Today we’d like to introduce you to Manuel Lopez
Hi Manuel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Manuel Lopez and I create music. I was born in Chiapas, Mexico, into an indigenous community, called San Juan Chamula. I speak three languages now – Spanish, Tsotsil and English. I immigrated to the United States in 2018, lived in Atlanta, GA for a year before moving to the wonderful city of Charleston, SC. I started developing my passion for music when I was about 15 years old. First, I started by playing the drums and eventually I learned other instruments like the guitar and bass. I even joined a rock band at one point and had the opportunity to record in Monterrey, MX with them. I took a pause from music after moving to this country and trying to adjust and then during the pandemic, I picked it up again and started producing music during my free time and I haven’t stopped since. I started by producing Hip-Hop and Trap beats. then I expanded into EDM music, more specific genres like techno. A lot of the influence and people who have inspired my music are people such as: Mexican producer, Jayrick; English DJ and producer, James Hype; and American artists Anyma and Argy. Because of their influence, I also dived into the DJing industry. Music for me is my happy place, an escapism, and the most wonderful form of expression I know.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The dream to be an artist is a hard one to accomplish, especially coming from a small community like mine. It was and still is rare to find an audience for the kind of music I like and produce. I did not always have the financial resources to be able to obtain instruments and equipment for my music. Due to some of the life changes I encountered along the way; it was also sometimes hard to find the time to create and learn about music. It is a never-ending learning process.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a musician. I play a variety of instruments, including the drum, guitar, bass, and learning to play the piano. I produce my own music and have also started DJing. My music focuses on EDM, techno, rock, and metal. Some of my proudest moments have been recording in Monterrey with my old rock band and that I find the time and energy to keep learning about music. I keep my ears open to new ideas and inspiration for the music I create. I think one of the things that sets me apart is that I am quite a fast learner and can be very versatile with my music.
I’m proud of one of my song was added to many important playlist in Spotify of Melodic Techno music, that motivates me more cause proves me that I’ve been doing right. Also I’ll be releasing a new track in November 8, called “Anima” this track is inspired in my culture. For us, death is another phase in life and not the end of it. For which we have a lot of respect for it. So try to reflect this in this track.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
It’s a cliche but the truth. I have learned that when you are passionate about something, don’t give up on it. Also, always believe in yourself. There was a time when I started abandoning music and I was not taking the dream of creating music as serious and it was more of a hobby. Picking music back up during the pandemic started as a pastime but it’s part of my person and my life now. Music is a lifestyle.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espe_sk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeSk
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@espe_sk
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7jjvpV8SCcstsfARFjxeHH?si=vq3EWIjuR0ayT6X2WMvgag
