I have not created any characters nor have I changed my name. The last time I did, the band turned 20, and I said, "I'm going to stop changing my names. I'll present myself as Rubรฉn Albarrรกn." During that time, I was visiting certain communities and one of them baptized me with my birth name. So I said, "OK, I've received it, now I will use it," and I have. If another one comes, then it will come, but it hasn't arrived yet and I'm fine for now.
Ruben Isaac Albarran OrtegaPersonally, the songs that I've written, when they arrive to the Cafรฉ Tacvba group , they become something more. Some begin to take spiritual aspects, political aspects, aspects that I had not initially put into the song. I think that's something magical that happens in our creations.
Ruben Isaac Albarran OrtegaI feel like there are moments where musicians may be more interested - or culture in general - to show roots and where one comes from. And later there comes a time where that has lesser importance for artists, and instead they become more interested in affiliating themselves with global or international trends. Fortunately, we were in the right place at the right time, and that allowed us to experiment, play and enjoy.
Ruben Isaac Albarran OrtegaEach one of us in Cafรฉ Tacvba is a composer and we come to the group with songs written out, musically and lyrically. Occasionally, there's a collaboration between us. But each song is almost always written by one of us, and then we all figure out the arrangements. Up until now there hasn't been a moment where the composer explains the song and says, "I want to say this or that." It's always open for interpretation.
Ruben Isaac Albarran OrtegaOftentimes, our videos are collective ideas from the group, but others, they're personal ideas. I wanted to represent the video, 'Futuro', as humanity in its current state, with some characters who, unfortunately, make decisions for the rest of us. The flying bus on which they're traveling represents life, or the historic moment that we are going through. That's what I wanted to convey.
Ruben Isaac Albarran OrtegaThere's definitely a melancholic ingredient in our concerts in the United States versus in other places. Many times people feel far away from their place of origin, from their traditions, from their people. And in a way, Cafรฉ Tacvba's music brings them memories. It seems to connect them with all that they miss, because the concerts are very emotive and have lots of energy. We're very fortunate to have our music connect in that way.
Ruben Isaac Albarran Ortega