Meet Luis J Gutierrez | Composer, Orchestrator, Multi-Instrumentalist
We had the good fortune of connecting with Luis J Gutierrez and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Luis J, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is a word that conveys sacrifice. I’m used to it. However, there has to be a plan in order for success to happen. Probably the biggest risk I have taken was to drop out of college and pursue music. Even more, dropping out of music college in Peru to go to the US and pursue higher education, opportunities and network. Leaving behind everything was not easy… family, friends, community, life, health and stability, but in order to pursue my dreams of becoming a better composer and performer I had to take this path. Especially from someone that comes from a family with limited resources but great spirit.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
From the high mountains of Peru. I consider myself a musical architect. I’m a composer, orchestrator and Multi-Instrumentalist. Interestingly enough, my main instrument is the electric guitar. That may explain my passion for both Popular music and Classical/Film Music. I’m excited to share 3 projects I’m proud of. One of the films I scored last year earned a special mention at the Oscar-Qualifying New Orleans Film Festival 2023 (NOFF) for Best Narrative. The film’s name is Burnt Roux by director Keisha Davis. Truly an emotional journey with a powerful message that aims to raise awareness in the fight against racism and systems of oppression in the South.
Second, I’m proud to share with everybody that my band Vagabond (Alternative Rock, Grunge, Progressive Math-core) is in the process of recording our very First Album. Also, we have our very first Single “Strikes at Midnight” available in all platforms. As a bonus, we also recently published our very first videoclip for “Strikes at Midnight” which is available in youtube.
Lastly, I’m also in the process of releasing my upcoming Solo EP Short Tales: A Fantasy World. A journey in which interestingly enough, a vagabond is traveling between realms encountering many different worlds and landscapes. The album combines elements of Jazz, Rock, AfroPeruvian Music with electronic and Orchestral Elements.
To get here… Was it easy???
Life is about challenges. Trying, falling and rising up… I’m at a place in which I’m at harmony with my musical craft. I work as a composer assistant, freelance writing for Visual Media and on the weekends I get to rock famous venues in LA, some of them include venues such as The Viper Room and the Redwood. I get to play with different artists who I deeply appreciate and admire.
To get here, It was not easy. It’s not easy for foreigners. The only thing that can be done is to step up, embrace your art and show it to the world. Behind the scenes, that means many hours of study and practice. Lonely nights, sleep deprivation, crazy deadlines, fingers with tendonitis… I can go on for hours…
Probably the biggest lesson I learned is that making friends and building community around you is the best way to succeed. United we rise, divided we fall.
Everybody can get a glimpse of my world through my music. However, I want them to see themselves and reflect on my music as a mirror into their souls in whichever place they find themselves at. To be heard, understood, accompanied…
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ohhh boy. I go everywhere here in CA. That’s a tough question. There is so much here in LA that narrowing it down to a couple places is almost impossible. I’m not a morning person so let’s skip to lunch.
As a Peruvian, I always brag about our cuisine and justifiably so… Bodegon 69 in Pasadena is my way to go for authentic Peruvian food and drinks. Pisco Sour 100 out of 100.
After that, I would take them to the Japanese Garden in the San Fernando Valley.
At night, I would like to keep it simple. Maybe a movie night at the AMC at the Grove; but if I had planned ahead, I would definitely take my friends to the Magic Castle.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents for believing in me, of course. My many teachers for mentoring me and introducing me to the many worlds between the realm of music. Lastly, that friend whom showed me a band called The Fall Of Troy many years ago. Without them or her, I wouldn’t be here. The band’s sound was in great part what kept my mind opened to everything and allowed me to grow as a musician.
Instagram: @louisslein
Youtube: @LouizSlein
Other: https://youtu.be/fNfwaTzsZHA?si=pG-SozXq6EoNn3Ut https://www.instagram.com/vagabond.theband?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://www.instagram.com/uricktheband?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Image Credits
Trentyn Urick. Ash Calton Garth Gunderson Jr. Jasper Henry Mike Bonomo James Covell
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
