Malú does not hide her happiness. «The truth is that these are being wonderful months and I’m enjoying myself like never before in my life, for the first time, without that pressure, without that disgusting demand. “I was not able to enjoy the things I was doing.” Malú (Madrid, 1982) is celebrating her 25 years in music with a tour called “A todo sí.” An optimism that is more than just a title. You only have to look back at the number of times that the singer and composer, whose daughter Lucía has already turned four, insists on the word “enjoy.” She does it, as does the legion of fans who have followed her for decades and who will fill the Wizink Center in Madrid on December 18.
She has been away from the stage for more than three years. A break forced by an unexpected injury. What has that time served her? What has she discovered about herself and what is the Malú like now that she has returned?
That injury forced me to stop, which I had never done before. Then, I realized that I took everything from a sick point of view, I had the opportunity to reconnect with that self, with that girl I abandoned and to get her back and that in a way brought us both together, and when I returned to the stage the feeling of enjoyment is greater. I lost many fears or many things that you have when you are locked in something and never come out to get some air.
The first few months you spent in theatres and more intimate venues. Did you need that feeling of home?
I wanted to do something different on this tour, to have that closer contact. I’m really enjoying that warmth, that singing while looking into each other’s eyes.
She titled the anthem that propelled her into music at just 16 years old “Apprentice.” What is the most important lesson that this profession has taught her?
That you can really do everything and you should enjoy what you do. Everything turns out much better, you are happier when your level of demand is not so unhealthy.
Your lyrics feel more personal. Are they more biographical or have they always been that way?
They have always been very autobiographical, I have told my stories, the things that hurt me. It is my way of communicating with my people, even when they have not been mine I have tried to make that message have to do with me. Now maybe it is because we are starting to pay attention to the lyrics…
She is a singer and businesswoman. Many souls depend on her work. How do you manage this added pressure and when have you felt it most strongly?
That pressure of having so many people behind me, of always having to be well, of not being able to stop, prevented me from enjoying myself. At that stop I realised and learned to put things into perspective. Now I am under pressure and I am demanding but from a healthier perspective.
The Starlite Marbella open-air amphitheater enjoyed it this Monday. What does this Marbella quarry have?
Playing at Starlite Occident is magical, it turns music into something very special and they are a family that treats you like one of their own.
Montserrat Caballéwhen I reminded him of his successful life, he surprised me one afternoon by confessing the loneliness of hotels and how he suffered from the distance from his children. Do you recognize yourself in his lament?
Perfectly. The great Montserrat Caballé tells the reality of all this. How surrounded you are when you are in action and how you are left with a feeling of deafness when you get to the hotel room. When I was little I noticed it a lot, it was hard for me and over the years I have learned to make these my moments of peace and intimacy. With the children, fortunately, I am lucky enough to be able to adapt everything to be with my daughter one hundred percent and to work as well. At the moment, I do not have to be too far away from my daughter, which is one of the worst things there is.
His anatomy is full of tattoos that remind him of affections. Any last-minute inscriptions?
I’ve stopped and let go of tattoos. There are times, moments and ages for tattoos. Of course I don’t deny them, but I’m not going to get tattooed anymore.
When she couldn’t act, she used music as a coach on “La Voz” (Antena 3). Was it difficult for her to feel like a teacher?
I don’t feel like a teacher, I try to share my experience with them. Most of them have the same skills as me and some of them are better than me when it comes to singing. The fact of being able to share our experience is what nourishes me and I learn from their enthusiasm.
Is everything that happens for the best, Malú?
All decisions, good or bad, right or wrong, make you the person you are. Is it convenient? Well, I don’t know. Everything happens for a reason, probably yes, or we need things to happen, to sacrifice ourselves or to make a change in our lives.