Diego Torres: “The Show in Valencia Will Be Very Special”

On April 19, Argentine singer Diego Torres will bring his “Mi Norte y Mi Sur” tour to the Roig Arena Auditorium, where he will present the songs from his new album and revisit the most notable tracks of his career. In this interview with Roig Arena, he tells us at what point in his career this album arrives and gives us a preview of what the concert at the Valencian venue will be like.

How would you describe the album and how does it differ from your previous projects?

This album is a musical journey. It has its own sounds and collaborations that make it unique, yet it continues to be my essence. I could never create something that doesn’t represent me — I’ve never done that.
All the songs on this record talk about life and everything that comes with it: all the ups and downs life brings, and how we always learn from every moment and situation we go through.
If you ask me what makes it different, I’d say the musical horizon is wide: from regional ballads like “Mi Norte & Mi Sur” to deeply emotional songs like “Vas a quedarte”, and even reinterpretations like “La Última Noche” with Estopa. In short, I think what it offers musically is what sets it apart.

What does this album represent for you at this point in your career?

Even though “Mi Norte & Mi Sur” is my 15th album — counting studio albums, compilations and live records — starting work on a new project always brings the same excitement and passion. That never changes, and it’s what keeps me alive.
The work begins, as I say, in “the office,” that’s what I call the studio. It starts by connecting with colleagues, working with them, thinking about what we want to express in a song, or sometimes starting with a musical idea and then writing the lyrics.
Keeping the energy focused on creating new music, searching for my own sounds, and working on the details that make songs exquisite, all with the same passion I had for my first album — that makes me happy and grateful to have this job.

Even though you explore all kinds of emotions and feelings in your songs, this album — and your sound in general — conveys a lot of optimism and light. That “Color esperanza” can be a guiding light for many people in difficult moments. Do you think about that role when writing, or do you prefer to let songs be born naturally?

Throughout my career my songs have spoken — and still speak — about life: family relationships, romantic relationships, difficult and painful moments, defeats, triumphs… I must confess that I don’t write songs seeking to deliver a message on purpose. And it’s not just optimism for the sake of optimism. As you mentioned, in “Color esperanza” I sing about “saber que puede, but also about “querer que se pueda,” or “tratar de estar.” In “Mejor que ayer,” the song talks about a man who comes from defeat (“me caí y de tanto caer, aprendí”).
That’s the most important message: we must live and face whatever comes our way, get up and keep going. What also happens is that I try to make the melodies carry positivity, so the message is perceived differently.

There is a song on the album that breaks from the rest: the version of Estopa’s “La Última Noche.” How did this collaboration come about?

We’ve known each other for many years. I always wanted to do something with them. We met again at an awards show recently, I told them I wanted to do a version of this song, and they joined immediately. They told me they had always liked it. It was amazing to have them participate, and the song turned out perfect with all the artistry they added. I’m very grateful to them.

After this album, what is your “north and south” today? Where do those internal compasses point, both personally and artistically?

Professionally, as always, I keep working. Touring, taking my music to new places and audiences, reconnecting with people who have followed me for so many years. I always say that songs are born in the studio, but when we play them live, with the audience there, they have a different magic.
Personally, I enjoy watching my daughter grow, accompanying her in her activities, traveling together. Sharing time with my partner, being with family and friends, doing sports to stay healthy and keep doing this job… enjoying quality time. What we all look for.

In April, you’ll reunite with your Spanish fans and make your debut at the Roig Arena Auditorium. Do you know the venue? What excites you most about this date in Valencia?

I’m very happy about this upcoming tour in Spain. Last year we were able to play in a few cities, and it’s a joy to add all the new dates we have ahead. I’m sure these will be incredible nights… There are many Argentinians in Spain, and many others from Latin America, and they feel as if we bring them a little piece of their home, their story. It’s magical to enjoy that together.

What can the audience in Valencia expect from this concert?

This show will be very special… In my concerts we go through songs from all periods of my career — more than 30 years, many albums, many songs. It’s hard to choose which ones, but I’m also excited to perform and share the new songs from “Mi Norte & Mi Sur.” We’re going to have a good time. Our team is working to make that happen. The audience buys a ticket, so we have the responsibility to give them the very best.

How do you imagine these songs will evolve when you bring them to the stage?

Part of every song is imagining how it will feel live, how it will take shape with the audience present. And depending on how they receive it, that influences how the arrangements, the setlist, and the show itself are built. You can sing the songs, but the audience brings the magic.

You’re an artist strongly associated with emotion on stage: people sing with you and accompany you. Is there any moment in the show you already know will be especially emotional?

At my concerts we laugh, dance, get emotional… Many things happen in this musical journey that is the show. Every concert is different and that makes it unique, as if it were the first time every time. That’s the wonderful part of this job… It never stops surprising me.

Finally, is there a special message you’d like to share with the people who will see you at Roig Arena on April 19?

To all the people in Valencia: I’m thrilled to visit you with the whole team. We’re looking forward to it. We close the “Mi Norte & Mi Sur” tour in Valencia, so that already makes it special. We’re going to have a great time! See you there.

On April 19, don’t miss Diego Torres’ greatest hits live at the Roig Arena Auditorium. Tickets available here.