Guitarricadelafuente is currently navigating the whirlwind of his burgeoning international career. Backstage at The Roxy in Los Angeles—the same city where he meticulously crafted his transformative sophomore album, Spanish Leather—the 28-year-old artist exudes a palpable, nervous energy. Yet, as he takes the stage before a crowd of 500, that anxiety dissolves into a potent blend of charisma and euphoria. During a climactic moment, he leaps into the audience, cementing the deep, cathartic connection he has cultivated with his listeners.
A New Era of Queer Expression
With Spanish Leather, released in 2025, the artist has moved beyond the folk-rooted sounds of his debut, La Cantera. This new record serves as an intimate odyssey, stripping away layers of artifice to expose the raw, unfiltered truth of his queer desires. His collaboration with Troye Sivan on the project Something To Give Each Other proved to be a pivotal influence, helping the Spaniard find comfort in his own skin and embrace his identity as a modern heartthrob.
From Benicàssim to the Big Screen
Born Álvaro Lafuente Calvo in the coastal town of Benicàssim, the artist has always looked toward his heritage for inspiration. However, his transition from the rural landscapes of his childhood to the global stage is now taking a cinematic turn. He is set to star in La Bola Negra, a highly anticipated film by directors Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi. The project, which explores queer awakening across generations, features heavyweights like Penélope Cruz and Glenn Close.
Finding Empowerment in ‘Full Time Papi’
When asked about the philosophy behind his anthem “Full time papi,” he explains, “You can feel like a ‘Full Time Papi’ in any way that you want to. It’s a concept I came up with as a way to empower yourself… Embrace your sensuality and that connection with your body.” This ethos of radical self-acceptance is the core of his current output.
Give into your desires and free yourself. That’s what I’ve felt in these last few years.
The Future of Queer Representation
Reflecting on his role as an LGBTQ+ figurehead in Latin music, he notes the lack of representation he faced growing up. “Whatever window I can open for someone, I want to open as many as I can,” he shares. As he looks toward his future in film, specifically the Lorca-inspired La Bola Negra, he remains committed to ensuring these stories are no longer kept in the shadows, but are instead brought to the forefront of Spanish culture.
