Life & Work with Albert Lopez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Albert Lopez.

Hi Albert, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started wanting to be in a band for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until 2016 I decided to really buckle down and start one. In my early teenage years, I was more or less a metalhead but in 2016 I got a ticket to go see The Frights with one of my friends and that changed everything for me. I uncovered this whole world of music that I didn’t even know existed. From there, I knew that I wanted to make music like that. So in 2018, I started a band with my friend Erick and we named it Wayword. We named it that because there is a song called “Wayward Kids” that I really liked at that time. We started writing music and recorded a few singles. We played shows, with the band consisting of childhood friends at the time. From there, we recorded a five songs EP with the help of Danny at Balboa. He helped shape us into a more mature and serious band. That’s how I got to where I am today. I am releasing a full-length record. Recorded at Balboa with five of my closest friends and with Danny’s help. I am super proud of the work we all did together and can’t wait for people to hear this record.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It really hasn’t been. Over the years, I have struggled with countless things. I have had so many people come in and out of the band. Which makes things really difficult when playing live. I also struggle with some mental health issues so sometimes I don’t even want to write music or play gigs. Which really takes a toll on inspiration and makes writing feel like a chore and not passionate. The hardest thing in being a band is functioning as a unit, especially when you have a band with your friends, it can be hard communicating what you feel and it makes grudges grow. The most important thing is to be brutally honest with those around you, it might hurt, but it gets the work done and can only be for the best.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love making music. It truly the most therapeutic thing in my life and something I can passionately do. I am really proud of most of the work I have done. All the work I have done has contributed to my growth as a person, I’m only 19 so all of these things are going to be things I will reflect on and see how I have grown from it.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The best advice I can give for someone starting out is to keep trying even when things get tough. There has been so many times I just want to call it quits and I ask myself is the music even worth all of this? But there is no point in stopping what you love just because of some problems. Nothing you care about is going to be easy.

Contact Info:

• Email: waywordca@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.off-centerrecords.com/roster/wayword
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waywordca/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvW3uOJWwt-tPKTKrt-705A
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-373290729

Image Credits
@ttpez on Instagram @martinbquintero on Instagram @prettyuglyboyy on Instagram