Lizarazo

There are so many genres today that have gotten out of darkness and been put on a pedestal. One of them certainly is electronica and co., which has gone ahead and evolved into a genre that has practically defined current society, that thing we know as “pop.” So it is not surprising that many artists and groups have gone through this musical line to create their own pieces, often amazing and memorable, but sometimes pure garbage.

Lizarazo’s self-titled album is something between the old school and new. It’s not techno or dubstep or anything like that. It is a combination of different sounds that blend to create something interesting. The first songs, “Sporadic Rhythm” and “Strength” catch our attention with rather simple but attractive sounds. It has a good, relaxing vibe, but also it has a party mood.

“Blind Illusions” uses the effect that everyone who played Nintendo, Sega, or any other video game will be familiar with. Along with this, we find rather simple drum beats, bass lines that fit the song, and wonderful spatial effects that capture our imagination. This time it is more dramatic and almost creepy… “A Strong Foundation” follows pretty much the same line. “Harmony Dictation Post” is kind of more hip hop.

Several songs later, we find “E.X.P.,” which blends almost everything we’ve been hearing with a great influence from what appears to be Daft Punk (think TRON OST). This is undoubtedly one of the songs that caught my attention and closes this record in an incredible way.

In conclusion, this is probably not what you hear on the radio every day. It’s amazing, and it is very experimental… different. There is no absolute harmony nor disaster. There is nothing indecent, but nor is everything innocent. - Vents Mag

As Lizarazo, Tomas Salazar creates beats with fondness for light experimentation, like dispatches from a few minutes into the future of instrumental hip-hop. As the founder of SA’s First Caste record label, Lizarazo’s work delivers like a finely Screwed mix of the Blade Runner score. - San Antonio Current

Isaac: Thank you for being a part of our weekly music interview spotlights. Let’s get started. The Indie Music Industry is an amazing beast. Many music critics have stated that Indie Music is on the rise with many new performers being discovered each day. Do you believe that indie music artists can rise to the level of stardom that their major music studio counterparts are able to now?
That really depends on what you consider stardom. I believe that the ability to gain just 1 extra fan is a huge accomplishment. Everyone wants to be a star and everyone wants to succeed. It can be very hard specially these days with so many young artists out there trying to make it. We can all reach our own level of stardom. That doesn’t necessarily mean that we need to be nominated for a Grammy to get there.

Isaac: What do you feel has been your biggest contribution you have made to Indie Music Industry thus far in your career?
I think the biggest thing for me was just finding a sound of my own. I always wanted to make music that was different and stood out. For months I was never sure what kind of sound or style I was going for with my music. I soon realized that no matter how hard I tried to fit in to a different genre, the music was not going to sound like anyone or anything else except me. Once I accepted that, my workflow progressed immensely.

Isaac: I am interested to know if you could go back and change anything about your own musical career, what would it be and why?
I always think about what my music would’ve sounded like had I stuck with the piano. My aunt gave me some piano lessons when I was 8 and me being so young, I was more interested in going out to play soccer and basketball with my friends. I just didn’t have the focus or the discipline to study and practice all the time and its something I really do wish I had stuck with. I did however end up getting a degree in music playing thing classical guitar where I learnt a lot about my musical self. Theory and the classical world can teach you a lot. I’m glad I still found a way to music regardless of the instruments I played.

Isaac: I am curious to know do you feel that the music industry as a whole is surrounded by an endless pool of undiscovered talents or overcrowded with mediocre performers.
It’s always a combination of both. I am constantly on the look out for new up coming music and I find a lot of new creative artists out there that have a very small following. At the same time you find a lot of music that is completely commercial, made to sell, and is all over the radio. I feel true artists will stand out with their originality whether its top chart material or not. There’s a crowd for every artist. It’s all a matter of personal opinion really.

Isaac: Are you currently signed with any of the Indie Music Labels? If not, what are you looking for in any music label that you hope will complement your music?
Well all my releases at this point are on my own Label, First-Caste Records. I have done a couple of Compilations with some other artists. I did some work with DJ Ninja on a compilation release called ‘No Wraps #2’, which consists of beats from various Texas producers. I just confirmed another compilation release with Synth City Records from Los Angeles. Both these releases represent incredibly different styles. As far as finding a label, I’ve always been a big fan of Brainfeeder, Alpha Pup, and Stones Throw Records, and one can only dream of working with those that inspire you. But my music ranges in style so I don’t necessarily want to be tied down to just one genre specific label.

Isaac: What do you feel has been one of the biggest challenges for you to bring your music to the masses?
The hardest thing for me has been getting shows in general. I have found that the best way for me to expose my music has been by entering beat battles and other music based competitions. People like the music. I just need to expand my fan base.

Isaac: One of the best attributes for any performer to possess is tenacity. What is your professional and/or personal drive that has made you continue to make great music over the years?
Well I try to stay as involved as I possibly can with music. The biggest drive for me is my family legacy. My grandpa brought music to my family and I don’t want that to die out. Not to mention the fact that making music keeps me sane. It’s been the best artistic outlet for me throughout my entire life. I’m not quite sure where I would be at without it.

Isaac: How has living in your current city affected the way you look at the music industry?
The places you live in always affect compositional styles. I grew up in the Middle East and had the opportunity to travel a lot growing up. I was exposed to many cultures and their music. When I was 18 I moved to Colorado and was exposed to this whole world of improvised electronic and beat music. I remember one of the bands that had the biggest impact on me was Sound Tribe Sector 9. I had never heard such an overwhelming combination of Live and electronic sounds put together in such a creative and dynamic way. In high school I spent most of my time listening to thrash metal let alone anything involving synthesizers and sequenced beats. After taking a couple of music production classes, I realized that I didn’t need a full band to make music. I could just do it all on my own. I now live in San Antonio, Texas and the southern hip-hop scene here is driving me to towards more down tempo beats. Who knows what my next destination will bring out of me.

Isaac: We would love to see a music video from you! Do you currently have one that you can let our readers know about?
Unfortunately I do not have a music video at this time. However, there is one in the making. When it comes out I’ll make sure that Juniors Cave Online Magazine is the first to know.

Isaac: At the end of the day, if you never reached musically to a certain level of fame and fortune, would you be happy that you made music on your own terms?
Music should always be made on your own terms. It is your own creation. You should never let anyone tell you how to express yourself. I have had many mentors that have helped guide me and have influenced my musical abilities but my music compositions are my own and no one else’s.

Isaac: For those who want to learn more about you and your music, where can fans find you online?
My music is all over the place these days. You can find it on facebook, twitter, bandcamp, itunes, soundcloud, and even spotify. I always refer people to my bandcamp though cause you can get it for free!

http://lizarazo.bandcamp.com

If not just look up my label at http://firstcasterecords.com. You will find all my releases as well as all those from all my friends and its free free free!

Isaac: Finish this sentence for us:
“Your music is something that will…express my mind.” - Junior's Cave Online Magazine

This is a video of a Live performance Lizarazo did at Hi-Tones in San Antonio. This is a monthly event known as the Electronic Exhibition.

http://vimeo.com/107975113 - Josh Gutierrez