Backstage Pass - Blessed Be Man - Interview

ATP

For the record, who's answering the interview, what is your band's name? How did you come up with that name?

BLESSED BE MAN

John Lopez. The name of the band is Blessed Be Man. Once I started writing the music and the songs for this project, it came to me one night over pints and smokes and good friends.

ATP

So who's in the band and what's everyone's life story in 100 words more or less?

BLESSED BE MAN

John Lopez. This is a one man band. Music has always been a big part of my life. I remember being the only 3rd grader that would listen to Iron Maiden, Guns and Roses, Metallica, U2, etc. My father played in a trio as youngster. My brother started playing our fathers old acoustic, then I started doodling around with the guitar. Many years and bands later, Blessed Be Man was born.

ATP

In a nutshell, please describe your sound.

BLESSED BE MAN

Oh man... Everyone that listens to my music always say that it sounds like sound track music or that it belongs in movies... Some have called it Post Rock. I call it Punk Rock... Rock and Roll.

ATP

Why did you each of you start playing music and was there a turning point from becoming the dream child that every mother and father hopes their child will become before discovering music? Why did music become a career choice for you?

BLESSED BE MAN

Music is more than just 'music' to me. It's what keeps me sane. No matter what happens in my life, who comes and goes, and what not, music will always be here for me. I am constantly in 'music' mode: listening to music, making music, or playing music. Music is the universal language of the world.. Of the soul.

ATP

What instruments do you each play? How did you learn to play, self-taught or school?

BLESSED BE MAN

I 'play' guitar, drums/percussion, bass, violin bows, screw driver, and anything else I can get my hands on.

ATP

What bands have influenced each of you?

BLESSED BE MAN

A lot of bands that have influenced me, I sound nothing like: Dying Fetus, Immolation, At the Gates, Emperor, The Misfits, Dark Throne, MZ 412, Neurosis. Then there are bands like Radiohead, U2, Explosions in the Sky, Sigur Ros, Godspeed, God Is An Astronaut, Red Sparrows where you can totally here the influence.

ATP

What makes your band unique?

BLESSED BE MAN

I think being a one man band that can create everything you hear in the recordings live makes me pretty unique.

ATP

Do you write your own music? If not, who writes the music?

BLESSED BE MAN

Yes, I write and perform all of Blessed Be Man's music.

ATP

What inspires the songs you write?

BLESSED BE MAN

Life. It is the greatest inspiration one could ask for.

ATP

How long does it take you to write a song that’s ready to record?

BLESSED BE MAN

A few takes and the song is done. I have a very DIY and punk rock state of mind, so if it sounds listenable, it's good enough for me. It could be better, it could be worse, but it's real.

ATP

How would you describe your local music scene? Likes, Dislikes. What would you change?

BLESSED BE MAN

The El Paso music scene is alright now. Ive seen it better. Ive seen it worse. Ive been a part of it when it was at it's best and worst.

ATP

What is your favorite local venue? Why?

BLESSED BE MAN

All my favorite venues are gone. Maybe I am just dating myself.

ATP

What's the biggest problem you find when working with other bands, booking agents, promoters and venues when settting up a show or a tour?

BLESSED BE MAN

I have been fortunate enough to say that I have never had any problems with anyone or any venue.

ATP

How experienced are you on the stage, a virgin or whore?

BLESSED BE MAN

I have had my fair share of backyards, garages, warehouses, bonfires, and stages. I guess you could call me a stage whore.