Lopezhouse, the Spanish duo of David Lopez and Carlos Cruz from La Mancha has been steadily gaining respect since they debuted on Claude VonStroke’s Dirtybird label in 2015. Their melody rich, deeply creative sound has also graced the Kittball, Plattenbank, Exploited, and Diynamic labels. They first came to the attention of Bedrock fans when John Digweed included Guy J’s excellent dub remix of ‘Crosses & Angels’ on his recent ‘Live in Brooklyn’ opus, and they are now releasing their debut single on the forward-thinking label. The Lopezhouse sound is vibrant, distinctive and different, so DMC thought it was about time we had a chat…
David & Carlos, a big welcome to DMCWORLD and congratulations on the release of your new single – ‘November Clouds’ / ‘Otsaila’ – on John Digweed’s Bedrock label. So, the first thing we’ve got to ask is what makes this label so special?
When I was (David López) 18 years old, I remember seeing a John Digweed DJ set at Creamfields Andalucia. It was my first festival, and the first time seeing a live set by a great DJ, and this was a very influential experience for me. So, now, to have the opportunity to release our music on Bedrock… well it’s just beautiful!!
For anyone not familiar with your music, how would you describe your style? Can you put your finger on the elements of your music that makes it so distinctive?
We would say our style is a mixture of techno and indie with a bit of a post-punk attitude. We like to experiment with acoustic bass lines, processed guitars and vocals for atmosphere and melody. The voice of Angela is very personal for us and plays such an important role in our projects, we are very grateful for her.
As creative reference points you’ve listed the likes of LCD Soundsystem and Depeche Mode as being influential to your development, do you think it is your love and appreciation of a diverse array of music that brings something unique and different to the Lopezhouse sound?
Of course, we are music lovers! We have grown up listening to 80’s and 90´s rock and electronic music. In essence this has given us a broader perspective of influence when searching for new sounds and ways of producing music.
You first came to the attention of Bedrock fans when John Digweed included Guy J’s excellent dub remix of ‘Crosses & Angels’ on his recent ‘Live in Brooklyn’ opus. How do you feel when you first hear other artists’ interpretations of your work?
It is an honour for us to have another artist remix our music – a real compliment. The difference of viewpoint can be astonishing when you hear your original mix changed. It really gives a whole new perspective, so it can be a very interesting and sometimes funny experience.
You were the first Spanish artists to appear on Dirtybird, when your first ever release ‘Mude Tod EP’ came out on Claude VonStroke’s legendary label in 2015. What’s the story behind this important moment?
The story is many months of continuous work and wasted ideas that eventually lead to great works!
Which of your tracks do you consider to be your most accomplished creation to date? Why?
Hmm, good question… We’ve been very fortunate to have so many respected labels take an interest in us and our music. If we had to pick one track I would say it would be ‘Crosses & Angels’. The release of this track put us on the bill at Tomorrowland Festival and was included on Tomorrowland´s ‘DayBreak Sessions Compilation’. But, we are in the studio for breakfast lunch and dinner working on new music – so this selection could change at any time!
Do you find it easy to express your deepest emotions in your music, or is this something that finds an outlet only in certain, special tracks?
Not all of our tracks are born of the same emotion but there is always a genuine form of expression. Our music ranges in style and each track has its own emotional life. We are not always conscious of this while we are making music and perhaps don’t need to be, because we trust in the creative process and being present with time. It’s all so very important to us.
Tell us something about the psychological effects of music that totally blows your mind?
Music can shift your emotional and mental state of consciousness instantaneously. It’s incredibly powerful and so it is important to use this power wisely. Our current release with Bedrock is a bit more introspective – it was created in the Fall, which set the mood and is reflected in the final sound.
You mentioned earlier that you often add the amazing, sultry vocals of Angela Sevilla Marquez to your musical creations. What’s the story with Angela?
We have had a very close relationship with Angela for many years. She is a dear friend and is so important to the expression of Lopezhouse. We have been working together now for quite some time and the relationship with her is very special!
Let’s rewind for a moment, what are your earliest musical memories?
This reminds us of when we would come home from school and record our favourite music videos onto VHS from the TV, or make mixes onto cassette from the radio. The Internet didn’t exist back then, and it was too difficult and a bit expensive to get music otherwise.
How did you both get sucked into the electronic music scene? In what ways do you think your particular journey has influenced the electronic music you make now?
The electronic music scene is constantly developing and, for us, has an allure that we couldn’t refuse. It’s a perfect platform for any artist to expand and contribute their own space and style into the scene.
What piece of studio equipment couldn’t you live without?
For us, the most important piece is the chairs, because we are in the studio all day!
So far, you’ve released tracks of a very impressive list of labels so far: Kittball, Plattenbank, Exploited, Diynamic, and Bedrock – where do things go from here?
We have a great feeling about the future of our music career. Everything is extremely inspiring for us. We will continue working with great labels, artists and build on our live sets. The best is yet to come!
Who are your current 5 most exciting producers and why?
At the moment we love the work of many producers in the electronic music scene… But, if we must choose only 5 we shall say: John Digweed, Solomun, Kiasmos, Maceo Plex and Edu Imbernon! Why? Because their sounds are a catalyst for us! Much respect!
Best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Be critical with yourself, work hard and don’t give up. Believe.
What are your plans for the rest of 2017?
We will be working on more studio projects as well as developing our live show, releases, and preparing for a tour.
Lopezhouse
1. November Clouds
2. Otsaila
(Bedrock) Beddigi102
Format: Digital
Release: 3rd July 2017
Beatport: www.beatport.com/label/bedrock-records/63
Lopezhouse Info:
https://soundcloud.com/lopezhouse
https://www.facebook.com/lopezhousemusic/
