[Si] TV

In every generation, a handful of bands rise above the pack of American pop-rock to define their genres, and their times.

Grunge gods Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins unleashed the angst and disillusionment of Generation X in the 1990’s, while Dr. Dre, Biggie and Tupac headlined Hip-Hop’s ascendance into the dominant sound of mainstream America.

But then there are bands that transcend their place in time. They endure through multiple generations without losing their relevance to any single moment. Their sound evolves without altering their soul. And their originality echoes through the ages more than their instruments, even as they continue to make new music. Bands like Aerosmith, U2, and the Rolling Stones have done so in English.

In Spanish, particularly to American audiences, it can only be Maná.

We sat down for an exclusive interview with Alex and Juan to talk about their place in history, the dichotomy of the American market, and about the greater issues reflecting their Mexican and Latino cousins living in the United States.

REGO: Is there any single word or phrase that can capture Maná’s sound?

Alex: We really love so many different types of music that it’s really frustrating for us to try and do that. That’s why we admire bands like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, the Police and U2 because they’re bands that have a sound but are not afraid to bring in other elements of music. There are a lot of Rock en Español bands that sound like any other American or European rock band. The only difference is that they’re singing in Spanish. Then there are the Rock en Español bands like Café Tacuba, los Fabulosos Cadillacs and us that are willing to bring different and experimental sounds, be it from Latin roots or from other cultures.

REGO: United States and Mexico have been called distant neighbors, and our shared history isn’t the most harmonious. Now, in the middle of this whole immigration crisis, what are your sentiments on what a just and realistic solution could be?

Juan: I think that the laws are becoming too strict. I think that the majority of immigrants who work here have legitimate jobs and they make up a huge part of the work force here in the U.S. They have been part of the great tradition of immigrants to this country, and they should be allowed to become legal workers.

Alex: I think one of the first things we have to do is to accept that, on Mexico’s side, things need to change. I mean, I don’t think a lot of Mexicans would be trying to come over to the U.S. if there were better jobs and better minimum wages back home. If Mexico can find a way to provide better benefits, health care, all that, I think most people wouldn’t take the risk of coming to the U.S.

REGO: Maná has meant so much to so many people in different parts of the world. What do you want rock historians to write about you guys 50 years from now?

Alex: Wow! I never thought about that one. I think one of the things that I would like our band to be remembered for is that we were always a true band, true to ourselves. And that we never tried to be something that we weren’t. We played what we wanted to play musically, we always spoke our minds, we never limited ourselves musically, nor with our words. I hope we’re a remembered as a band that brought Latinos together, not only in the United States, but worldwide. And that we brought the masses across the world close to our Mexican and Latin cultures. And that we were a great band that fuckin’ ROCKED! PUNTO!

Photos Courtesy of Warner Music Latina