Fetish isn’t just big on the cold shores of the UK, it’s also a hit in the sunnier climes as far afield as beautiful Spain. We caught up with Spanish fetish pioneer Manuel Carranco (aka DJ M Carranco) from ‘Into the Tank’ to tell us more about the Hispanic scene, what we can expect when they launch upon London next Saturday, and whether leather is really the best option in the sweat-inducing heat currents of Madrid…
Where did the idea for Into the Tank first come from?
Into the Tank was originally created by Carranco & Blanko some thirteen years ago. At that time the fetish scene in Madrid was very scattered and there wasn’t any real fetish party of importance. We designed the first party to make fetish-lovers feel comfortable in a space where good music and sex combined in a single party. The first Into the Tank was a success, and we decided to repeat it regularly over the next few years. Currently, Into the Tank is the only fetish party of Madrid and the most well-known party of its kind in Spain.
Presumably there is a big Spanish fetish scene?
Over the last ten years the fetish scene has increased in Spain. New generations of men have shown an interest in fetish. The internet has also contributed to connect the fetish aesthetic to younger generations, who have responded very well to it. Websites orientated to contacts between men into fetish have helped to expand it. In this context, the Into the Tank party is the event where all these people come together for fun and dancing in a relaxed atmosphere.
How does it differ from the London one?
The fetish scene in Spain is not that different to that of other countries, but it does have a twist. Due to the climate people tend to dress less than in other northern countries. As such, while in some other countries of Europe leather and rubber are very popular, sportswear is very popular in Spain. This code allows for a very masculine twist while keeping it comfortable and easy to take off. Music is also a defining factor in any party; Spanish DJs have a different style that make our parties unique and vibrant. We’re convinced London men will have a great time at Into the Tank.
Why did you think London was the right place for Into the Tank to come to?
London is one of the most important capital cities in Europe. There’s a special connection between London and Spain, as well as a very important Spanish gay community. On top of that, we’ve had an ongoing collaboration with Recon and Full Fetish over the last few years. It seemed logical to extend that collaboration and take Into the Tank to London from the hand of Recon.com.
What kind of music will you be playing on the night to get the punters in the mood?
I have twenty-six years of experience, and am usually called to play in parties like the Amsterdam Leather Pride and the Folsom Street Fair or Hamburg Leather Pride, to name but a few. On the night of Into the Tank, I will fill the dance floor with progressive rhythms, energy-loaded tribal and tech-house music.
“Into the Tank is about music and sex between masculine men.”
What are your own personal favourite fetishes?
Sportswear is a personal favourite fetish. Soccer, rugby, wrestling suits, all those are favourites as they are easy to dress… and remove at the appropriate time! Of course, leather is also quite enticing, but the local weather makes it harder to wear. More than anything, masculine men in a masculine attitude.
What do you expect the Into the Tank crowd to be dressed like?
You mean how long until they take their clothes off? Into the Tank is about music and sex between masculine men, their personal fetishes are not that important so long as they are masculine and have a masculine attitude. We would like to see a crowd of Londoners having fun, enjoying the night, the music and the playroom.
Any special surprises up your sleeve for the night?
For the London premiere we’re bringing you a special show. ‘Los Monstruos Performance Group’ will present a fetish performance of high visual standards. Their origins are set on the Island of Ibiza, nowadays they are well known internationally as one of the most renowned performance groups of the international scene. The ‘Monsters’ will create an interactive and playful show for this party.
• Into The Tank is at Lightbox (6A South Lambeth Place, Vauxhall, SW8 1SP) on Saturday 9th March, 10pm-4am.
