Meet The Americana Pop Artist Christian Lopez
Christian Lopez is continuing his music comeback with his explosive 4th single ‘Sick of Me’. The passionate new track is testament to Lopez’s brilliant songwriting and vocals. Christian’s love for the arts started during his childhood, which was engrossed by music. The rising artist began his inevitable path of music exploration by taking up piano lessons at the age of 5. Over the years Christian honed his craft – writing, learning different instruments and growing vocally – leading him to his first record deal at the age of 18. He went on to release his debut and sophomore project ‘Onward’ and ‘Red Arrow’ both earning him critical acclaim. Fast forward to 2020 and Christian Lopez is hitting a new stride with his music, with plans to release more intimate and wild rock n roll.
We were able to chat with Christian about everything from his sound, brand new single ‘Sick of Me’, future music plans and more.
You’ve been surrounded by music your entire life. What’s your earliest musical memory?
I’d have to say the piano lessons I took when I was 5 years old. I always got in trouble for never practicing the sheet music. Stage wise, It’d be my first open mic in my hometown when I was 13. I played The Joker.
You’re based in Los Angeles by way of Nashville – but your roots are in West Virginia. Do these cities have any influence on the music you’re making today?
Absolutely. The further away I get from West Virginia, the more I can hear and cherish it in what I do. My roots are what make me who I am and being In LA now allows me to accentuate the West Virginia I have to give. But also, being here with so many different creative people, allows me to experiment way beyond my genre walls.
Your first batch of releases following a three-year hiatus all showcase a variety in sound and style. Can you elaborate more on your strategy and the direction you’re going in with these releases? Can you tease what you have in store a little bit?
I’ve always been most inspired by artists that make music that bends between styles. Artists like The Band, or one of my current favorites, The Avett Brothers, both have fueled my creativity in this way. The common thread that I focus on is the heart that flows through the lyrics and my unfiltered guitars and voice. As long as I feel I’m being me, my only strategy is making it unfold to my audience in the realest way possible. But then again, Spotify continues to put me in their Americana playlists, so I’m happy to live there.
“Sick of Me” is an incredible pop-rock record and the video is fantastic, can you tell us more about your direction for the visual?
I left this in the hands of my trusted director, Nicholas Jandora. We grew up together in West Virginia, so he knows who I am and visa versa. I put all my faith in his eye, and together we always create something I love. In this video, he captured that “alone” feeling that this song fears. The plane crash site at the end symbolizes that no matter what, you’ll still be standing.
What do you want your fans to take away from your music after listening?
I want them to want to press repeat.
Your sound bends between genres but falls somewhere in the midst of pop-folk-rock. What types of music or musicians have fueled your creativity?
I think that’s an accurate characterization. I grew up listening to classic rock and classic country. I think that blend along with my love for Americana (and my friends that are also part of the community) has developed over time. The one thing I always make sure of is that it remains authentic.
What is something you couldn’t live without?
My Fairbuilt acoustic guitar. Also, cheese.
The world is a bit of an uncertain place at the moment, how have you been keeping yourself busy during isolation?
I’m still writing songs, shooting videos, meeting with creatives (under sanitary circumstances of course) But the world never slows down for me, even if things are closed.
We’ve heard a lot of great new music from you this year, what can we expect next?
More music. And even more touring. I need the road!
Make sure to check out Christian’s brand new track ‘Sick Of Me‘ below…
