Back in May of last year a young singer-songwriter from West Virginia by the name of Christian Lopez quietly released his first full length studio album, Onward (Blaster Records). The album was produced by Dave Cobb, the Nashville mastermind producer known these days for working with troubadours like Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson. Only 20 years old, Lopez exuded wisdom well beyond on his age over the course of an album filled with poignant and honest Americana tunes. Though he previously released an EP called Pilot (also produced by Dave Cobb), the aptly titled Onward signals that Lopez is indeed well on his way to making serious waves in the world of country and Americana music.
One of the standout tracks on the record is “Morning Rise”, a song with an infectiously good chorus that displays Christian Lopez’s power as both a singer and a songwriter, as well as the talent of his tightly wound band. Glide Magazine is excited to present the exclusive premiere of a stripped down version of “Morning Rise” recorded at East Side Manor in Nashville. Christian Lopez also took the time to answer some questions about the song and the video, which you can watch below the interview.
What was the inspiration for the song “Morning Rise”? Was it easy to write?
“Morning Rise” is about appreciating little things that make a moment a memory. More importantly, it’s about taking advantage of every minute you have with the person you love the most. I wanted to write a song that sort of resembled the simplicity of classic country. When I started to find it, this feeling of thankfulness and contentment just seemed to flow naturally. It took me some time to finish the song, but I was very happy with how it ended up.
How was the recording process for that song? Any funny or crazy or interesting stories about laying down that song in the studio?
This one was a lot of fun. The vibe was just right in the studio that day. Dobro player Ben Kitterman was brought in to play on the track “7 Years,” but we asked him to stick around and experiment with some ideas on this song. The riff that opens the song and remains throughout was the first thing Ben came up with. We loved it and I think it really gave the song what it needed.
Did the song come out how you imagined it would? How so (or how not)?
It definitely came out differently than I expected, and I mean that in the best way possible. When you’re working with a great producer (Dave Cobb) and band, things just get better. It’s that simple. Together, I think we were able to give the song what it really deserved.
How do you feel about this video version of the song…more acoustic and stripped down?
This is how I originally wrote the song and this is how we play the song live today. I love this version and how it builds from the beginning. But I also really like how my live songs can have their own identity from their recorded versions. It makes the shows that more special to me, and I think it does the same for our audience.
Watch the Christian Lopez Band perform “Morning Rise”:
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The Christian Lopez Band kicks off their 2016 tour on February 8th in Nashville. For a full list of dates and more music check out christianlopezband.com.
Photo credit: Allen Clark
One Response
CLB awesome as always!