The artist from Utrera reconnects with his flamenco essence and announces a new chapter defined by music, concerts, and authenticity.
By Susan Villa
José Carlos Montoya returns to music after a year of silence with “La Mano Atrás,” a festive flamenco rumba that combines his Andalusian roots with contemporary sounds and Latin influences. Written mostly by the artist himself, with the collaboration of Javier Naranjo, the song represents for him the true beginning of a new artistic chapter
That is what makes it so special, and I feel it so deeply, because it reflects a very clear message: after the storm, calm, happiness, and beautiful things always arrive.
Born in Utrera and coming from a family closely connected to flamenco, Montoya says that music has always been his best way of expressing both his joys and his difficult moments. With this single, he wants to convey a message of well-being and hope: after the storm come calm, happiness, and beautiful things.
After receiving the Iris Audience Award for Personality of the Year, the artist faces this comeback with the support and affection of his followers. In this interview with Susan Villa, Montoya talks about his family's influence, the creative process behind “La Mano Atrás,” his connection to Andalusia, and the songs and concerts that will shape the coming months.
1. You were born in Utrera and grew up in a family deeply connected to flamenco. What influence did your family environment have on your artistic vocation?
Practically all of it, or almost all of it. Almost my entire family on my father's side is made up of artists and people dedicated to music. I remember that, from a young age, I would see my father going on tour, the rehearsals, the parties at home, and the music that played every day. I also remember family gatherings, where, when one person wasn't singing, another one was, or someone was dancing. It was something very special.
2. After a year of musical silence, you return with “La Mano Atrás,” a song you consider your “true first single.” Why do you feel that this song especially represents your authentic essence?
I think that music, in itself, already defines each person's essence and the moment they are in. For me, this song is very special: not only because I wrote it, but because it arrives at a very beautiful moment and, above all, because it is a song that breathes well-being and life.
3. You composed “La Mano Atrás” yourself, a flamenco rumba with contemporary sounds and Latin influences. How did the song come about, and what did you want to convey through it?
Yes, most of it was composed by me, together with the special collaboration of Javier Naranjo. It came from a state of, as I mentioned before, feeling good and wanting to release music and express my feelings. In the end, it is the best way I have to speak. I have always taken refuge in music for my joys and my sorrows and, therefore, now that we are happy, I bring you this song, as the song itself says. Above all, I wanted to convey life and happiness.
4. The music video was filmed in Andalusia and showcases your most festive, approachable, and spontaneous side. How important is it for you to bring your roots and your homeland into this new work?
Yes, in Córdoba. I love it! It is a city that I have an enormous amount of affection for. Córdoba and Andalusia are incredibly special and, now that many times we are a little farther away from them, we miss them even more. I couldn't have chosen a better place to film it. I adore Andalusia and my hometown. For me, it is everything, because being Andalusian is a source of pride, and I believe that “La Mano Atrás” has a lot of the spirit of a small town, of joking around and fooling around among friends.
5. “La Mano Atrás” is a festive song designed to make people dance. What would you like the audience to feel when they hear it at your concerts?
That they feel joy and the desire to have a good time; that their feet start moving and they lose their embarrassment about going a little wild, haha. Because the song is made for that: to escape from everything, put a smile on people's faces, and convey happiness.
6. This comeback comes after you received the Iris Audience Award for Personality of the Year. What does it mean to you to have the affection and support of so many people?
It is a blessing. For me, the audience is the people I owe everything to, and I still ask myself what I could have done to receive so much affection. I am always very grateful, and for me, that affection is my strength and my daily motivation. Receiving that award, from the Television Academy and from them, was beautiful.
7. “La Mano Atrás” opens a new chapter that will include more songs and a tour of Spain. What can you tell us in advance about your upcoming musical projects and future concerts?
At the moment, I want to continue growing and developing, have an amazing time at concerts during the summer, and continue thanking all those people who have supported me until now for their affection. I also want to keep learning about music every day and prepare new songs, which we have already written and will be releasing over the coming months.
With “La Mano Atrás,” Montoya once again places music at the center of his career and reaffirms an artistic identity shaped by flamenco, rumba, and his Andalusian roots. The song opens a chapter in which he wants to continue growing, learning, and sharing with the audience music created for dancing, escaping from everyday life, and celebrating life. New songs and a tour of Spain will accompany this comeback, through which the artist hopes to show his most personal and authentic side.
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