With “El Camino” the Spanish-German pop singer Alvaro Soler released his new album on October 10, 2025. In it, the 34-year-old sings his observations from the (digital) world and plays on instruments from different countries. Rolling Stone spoke to Soler about his musical influences – and what it is like to fight against clichés.
Until the 1990s there were entire evening programs in which artists appeared who sang in a language other than German or English. Italian with Eros Ramazotti, French with Mireille Mathieu … they enliven the trend with the Spanish new. How often does it happen that producers or marketing experts say: “Sing only German”?
This is not the case with me. I am not only successful in Germany, I am internationally. If I only sing in German, it would even be a bad step because I would only serve the German market. People in Italy, Spain, the Netherlands or Belgium would wonder why I suddenly sing in German, although Spanish belongs to my artistic identity. So it depends heavily on the question: Who am I actually? Where do I come from? I was born in Barcelona. My father is German and lived in Germany.
Do you sometimes consider them to be German?
When I came to Berlin, my good German easily gave the impression that I was “German” when I was actually. This is misleading occasionally. In fact, however, I did not grew up in Germany. I therefore lack many local children’s programs and cultural reference points that many know here. I only got to know the corresponding formats later. There was therefore never a corresponding request from the label – you also knew that Spanish is currently working very well.
Multilingualism, clichés & summer hits
It is now rare to land hits with Spanish -language music. Often it is rather superficial party titles.
I had to argue against this cliché again in an interview this morning. Some set Spanish music with a party and ballermann – as if Spain is only that. The music offers much more facets. For a while, “summer hits” dominated low quality-fast food music. Because I sing Spanish, it automatically sounds like “summer hit” for some. In fact, I do Spanish -speaking pop, and so it is perceived in Spain.
What is your favorite video?
“Si Te Vas” from 2021. I deliberately wanted to implement a small, nearby, authentic video. Only Andi, my manager, I, the cameraman and his girlfriend as a production assistant were on the set. We planned everything together and selected the locations ourselves.
A friend has an abandoned hall with old boats nearby – perfect for the planned storyline. Since I grew up in the area, I knew myself well. Through the small team we were extremely flexible. Both together make “Si Te Vas” my favorite clip. We were even nominated as a “best music video” at the Amsterdam Music Video Awards – which happened afterwards, we do not know.
First fun of music, school band in Tokyo
When did you make music most enjoyed?
Maybe at the very beginning, with my school band. I lived in Tokyo from ten to seventeen and attended the German School – an international school where many children changed every few years because of their parents’ jobs. You had to constantly make new friendships. That was painful, but taught openness. When new students came, we immediately asked if they were playing an instrument and founded bands from them. We also went to the choir together – not because of perfection, but because of the common experience. At that time, making music was completely free of sales or streaming printing: pure joy in music.
Spanish references & connection without understanding of language
In my youth, “Entrine dos Tierras” by Héroes del Silencio was a hit. Many sang along without being able to Spanish. How do you notice that the audience is diling the content, even without understanding of the text?
I keep hearing from this song. It was before my time. Concerts are the best place for this. Just that people come to my concerts in a non -Spanish -speaking country like Germany. You can feel how the audience reacts in every city. Some of my songs are in three -quarter time – very traditional, acoustically with band. Many do not understand the texts, but feel the atmosphere. Although such songs are often not singles, many film this moment because they recognize the emotional meaning. Speciality can also be recorded without language skills. It is also important that Uptempo titles can also have a depth of content. When people dance, this is not a contradiction – it shows that the beat bears. Concerts are a trip; The audience gets involved.
What was your favorite concert so far?
This year: a festival in Ostrava, Czech Republic, around 40,000 visitors. The people there are very open, many like to discover new music. They sang so loudly that it was overwhelming. The concentration was also impressive: when I said it was quiet – not of course at festivals. Overall: Taormina in Sicily, in an ancient Roman amphitheater with a view of the sea, coast and the smoking Etna. A backdrop as in the film, unforgettable.
Responsibility & politics in music
Do you feel about being political in the face of growing tension within the EU?
Yes. Above all, my responsibility is to tell my story – in the hope of arousing curiosity and openness. My childhood was cosmopolitan. By traveling, we learned not to judge people by origin. Ignorance and lack of curiosity lead to misunderstandings. Respect for the culture of the host country – and vice versa, respect for guests. Solutions are difficult because decisions are made every day that affect human lives. That is frustrating.
Production: digital vs. acoustic, instrument search
The production notes of “El Camino” have many exotic instruments.
I was in a private collection of family friends who collect instruments from all over the world every year. With a few microphones I recorded a lot there – including a huge, two to three meter long drum, which used to be hung on branches in Indonesia and was beaten as a greeting. There are hidden coordinates on the album for each track; Unfortunately, we could not determine the exact origin for this instrument. In artwork, the coordinates can be found as a small hint.
I played the drum with my hands – percussive and warm. The sound can be heard in the song “Buena Vida”, in the end even solo with percussion and voice. Live we emulate such layers partly by backing, partly with additional percussion. In a digital world it is easy to use Midi. But unique acoustic sources give an album their own sound world – that was important to me.
How did you get to music?
In Japan I wanted a keyboard for my tenth birthday. I couldn’t read grades, learned entire pieces via a learning function button for button. The band later came to school – music as a common doing. Curiosity is still my engine to this day.
How did the first band come about?
The occasion was to say goodbye to a classmate who moved to Brazil. We wanted to play her songs: Someone knew the chord of “Let It Be”, another sang, I spontaneously took over the drums – my first stage appearance at all. Then we were invited to Christmas; So our little “band career” started. My brother sang in another school band.
Social media: benefits & borders
They also sing about the necessary distance to social media. Your own channels maintain you or your team quite thoroughly …
It is an ambivalent relationship. Social media enables wonderful communication, but also creates unhealthy comparison pressure. At home, “digital free zones” help: no cell phone in the bedroom, ideally not when eating. Recently, a simple post about signed CDs showed immediate effect in the Amazon sales-social media can therefore be very effective.
At the same time, the feeling arises not to “exist” without posts. It is difficult to get out completely. Some, like Lena Meyer-Landrut, have taken longer breaks-which I respect. Women in particular are under additional comparison pressure.
Do you have an idol?
No classic idol with posters and fan rituals. But I looked up something from many artists: John Mayer’s singing and guitar play, Adam Levines Falsett, Phil Collins – such as his film music for “Tarzan”. Venue yes, one -sidedness no.
You have recently become a father. Are you introducing it to an instrument?
Clear. At “The Voice Kids” children get an ukulele in my team – so we have several at home. Our daughter loves the ukulele and little Shaker. Music plays a major role in her everyday life – and in the daycare center and is proven to be proven to be proven. She will freely decide whether she later wants to make music herself. We give her opportunities and support.
Cooperation: Ted Nasseri.