We could never get sick of LA-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Christian Lopez. Named one of Rolling Stone’s “10 New Artists to Know,” Christian took a three-year hiatus between releases to travel the world and experience life. That time on the road was influential in shaping his next body of work, which he states is the best representation of who he is.
With several singles already under his belt in 2020, Christian continues to build on his impressive year with his latest, “Sick of Me.” The infectious anthem centers around the all-too-familiar feeling when anxiety creeps into a relationship.
Pop Culturalist caught up with Christian to chat about “Sick of Me” and his journey now as an independent artist.
PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Christian: My mother is an opera singer and music teacher. She steeped my siblings and I at a young age. Though it was the fusion of my dad’s record collection that really kicked it into gear. I wanted to connect the way my favorite artists connected with me. I was playing in classic rock cover bands since I was twelve. I loved being rowdy. I loved the stage. But it wasn’t until I discovered the country/folk greats that I honed my focus on writing.
PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Christian: The key to keeping my head and heart afloat as an independent artist, making the kind of music I make, is by remembering my narrative: where I come from, West Virginia.
PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Christian: When it comes to more worldly success, I look back on the shows where the crowds were there feeling everything with me, creating magic in a room that relies on every single person. When it comes to success in terms of happiness, recording this last record at Sonic Ranch [El Paso], was the most freely creative I’ve ever been, and the feeling that went with it was unmatchable.
PC: You signed your first record deal at the age of eighteen and are now releasing music independently. How do those two experiences differ?
Christian: I have no regrets, and I’m proud of what I did with the label. But frankly, releasing this music independently has been way simpler and is much more satisfying. I had an itch to take this route early on as I saw the times changing right before me. We live in an age now where the possibilities are truly endless.
PC: What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started your career?
Christian: Stick to your gut!
PC: Tell us about your new single “Sick of Me” and the inspiration behind the track.
Christian: I love this one, but I wrote it when I was irritated at myself. I was angry at all the times where I didn’t trust my gut and things went wrong. I was sick of me. Of course, I don’t feel that now! But that was a very important part of the process that taught me the necessary lessons to bring me to where I am today.
PC: You took a three-year hiatus between releases. What did you learn about yourself during that time? What do you hope to say with this next body of work?
Christian: I spent most of that time on the road, writing and slowly working on these recordings. But with all that comes so many amazing movie scenes of life that I got to live. I always say there’s no better college than the road. I learned a lot about myself. Twenty-four feels a lot different than twenty-one. But I think the biggest takeaway of living these last few years of my life is to never sacrifice integrity. This body of work is my best example of that yet. I hope listeners enjoy it.
PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2020, what does the year hold for you?
Christian: Along with the music, touring, touring, and more touring.
PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Christian: Biggie
PC: First album you bought?
Christian: Back in Black
PC: First concert you attended?
Christian: Van Halen
PC: An album that changed your life?
Christian: The Band’s debut album.
PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Christian: Red Rocks
PC: A must-have on the road?
Christian: Audible and string cheese.
To keep up with Christian, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream “Sick of Me” today.
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