FEATURED ARTIST chris lopez

Chris is our first featured artist and also one of the co-owners here at To Dream or To Die. Between spending time with his lady and running the label, Chris can be found in the D where he’s currently finishing up a degree in music theory. You can find more of his music here.

I managed to catch him with some free time and asked him a few questions.

The following interview took place on Sunday, the 8th of August 2010 between me and sir Chris Lopez.

THA INTERVIEW

To prepare for this interview… I searched ‘How to interview’ and pretty much copied the hell out of whatever the first link was. I also… nope that’s about it.

I texted Chris and told him where to meet me. Online. One o’clock. Be there. Or goddamn I’ll send him an angry text.

Alright, everything after this point is considered “Tha Interview” and may or may not show up online! (you have been warned)

Oh no, now I’m nervous.

As you should! Let’s start with your background.

I’m twenty two. Currently attending Wayne State University for music. Music is pretty much my only real hobby.

“CHRIS THA BIZ should really learn how to type with more than two fingers…” (I agree with this program)

Chris seriously types as slow as he talks. Which is damn slow. I expected him to make some excuse as to why he took such a goddamn long time to respond.

Sorry, I’m playing guitar and typing at the same time.

Figured. When did you start getting into music? Did they make you play the recorder in 3rd grade or something?

I started playing guitar at 16 and got into recording like a year a later. Ever since then I’ve been writing and recording my own stuff.

Cool, cool. Who do you think listens to your stuff?

Pretty much just you and maybe Joanna.

I knew it.

I knew it! Biggest fan, right here.

Yeah, it’s sad but true.

Okay, now some business related questions, son. Be on your guard there, pirate! When did your business start up?

March 2010.

How many employees do you have?

Currently it’s just me running the business. Brian helps out sometimes but he’s pretty flakey most of the time. We’ve got a couple others helping but that’s it for now.

Have you played live anywhere?

I played an open mic like two years ago but I will be [playing again] very soon with help from Mr. Martin.

Oh yeah, that foo been talkin’ with you?

Yeah, I’ve got to send him the tracks which I’ll probably do today or tomorrow.

I actually talked to him yesterday. He came down with the flu and barfed his guts out or something. I think some tracks will cheer him up.

Oh man that’s rough, I’ll send them tonight.

I had texted Martin the previous day to see if he wanted to hang out. Apparently the buzzing of his phone caused him to barf up his intestines. He politely responded ‘No thanks, I’m dying’ and I went on with my life. As did he.

Back to the important stuff. Who are your business competitors?

Other local record labels and recording studios. I don’t worry about them, they should worry about us!

A label with one artist is pretty diabolical in their eyes. Do you actually think of them as competitors?

Yes and no. Technically they are but I’m just in it for making good music not good money.

Nice answer. What’s an interesting story about you? Didn’t you cut your hand open on a no-skateboarding sign? (This is definitely business related!)

Yeah and it was really ironic! I guess they put that sign there for a reason. My hand was bleeding everywhere and I’ve got the scar to prove it.

I think we’ve got to wrap this up soon I need to get out of my basement.

Yeah I have another more important meeting to go to. Where do you see the business in 10 years?

Hopefully we will have a variety of local artists who are serious about making great tunes and I hope that we have our own recording studio open by then.

Definitely. Okay, now the questions get harder! You get ten seconds to answer. Did you go to the industry conference last weekend?

Say what! No.

Why do people jog?

Because they’re fat or bored.

Hey…

Why should we hire you?

Because I’m the man for the job.

Finally, I’m going to type some words and you got to type what comes to your mind first. Blue

Green.

Guatemala

Tortilla chips.

Now that’s racist! I could stand the fat person jogging comment, but tortilla chips? Guatemala? Really, Chris? That tune I hear? Is that a RACIST tune?

Sonic

Knuckles.

Jordan Sparks

Root Beer.

Gutthrot

Tooth Decay.

I made that last word up. Nice response though. I’m definitely going to brush my teeth now.

Haha I think I will too.

Alright, I think we’re done here.

OK cool, tell me when you update the blog.

Yup, I’ll send it to ya too.

Alright man, talk to you soon.

Peace.

After the interview I brushed my teeth.