FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2015
CHRISTIAN LOPEZ BAND PERFORMING ON MOUNTAIN STAGE AND MUSIC CITY ROOTS THIS FALL
West Virginia-based Christian Lopez Band will be performing on public radio multiple times this fall: the group is set to play on the acclaimed, long-running NPR show Mountain Stage on October 25th (radio airdate TBA; the show broadcasts nationally) and on the highly-regarded Music City Roots on November 18th. Also on tap: Christian and Co. head to Nashville for United Talent Agency’s showcase during the Americana Music Festival on September 18th. Additionally, they are confirmed to perform on Blue Plate Special in Knoxville, TN, on September 17th.
Christian Lopez Band is in the midst of promoting its debut album, Onward, which was released May 19th via Blaster Records. (For a full list of confirmed upcoming tour dates please see below or visit: www.christianlopezband.com/tour/.) Produced by Dave Cobb (Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell), Onward features ten songs written by the band’s 19-year-old namesake, which tackle themes of love, perseverance, coming of age and an appreciation for where you are in life. The lone cover on the album is a spirited version of the public domain Gospel song “Oh Those Tombs” that was later popularized by Hank Williams. The video for “Leaving It Out” so impressed CMT that they premiered the clip in August on the music-intensive CMT Pure; a live performance clip of the song “Goodbye” also aired around album release on the channel. A video of an acoustic version of one of the album’s tracks, “Seven Years,” is set to premiere at The Bluegrass Situation this week.
Press support for Onward has been strong:
American Songwriter: “Put any preconceptions on the shelf and it’s easy to see that Christian Lopez has a rich career ahead of him. It’s a concept he alludes to in the disc’s forward looking title and proves on every song of this impressive first effort.”
Stereo Subversion: “…it’s Lopez’ acoustic guitar and his soulful voice that pulls deeply on the heartstrings and shines brightest. …[His music] can be revelatory; a much-needed salve for all of the lacquered up bruises brought on by contemporary country and Music Row. …In a noisy realm of new bands and artists, Lopez could be a standout just based on his songwriting ability alone.”
Alternate Root: “There are guys twice Lopez’ age making records that are only half as good. Preternaturally wise and notably talented, this is a kid to watch.” – Top 25 Artists of 2015
Lopez hails from the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, where he was influenced by the Appalachian bluegrass tradition, jam bands, and his father’s deep record collection (which included the folk rock sounds and great songwriting of artists such as Jackson Browne, and James Taylor). Lopez was also young enough to soak up the energy of Americana roots revivalists The Avett Brothers and Old Crow Medicine Show. It was these fiery, acoustic bands that inspired him to trade in his electric guitar for an acoustic. Lopez began writing songs as a teen and began touring before he was old enough to drive. Music and performances from Christian Lopez Band have been featured in television and online ad campaigns for Belk’s and West Virginia state tourism.
Christian Lopez Tour Schedule:
9/10/15 – Washington, DC / The Hamilton (w/ Corey Smith)
9/11/15 – Cambridge, MA / The Sinclair (w/ Corey Smith)
9/12/15 – New York, NY / Bowery Ballroom (w/ Corey Smith)
9/17/15 – Knoxville, TN / WDVX Blue Plate Special
9/18/15 – Nashville, TN / The High Watt (United Talent Agency Americana Showcase)
9/20/15 – Washington, DC / CureFest DC
10/9/15 – Spencer, WV / West Virginia Black Walnut Festival
10/14/15 – Boardman, OH / Quaker Steak and Lube (w/ JD Eicher)
10/15/15 – Pittsburgh, PA / Pittsburgh Winery (w/ JD Eicher)
10/16/15 – Brooklyn, NY / Living Room (w/ JD Eicher)
10/18/15 – Basking Ridge, NJ / House show (w/ JD Eicher)
10/22/15 – Lansdowne, PA / Lansdowne Folk Club
10/23/15 – Washington, DC / The Hamilton (w/ American Aquarium)
10/25/15 – Charleston, WV / Mountain Stage, Culture Center Theater
10/29/15 – Martinsburg, WV / Shepherdstown Opera House
10/31/15 – Raleigh, NC / Belk – NC State Tailgate
11/18/15 – Nashville, TN / Music City Roots
Handy links:
Website – www.christianlopezband.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/Christianlopezband
Twitter – @Clopezmusic
EPK – www.christianlopezband.com/onward-epk
Christian on his live show – https://vimeo.com/120864467 (pw: Lopez1)
The Bluegrass Situation – “Morning Rise” premiere
Country Weekly – “On The Edge” feature, ran January 2015