Growing up in the melting pot of Tucson primed guitarist and singer Brian Lopez for absorbing the cultural music of other countries. Graduating from college with a background in classical guitar, Brian made a name for himself in the band Mostly Bears before striking out as both a solo artist and an acclaimed sideman. With his band Xixa, Brian has channeled his many influences into the new album "Genesis", a collection of songs that reflect the concerns of our Covid-rattled world. Pour yourself a big mug of chicha and kick back as Nick and Brian talk about touring in Europe, how an artist's political slant informs their art, and the rise of today's Seinfeld hipsters.
HIGHLIGHTS:
[01:09] Brian describes his new band, Xixa, and how they got started as a Peruvian chicha cover band
[05:09] Xixa recorded their new album "Genesis" as a group, before the pandemic lockdown
[06:33] The song "Land Where We Lie" was a blatant mix of South American cumbia music and 80s New Wave vibes
[07:10] Brian explores the various themes touched on by the songs, and how the album's title has multiple meanings
[09:55] Brian explains that not touring and being home has given him a deeper love of the craft of songwriting
[11:34] Brian is a multi-instrumentalist with a classical guitar background, but he loves piano
[13:03] Brian's band Mostly Bears survived their tours thanks to Wal-Mart's deli meats
[16:09] Howe Gelb of Giant Sand became a mentor and "path finder" for Brian's career
[17:43] Brian tries to find a balance between collaborations and his own personal projects
[20:14] Brian appreciates the break from the business side of music that being a sideman provides
[21:35] Brian has toured more overseas than here in the US because there were more opportunities
[23:20] Xixa and "Genesis" are becoming very popular in South America, prompting a possible tour
[24:14] Brian and Nick rave about the beauty and art culture of Mexico City
[26:03] Brian participated in the Kennedy Center "Arts Across America" program during the lockdown
[28:58] Brian feels more politically activated these days, and it's reflected in his art at times
[29:58] Brian's musical influences range from pop of The Beatles to the thrash of Nirvana
[32:10] It's official: the early 90s are back in fashion, both musically and stylistically
[33:19] Brian can't stand the way the term "psychedelic" is applied so broadly to various styles of music
[36:03] Brian loves being immersed in the blended cultures that make up the Tucson experience
[38:13] Maintaining a studio during the pandemic has been tricky
[39:37] Brian's opinions on certain artists have changed over time, as he comes to appreciate their art
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Find out more about today’s guest, Brian Lopez
Find out more about your host, Nick Terzo
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
@howegelb_ [of the band Giant Sand]
@casadecalexico [the band Calexico]
@vivaelatino [Music festival]
@kencen [The Kennedy Center]
