Guitarricadelafuente Balances Music and Acting Career

Spanish singer-songwriter Guitarricadelafuente has been leading a double life over the past year, balancing his music career with appearances on the international film festival circuit.

The 29-year-old artist has gained recognition for his soulful voice and expressive eyes, which have captured audiences worldwide. He recently spoke to this reporter from his Los Angeles apartment via Zoom about his latest endeavors.

Guitarricadelafuente's music journey began in his hometown of Benicàssim, a small coastal town where he was born Álvaro Lafuente Calvo. His stage name is a combination of his last name and the Spanish diminutive for guitar, reflecting his love for the instrument.

The singer-songwriter earned his first Latin Grammy nomination for his debut album, La Cantera, released in 2022. He continued to push boundaries with his latest album, Spanish Leather, which he recorded after befriending and collaborating with Troye Sivan.

Guitarricadelafuente's acting debut is a surprise to many, as he had no prior experience on screen. However, director duo Los Javis saw potential in him and handpicked him for the lead role in La Bola Negra, an adaptation of Federico García Lorca’s unfinished play.

The film boasts an impressive cast, including Penélope Cruz, Glenn Close, and Elite heartthrob Miguel Bernardeau. Guitarricadelafuente plays Sebastián, a musician forced to join the Nationalist army during the Spanish Civil War, where he falls in love with Bernardeau's character, Rafael.

The singer-songwriter revealed that Los Javis approached him with an unusual proposal: they wanted him to play Sebastián without having seen his acting abilities. They were drawn to his performances on stage and decided to take a chance on him, citing their "blind faith in his potential.

Going back nearly 100 years in time for this movie was a unique experience for its lead actor. The extensive research and rehearsals that accompanied the role allowed him to delve deep into the historical context of the story. One of the most challenging aspects of preparing for the part was studying how people lived during that era.

Many individuals were forced to fight in the war, with severe consequences awaiting those who refused. This reality is a stark reminder of the hardships faced by those living through such tumultuous times. The actor's own family history also played a significant role in his preparation, as he learned about his grandfather's experiences.

His grandfather was conscripted into the army and forced to fight, with no choice in the matter. This added an extra layer of understanding for the actor, allowing him to connect with the character on a deeper level. The parallels between his own life and that of the character became increasingly clear as he delved further into the role.

The actor's musical background also played a significant part in shaping his approach to the character. He was tasked with learning how to play the trumpet from scratch, which added an extra layer of complexity to the rehearsals. The confined setting of the movie, where characters were often trapped within their own circumstances, presented a unique challenge for the actor.

The restricted space and subtle movements required by the script necessitated careful choreography and attention to detail. The actor spent many months rehearsing in Madrid, honing his skills and perfecting his portrayal of Sebastián. This intense preparation allowed him to tap into the character's experiences and emotions with greater ease.

As a musician himself, the actor found that making music for his album Spanish Leather had a profound influence on how he approached this role. The dichotomy between freedom and repression in both projects became a recurring theme. He drew parallels between Sebastián's story and his own album, highlighting the tension between releasing oneself and being held back.

The discovery of one's identity is a central theme in both Spanish Leather and the movie. This exploration of self-discovery resonated deeply with the actor, allowing him to bring a more authentic portrayal to the character. The complexities of Sebastián's story served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by individuals seeking to express themselves freely.

The pressures of living through conflict can have a profound impact on one's sense of identity and individuality. For many individuals, the trauma of war can be overwhelming, leaving little room for self-discovery or exploration of one's place in the world.

Sebastián's story is a poignant reminder of this reality. He was someone who struggled to question his circumstances, let alone explore what it meant to be a man in a society ravaged by conflict. The complexities of war eliminate individuality, leaving people with little choice but to focus on survival.

In the midst of such adversity, music can serve as a powerful outlet for expression and catharsis. Sebastián's songs, like those of other artists who have come before him, capture the raw emotions and frustrations that arise from living through war. His lyrics reflect a deep-seated anger and aggression, resonating with listeners who have experienced similar struggles.

For some, music is more than just an escape, it's a way to connect with others on a deeper level. Sebastián has spoken about how his songs serve as a means of relating to those around him, particularly in the context of bullying and hostile masculine energy. His lyrics offer a glimpse into the world of the character he portrays.

As an actor, Sebastián has taken on roles that continue to push him outside of his comfort zone. In La Bola Negra, he chose to be credited as Guitarricadelafuente, rather than using his real name. This decision reflects a desire to separate his personal identity from his artistic expression.

For Sebastián, being an actor is not just about playing a role, it's about exploring the world around him and empathizing with others. He has spoken about how his acting work serves as an extension of his own experiences and desires. By embracing this connection, he is able to tap into a deeper sense of authenticity.

As Sebastián navigates the complexities of his craft, he finds solace in the connections he makes with others, including those who struggle to pronounce his name correctly. Despite the challenges he faces, Sebastián remains committed to his art and his desire to understand and empathize with the world around him.

Sebastián's role in Spanish Leather requires him to navigate a complex web of emotions, making every scene a delicate balance between restraint and expression.

Despite the physicality of his character's interactions, Sebastián has to convey desire in a subtle manner due to the restrictive nature of his character's environment.

The film's director had to be creative in capturing these intimate moments, especially since one of the characters is confined to bed for most of the story.

The use of symbolism adds another layer to the narrative, with the horse from Lorca's poetry representing Sebastián's untameable desire, which is a recurring theme throughout the film.

Spanish Leather marks a significant shift in Sebastián's career as he becomes a openly queer pop star, bringing much-needed representation to the music industry and beyond.

As someone who has benefited from seeing positive representations of his community on screen, Sebastián feels a sense of responsibility to use his platform to make a difference.

Growing up without such examples, Sebastián wishes he had seen himself reflected in films like In at a younger age.

Sebastián's on-screen bond with Penélope Cruz's character, Nené Romero, is particularly noteworthy. He credits her for making him feel at ease during filming, never once making him nervous or uncomfortable.

Working alongside a legend like Penélope Cruz was a dream come true for Sebastián. He has long admired her as an artist and a person, often referencing her as the Spanish queen. Her generosity and empathy on set were invaluable to him, allowing him to focus on his role without any distractions.

Sebastián's admiration for Penélope Cruz is evident in the way he describes their working relationship. He notes that she has a sensitive soul, which enables her to portray a wide range of characters with depth and nuance. Her commitment to using her platform for good is also something that Sebastián deeply respects.

As an actor, Sebastián believes that it's essential to be true to oneself and not hide behind shame or repression. This theme is central to the film, which explores the impact of societal expectations on individuals. By portraying this struggle, Sebastián hopes that his performance will resonate with audiences and help them feel less burdened by their own personal demons.

When asked about writing the song La Nieve for the movie, Sebastián reveals that he faced a significant challenge in capturing the essence of the film's themes within the lyrics. He knew that he had to tap into his own emotions and experiences to create something authentic and meaningful.

Sebastián's creative process involved immersing himself in the world of the film and exploring the characters' inner lives. By doing so, he was able to channel his feelings and perceptions into the song, making it a true reflection of the movie's spirit.

The song La Nieve is a pivotal element in the film, capturing the emotional journey of Sebastián's character as he navigates the complexities of identity and self-acceptance.

The film's incorporation of Federico García Lorca as a poet and artist adds another layer to its emotional depth.

Lorca's influence is deeply woven into the narrative, reflecting his profound impact on the world around him.

As a songwriter, it was essential for the artist to pay homage to Lorca through their lyrics and perspective, acknowledging the beauty of the world he created.

One of Lorca's characters from his manuscript La Bola Negra takes center stage in La Nieve", symbolizing the culmination of a journey.

The three timelines in the film converge as each character faces the reality of mortality, prompting them to re-evaluate their lives and make amends.

As the artist navigates this complex narrative, they also face a new challenge: the potential for Oscar recognition.