“There's some great Electro coming out that actually has melody to it; you can maintain a balance.” – DJ Chris Lopez

While Chris Lopez has been influenced by pioneers and tastemakers such as Tony Humphries, Francois K, Kerri Chandler, Danny Rampling and many others, he won’t place a classic record on a pedestal just because it’s a so-called “classic.” He’s also not afraid to stir the pot a bit, pushing the accepted boundaries of House music

For the 22 year old Lopez, it’s always been a matter of balance ever since he first started as a radio DJ at the tender age of 15. “Some DJ’s will only play the ‘cool’ tracks but they don’t understand that you need to play big records, not just to get your set going but to push catchy records and keep the scene going strong,” he explains. “When I play a set I will always play some big record’s and mix it up with underground beats.”

Now, Lopez is pulling the ultimate mix-up, as he shifts his SuCasa label (started in 2005) in a more peak-time, Electro direction.

“Just because records are peak time, that does not mean they are not quality,” he insists.

The first release for the newly formatted SuCasa label finds Lopez teaming up with vocalist Miss Ling on “Addicted,” which is set for release in April 2006. Even with the new direction, “Addicted” draws heavily on the mid-90s soulful/Garage sound with a soaring guitar lick, lilting vocals and even some straight-up Disco strings. Don’t be fooled though; just below the surface of the track’s light elements lies a dark, slinky bassline which gives the track a subtle movement.

“It is a soulful record,” says Lopez, “but the synths give it that Ibiza feel. The hook and the vocals are very catchy so it gels together well.”

While House “purists” may turn a cold shoulder to the popular Electro sound, Lopez looks at it from a couple of different angles. First and foremost, as a DJ he always places emphasis on educating his audience through music.

“If you’re not open minded,” Lopez warns, “you’re basically saying to the world ‘I know it all,’ which stops you from learning & experiencing. I think that kind of prejudice is actually very dangerous.”

Lopez also notes the similarities to Dance music of the 80s. “I love the Acid House sound and its coming back, but in a different form. Peak time records will always dominate; people love that rawness and tracks with an edge. At the same time, Electro is not necessarily hard, Techno music. There's some great Electro coming out that actually has melody to it; you can maintain a balance.”

The change in direction is not so much for the sake of classification as it is a matter of diversification; a way of breaking down the barriers of the infinite genres and sub-genres cluttering up today’s dance music scene.

A prime example of this is the brand new SuCasa track from Crocodile (aka Chris Lopez), “Instrumental Vision.” This is a wild, Electro ride all the way, with a bouncing bass line and synthesized vibraphone track contrasting with the classic, deep keyboards utilized in the soulful breakdown.

Even with diversification and new directions, Lopez won’t deny his penchant for Deep, soulful House, which is why he is starting an offshoot label, SuCasa Soul.

“The market [for Soulful House] is much smaller, but you can’t deny the fact a good soulful record can send shiver’s down your spine.”

Chris Lopez has been hailed as one of the torchbearers for the next generation of House music. By pairing a raw, peak time style with soulful and melodic House, he is showing the world an unexpected side of Electro and that it is possible for it to have melodic and musical elements.

So hop on board now. It’s sure to be a wild ride as Lopez continues to re-write of the rules!

Upcoming projects for Lopez include “I Need You” (to be released on SuCasa this spring), as well as remixes for Kim English (“It Makes a Difference”) and Byron Stingily.

Words and interview by Alex R. Mayer. More information can be found at http://www.sucasabeats.com and http://www.djchrislopez.com . For digital downloads of SuCasa tracks, check out http://www.traxsource.com