THE SECRETS OF THEIR SUCCESS

Fast Facts:

Pursuit: Singer, songwriter, producer

Definition of success: “Finding happiness in what you do.”

There are two things I can tell you about listening to the music of today’s guest. One: you should, and two: you probably already have. He’s co-written and produced work with the likes of Belinda Carlisle and New Kids On The Block, and toured with the former on her UK tour last year. He’s worked with Brent Paschke (if that’s a name you’re not familiar with, a quick search reveals that he’s played guitar with everyone who’s anyone in the music business). He is three albums into a successful career that’s seen his music featured on various TV campaigns (including for the winners’ montage of the 2008 Olympics) and has played live at all the prestigious LA venues. Even so, in conversation it’s clear there is more to come; lots more. For a hint of that, and how he arrived at his present juncture, please welcome the sensational talent that is Gabe Lopez.

“I moved to LA and immediately started interning at a record label,” Gabe explains when I ask what set him on a musical bearing. “After a couple months I got a job working for Grammy-winning songwriter Jeff Silbar. I learned a ton in his studio about writing, producing, and pitching songs. From there I started producing and writing for other artists in LA, while also performing on the Sunset Strip at venues like The Roxy, The Viper Room and such. As for inspirations,” he enthuses, “my favorites are The Beatles, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and so many more!”

For any successful recording artist, music has to be the life-blood. I’ve come to know that from previous guests in the business. Let me tell you, in the instance of Gabe Lopez, that compulsion to work is starkly evident.

“I’m usually doing some form of music six to fourteen hours per day. The average is probably over sixty hours per week. I love it so much! I feel very lucky to be doing it for ‘my job’.”

And that irrepressible energy emerges in every facet of his routine – if you can call it that. I ask for an insider’s view of a day-in-the-life of Gabe Lopez and, as I suspect, it’s non-stop. 

“First thing is always coffee, coffee, coffee! Ha-ha. Then I check emails for business and do some social media. Then I get ready for the studio. I’m usually then off to write for a project, produce an artist, or create something musically. At times during the year I’m off on tour, which involves lots of travel, shows, etc. I absolutely love it all!”

I’m edging past my mid-thirties, so the music of Belinda Carlisle has been with me since as long as I can remember. I was entering my early teens when she was turning out hits like Circle In The Sand and Leave A Light On, and I’m enjoying equally her releases from the last few years. There’s this part of me that, when I ask Gabe to talk about the proudest moments of his own career, wants to hear at least some reference to the lady herself. As it happens, I’m not disappointed.

“I think it’s opening for Belinda Carlisle in her UK tour last year. I had the best time of my life. I can’t wait to do it again. It was amazing.”

Sorry, but I have to dig a bit deeper here. This is the lead singer of the Go-Go’s, one of the most successful all-female bands in history. As a solo performer she’s gone triple platinum. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for crying out loud. What’s it like being around such a cynosure of pop? 

“She’s incredible! She’s become a great pal since I produced and co-wrote her single Sun in 2013. I’m working on her new album right now, too. She is such a pro in all aspects. Such a solid singer live and a great songwriter. She’s very sincere and a great friend. I’m thankful to be working with such an icon and such a warm heart.”

Albums, tours, producing – the next couple of years’ schedule, at least, seems to have been penned in: no looking back now. It is, then, somewhat cautiously that I ask Gabe if he ever hankers for the normal life – a more routine vocation.

“No,” he affirms. “Not at all. Ha-ha! I had the nine-to-five before my music career started taking off. It was hard on me. I’m happy to not do it anymore.”

And for those like-minded individuals who don’t want to do it any more – what’s the Gabe Lopez line of advice?

“You’ll hear lots of ‘nos’ but they’re just closer to that ‘yes.’ Keep going, keep growing. Keep on.”

I’d like to thank Gabe for his time and boundless enthusiasm. I’ve asked him to keep me posted of new releases and tour dates so watch this space. You can follow Gabe on Twitter @gabelopezsongs and Facebook at facebook.com/gabelopezmusic. You can keep up to date with all the latest at Gabe’s official website: www.gabelopez.com. Finally to get an idea of what all the fuss is about, the latest album It’s Obvious It’s Obvious is available on the link below: