Discovering new music has always been a passion of mine, whether it’s learning about new music through friends or other talented musicians or diving down the inevitable Spotify rabbit hole. And once you locate that special musician, there is nothing more endearing than being able to follow their career through both concerts and albums. Rene Lopez has been a staple in my concert adventures as well as in the evolution of my writing career. I found out about Rene through one of my favorite drummers – Sam Fogarino of Interpol.
Rene’s music jumps out at you.
He mixes the known with the unknown amazingly well, using the Latin music I grew up with and transformed it into something I relate to in so many ways and can listen to on a daily basis. I always look forward to going to his concerts. It’s always a great time seeing people dance like no one’s watching. Being able to sing along to my favorite songs as loud as I can is the best feeling ever.
Back on December 9th, 2021, I eagerly attended my second concert after nearly two entire years without concerts. Rene performed songs from his brand new EP entitled, Bet You Thought I Would Die. I was especially excited to finally pass by The Immigrant, a classic New York City staple, for a cold beer on a cold night with a prompt chat with a friend about rock and roll. It helped me remember just how beautifully wild and interconnected the music scene in New York City is.
On the unexpectedly chilly night, the streets of the Lower East Side were eerily calm and quiet. The opposite could have been said of Nublu. It was truly delightful to see people dancing and singing along to Rene’s songs.
It really felt like we hadn’t been through a crazy two years.
As the band began their set, it was impossible not to smile as the crowd began to sing along and dance. Rene’s sound is definitely a fantastic melting pot of sounds from Latin funk to alternative rock. He’s an artist you should definitely appreciate because of the diversity he offers in each song. His music is the “dance like no one’s watching” type, the kind where you get to groove to your heart’s content. He captures what it’s like to have a love affair with New York City. It’s lively, passionate, and chaotic in the best way possible.
Playing songs like “Honey, Got Some Love” and “Don’t Change Your Heart”, you can tell that Rene and his accompanying band not only love what they do but they do a beautiful job at it. I was amazed at how Rene mined his deep catalog of songs, including tracks from prior albums such as “Paint The Moon Gold”. It was a redemptive experience after not attending concerts for a while.
As we settle into what 2022 has to offer us, finding new music to take with you on adventures or play when you need it the most is the best feeling. The Bet You Thought I Would Die EP is truly a masterpiece from beginning to end. As Rene examines the highs and lows of life, it’s the sort of album that makes you dance while reflecting on your life experiences. His album cover typically reflects what will be conveyed with the music, and this release is no different, as the artwork features a watermelon with a knife.
I truly appreciate how Rene stays so true to his Latin roots.
He then beautifully combines those classic sounds with genres like R&B, funk, and soul. On “I’m The Only King,” he begins with heart-wrenching lyrics, and it slowly evolves into a powerful tune that enters a mature space that contains hints of the late and great Prince.
Without a doubt, my favorite song off Bet You Thought I Would Die is, “My Life Long Ago.” I’m currently experiencing huge positive changes in my life, so I can definitely relate to Rene’s mood and energy. Once the chorus kicks in, there’s no way you cannot smile at the addictive blend of Latin, salsa cumbia, and R&B textures.
It truly has been such a pleasure to write about his albums and concerts over the years, especially as I’ve watched his transformation as an authentic singer-songwriter. If a dream collaboration could happen, I would definitely be all-in for Rene Lopez working with Natalia Lafourcade. They would balance each other beautifully, and both have an amazing musical range.
It’s such a beautiful journey to see someone’s songwriting and style evolve as my writing career has evolved as well. Rene’s music keeps me company on all of my New York City adventures, which I’m extremely grateful for.
