We are in the best moment to make music in Spanish.
Listen to the album Clouds (2017), from Saint Charbelis returning to a world where the pandemic did not exist, where things were apparently simpler and less algorithmic; where cell phones did not dominate concerts and music was experienced in different ways. This year, Saint Charbel is back in the Indie Rocks Forum! next to Vilevoopening the presentation of French Police in Mexico. In an interview, we spoke with Daniel Serrato about roots, past, rock myths and his next visit to Mexico City.
Indie Rocks! Magazine: How has 2025 treated you?
Saint Charbel: It's been a pretty active year. There have been changes for the better in the group, especially in the project. I had the advantage of going to California, going to Mexico City—which I always like very much—and getting to know Puebla. This is how I started the year, with an invitation from some friends; Greetings to those of Peacefulwho behaved very well there in Puebla and supported me a lot. For me Puebla was a new city, I had never been, and I loved it. And, well, California, don't even mention it: we had two dates there.
Then in July I returned to Mexico City and played at the bar The Bloodya place where I have wanted to present myself for a long time. We had already gone once, but a tremendous rain fell, it was canceled and they moved it somewhere else. Even so, there was a ton of support that day.
And, well, to close with a flourish, now on Sunday we will be with French Police and Vilevoand more than anything in the mere, mere Indie Rocks!No? Closing the year like this is something very special.
Indie Rocks! Magazine: A very active year! Regarding the origins of Saint Charbelthey say that the border gangs have greater American influence. Do you think this is true?
Saint Charbel: No not at all. I grew up in Ciudad Juárez and now I live in El Paso, but even though they are close cities, the scenes are totally different. I do not believe that Juárez has a direct influence from the United States, at least not as is sometimes said. Each city has its own scene and its essence.
That probably could have been more evident years ago—speaking of the nineties or early two thousand—but since 2010 I feel that Latin American identity has been greatly strengthened, even on the border. There are many groups with influences from cumbia, rock in Spanish, Caiphanes and others, and I personally grew up with a lot of that music. Although I did not experience firsthand the heyday of CaiphanesYes, we inherited that legacy.
The United States has excellent bands, that's a fact, but the cool thing is that today Latin America also has something to stand on and find identity. There are many bands with a Latin American essence. So, in summary: no, I don't think there is a direct influence from the United States as such.
Indie Rocks! Magazine: When we think about myths that need to be debunked—for example, that composing in English is easier and better than composing in Spanish—what can you tell us?
Saint Charbel: I'll tell you something curious that I saw in California. I feel like this idea that singing in English is “better” comes from the nineties. For example, Tacuba Coffee It started with a project in English, and there were several bands like that. Later, in the emo scene, there was a very strong North American influence, but Hispanic bands also began to appear: from Mexicali, from Monterrey, from Juárez… bands that grew up playing in Spanish. That was when Latin America began to leave behind that American hegemony in music.
Of course, the United States has always had a huge presence; It is easier for an American artist to go on a world tour than for a Latin American musician to do so. But that has been changing. When reggaeton arrived around 1999, it was like a spark: suddenly Latin America took on its own musical identity. And today there are many active proposals for more than twenty years in Spanish, in all genres.
That's why I think that the idea that “it sounds better in English” has already been refuted. Right now, for example, corridos tumbados are dominating the market and have taken away space from reggaetón. In California I saw that there are bands that play and sing in Spanish, even people who don't speak Spanish at all, but who use it to connect with the public. There the post-punk scene is exploding, and many Latin bands are finding space in Chicago, in Texas, in New York, all along the coast.
And not only in the United States: in Europe they also consume a lot of material in Spanish; in Asia the same. TO French Police They even ask for them in China. And I've seen blogs from Japan talking about Latin American bands. It's cool.
So yes: the hegemony of English is no longer what it was. Today singing in Spanish is the thing today, especially in many places in the United States. You no longer have to think: “we have to make a group in English to hit.” That has been over since the late nineties.
Indie Rocks! Magazine: Clear. I think of movements that marked an era, such as the wave of “rock in your language”, where it was also claimed that there are other languages to make rock. Moving on to your next concert in the Indie Rocks Forum!Do you have anything special prepared?
Saint Charbel: Yes, I have a plan. In the last two songs I'm going to invite my friends from Hoffen, Dali and Danielato help me sing the last song, “Mirror”which is the one I like to close with. And then I will sing the songs that the people who support me already know. Basically that: enjoy every minute.
He Indie Rocks! For me it was always a goal. I never thought I would be given the opportunity and I am already going for the second time. The first one was incredible; I was on the main stage and I couldn't believe it. There were a lot of people, friends, fans, all screaming. It's something I can't compare to anything. I feel like this time it will be the same, because French Police Where it goes, it fills up a lot. And I'm also excited to have that little collaboration with my friends from Hoffen in the end.
Those who know the song, then let them sing it with all the emotion. For me it is another moment to keep in my heart. I know I sound like a sucker or a clown, but I really never expected any of this. Every time it happens, I feel like I'm dreaming. Seeing people in front singing with me is something I can't explain.
I know there will be people coming to see me, and that moves me a lot. And then see Vilevo already French PoliceWell, luxury. And the coolest thing: being in Indie Rocks!which for an artist is always a goal. I have had the fortune and the gift of being there once again.
Indie Rocks! Magazine: We are waiting for you very excited! Do you have a message you want to share with your audience before the show?
Saint Charbel: To the people who support me and are always at events: I'll wait for you that day. If I could hug each one, I would. Let's open ourselves; I still don't remember the times well, but I guess we started early. So to those who are always with me, I ask you to arrive early.
The good thing is that we are done and the rest follows: Vilevo and French Police. I think it's very cool to see those two bands. TO Vilevo I've never seen them live, but I've seen their songs on TikTok and I'm excited. Already French Police see them twice, so cool.
And well… He Indie Rocks! For me it's top: a really badass opportunity. I'm very excited. Arrive early, sing with me the ones you already know, and enjoy with me.
To you, Indie Rocks!and to the people who always support me: thank you for everything. See you on Sunday the 23rd; Schedules will be announced soon. But remember: we are the first band, so we have to arrive early.
Don't miss out Saint Charbel in it Indie Rocks Forum! this November 23rd and enjoy their music here:
