Interview with Rene Lopez about The Big Takeover
Rene Lopez stands out among musicians for his ability to navigate various genres effortlessly. His musical influences range from Americana and Latin Soul to Outlaw Country, Funk, and Rock n’ Roll, making him a true musical chameleon. His most recent solo album, A New York Lie, perfectly showcases this talent, featuring a blend of styles that makes it feel like a mixtape of multiple artists rather than a single cohesive project. For Lopez, fusing genres isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a way to keep his work fresh and engaging.
Raised in a musical family, Lopez’s father, Rene Lopez Sr., was a renowned trumpet player in the Latin music scene. Later on, Lopez honed his craft at the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music in Manhattan. His musical career took off in the early ’90s with The Authority, a jam-funk-rock band, and has continued strong ever since. Whether as a solo artist, a collaborator with Joseph Arthur, or a creative partner to Blind Melon’s Rogers Stevens, Lopez’s musical journey is extensive. His collaboration with Stevens led to the formation of Extra Virgin, a band that left a lasting impact on Lopez’s career.
The inception of the Extra Virgin project occurred in 1998 when Blind Melon members expressed interest in creating a new band with Lopez as the lead singer. After catching a solo gig by Lopez at CBGB’s, the band members were impressed and soon began working together on new music in Seattle. While the original plan was to have Lopez take on the role of the new singer for Blind Melon, both Lopez and Stevens ended up forming a strong bond that led to the creation of Extra Virgin. Their collaboration continues to this day.
Lopez’s latest album, A New York Lie, presents a departure from his previous works by delving into a more organic sound, giving the record a cohesive band feel. This album showcases Lopez’s prowess as a songwriter, with deeply personal and honest lyrics. Embracing elements of country music, an unexpected genre for a lifelong New Yorker, Lopez found inspiration in artists like Waylon Jennings. The album’s songs resonate with his love-hate relationship with New York City, exploring the city’s complexities through a musical lens.
Reflecting on his discography, Lopez views each album as a reflection of a specific time period in his life. For instance, his album “One Man’s Year” captures a year of personal struggle and growth following a separation from his then-wife. Looking back at his work offers Lopez insight into his past experiences and growth as an artist. “A New York Lie” serves as a thematic exploration into his relationship with the bustling metropolis, capturing the essence of the city’s allure and challenges.
As Lopez plans for future projects, he envisions creating a continuation of the themes explored in “A New York Lie.” His songs act as short stories that collectively narrate his experiences as a lifelong New Yorker. Raised in the Bronx and later moving to Manhattan to pursue his passion for music, Lopez’s deep connection with New York City serves as a constant wellspring of inspiration for his songwriting. Through his music, Lopez expresses the complexity of his feelings towards the city that has shaped him into the artist he is today.