For more than three decades, Emmanuel del Real has been one of the cornerstones of Café Tacvba. A multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter, he may have built a career with a lower profile than those of his bandmates, but one that has always been crucial to understanding the band’s sound. La montaña encendida, his first solo venture and one of last year’s most interesting albums, reflects one of the most creative and sensitive minds in Spanish-language rock. In this conversation with Sopitas, he looks back on his musical journey, his creative processes, his artistic interests and what it has been like to be part of a generation that has become ingrained in popular culture.
