MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Up and coming musical artist Christian Lopez of Martinsburg is gaining a lot of attention for his work after being recognized by Rolling Stone magazine.
Rolling Stone named the Christian Lopez Band the “Best Newcomer” this month at the Americana Music Festival in Nashville, Tenn.
“We’ve luckily had some people, within the last couple days, reach out to us and we have some things that we’re really excited about,” said Lopez last week on MetroNews “Talkline.”
The 20-year-old artist said he defines his music as “folk rock” with a “strong variety within the records.”
“I just try to write things that are honest,” he said. “The music that I love the most is music that I know is honest and I connect with so much and I want people who listen to my music to connect that same way.”
Lopez called West Virginia “home” when asked by Hoppy Kercheval if he had plans to move to a place like Nashville to gain even more attention for his music.
“I love West Virginia so much, so I think I’m going to stay here. Actually, I’m sure. I love this as a home base,” he said.
In between tours around the globe, Lopez said the best time to write is when he’s in his Martinsburg home.
“I usually just pick up my guitar and kind of see what happens and what sort of comes out naturally when I’m home and I have that time,” said Lopez.
The Christian Lopez Band will be playing at various events around West Virginia the rest of this year including the 2015 West Virginia Music Hall of Fame’s induction ceremony at the state Culture Center on Oct. 24, at Mountain Stage in Charleston on Oct. 25 and for Music City Roots on Nov. 18.
For a full list of tour dates, click here.