It so happens that certain songs becomes part of culture, and culture is a form of preserving patterns. Yes, we're Mexican, and we're proud to be, but we're also human. But like all cultures, there are retrograde elements and evolutionary elements. I think we'll chose to head towards the evolutionary ones and leave the others behind.
Ruben Isaac Albarran OrtegaIt was something very beautiful because we all had that interest. We were very close to all of the different groups of the time - the ones that we began to play with in the same venues - Maldita Vecindad, Caifanes, Botellita de Jerez. However, we were all very different, and each group had their unique way of expressing themselves; their own original voice. It was a very beautiful era of Mexican music, and the truth is that we are very fortunate to have been part of it.
Ruben Isaac Albarran OrtegaEach one of us in Café 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 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, Café 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 OrtegaAt the end of the day, these are issues that need to be discussed: femicides, among other things - immigrant rights, women's' rights, indigenous people's rights, animal rights, Mother Earth's rights. If we don't talk about these topics, then we have no place in democracy. It won't exist. Democracy isn't just voting; it's relegating your rights.
Ruben Isaac Albarran OrtegaPersonally, the songs that I've written, when they arrive to the Café 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 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 Ortega