticity. A healthy ego helps a performer stay true to who they are, while not letting it become arrogance. A touch of ego, used wisely, keeps the musician honest and grounded.
Do turbulent times create better musicians?
Turbulence often sparks action and reflection. It can lead to sharper ideas and more provocative work, though it doesn’t automatically guarantee quality. It’s the way moments are channeled into music that matters.
Do you see rock as a channel for generating ideas?
Rock encompasses a spectrum: from the simplest rhythms to the most expansive sounds. Other genres, like reggaetón, travel into hedonistic realms, and that variety is part of the broader musical ecosystem. Rock can be playful, political, or purely hedonistic, much as Chuck Berry once explored. The essence is variety—an endlessly adaptable mode of expression.
What does Tarque listen to beyond rock?
Beyond rock, Tarque explores folk and jazz, chasing a mood rather than a single genre. When the mood shifts to party time, influences might include classic rock staples; in calmer moments, country and blues find space. Music should be enjoyed like food—some days it’s light and fresh, other times rich and comforting.