Meet Nato Lopez | Music Producer & Artists Management / A&R

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nato Lopez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nato, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is a necessary factor for success and plays an important role in everything that you do. Without risk there is no success and unfortunately this means that in order to reach your goals you have to be able to lose before you can gain. During my journey to becoming a professional musician I have had to give up many things such as spending time with my family and my children because I was putting 18+ hours of work in at the studio everyday. I risk losing loved ones, relationships, and friendships because of my determination to become successful, however, I also do not think I would be the same person I am today without those experiences.

There have been many instances in which risk has scared or challenged me, but this has only driven and motivated me even more. There is no one in the morning telling me to get up and there is no one telling me when to clock in or out. As a growing musician I have had to rely on myself to continue working hard, but music is what I love and I was willing to risk everything in order to earn my career in the music industry business.

What should our readers know about your business?
In 2017, I decided to start my own business, Legends Entertainment, after my found success of becoming a professional musician and producer. I wanted to challenge myself by venturing into other branches of the music industry such as artist management, artist development, and live shows. I knew I had all the connections that I would need, from my time as a professional musician and producer.

My main goal with my business has always been to make it so others don’t have to go through what I went through. Going through the creative side of the music industry first really helped me relate to the artist and allowed me to cater to their needs on both ends of the spectrum, in terms of the creative and business process. For me it has never been about the money, music is my passion and it drives me and I do what I do because I love growing and building a trusting relationship with my artists. I truly believe that by creating success for others it also creates success for me.

I want to create a brand, not only for myself, but also my artists. By building a successful brand with my artist the success of their products will come naturally. The purpose of my business is the help the artist’s vision come to life. I believe music is a self healing remedy. Therefore, if my artists can help their listeners get over a break up, have fun on a night out, fall in love, etc. through their music then I believe we were successful.

Starting this business, was not easy and I got to where I wanted to be today because I felt like there was more for me to do and the next step was for me to help other artist and producers achieve the same goals that I had for myself. There was a lot of work and effort that was put in and a lot of decisions that had to be made in the transition from a creator to an executive. If I could make it on the creative side of the music industry I honestly didn’t see why I couldn’t make it on the business end.

I don’t see them as challenges I believe if you really want something and you’re passionate about it then you will find a way to make it possible. Over the years I have definitely learned how to be persistent and you’re going to get tons of “No’s” before you get any “Yes’s”. I am learning everyday, whether it’s learning from mistakes, mentorship, or researching new techniques and strategies. You have to be comfortable with not succeeding on the first try and you have to be willing to accept the constructive criticism. The world is always changing the business is always changing and I think you have to be able to adapt to new strategies and learning curves while also putting your pride aside in order to make it in this industry.

I want people to know that anything it is possible. As long as you are dedicated and passionate about what you want to accomplish, continue to be true to yourself and willing to learn and grow the success will come naturally and you will soon realize that the sky is not the limit for you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First of all I am a foodie. So if you are feeling a burger or a sandwich then I would say Stout on Sunset or Canters on Fairfax. If its breakfast then we are going to the Griddle in LA. Or if you are feeling like a celebrity then we will go to Catch LA. The best Thai food in Hollywood can be found at Toi on Sunset where they are open till 4 a.m.. However, If you want something more exclusive then I would take them to Soho House for dinner and drinks where you have to be a paying member or Chateau Marmont/Bar Marmont if you want to apart of history. Or if you want Italian then Il Piccolino off Robertson in Beverly Hills is the place. There the owner will personally greet you outside, ask you for your name, and then remember it for the next time you visit. I recommend the Spaghetti Bolognese or the Tomahawk Steak. For a steak go see Tom Colicchio’s CRAFT Steak House. With an honorable mention for Jones Hollywood.

I love my city, Los Angeles. From shopping to sight seeing I would definitely take someone to Melrose, Fairfax, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Center, The Grove, Abbot Kinney Drive for shopping and small eateries. For sight seeing I would take them to Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Farmers Market, a cruise down Sunset and Hollywood Boulevard, Griffith Park Observatory to hike and see the the Hollywood Sign, catch a show at the Hollywood Bowl, have a beer at the Art District and Downtown, and watch my favorite team the Lakers play. Last but not least I would then take them to the Getty Museum because everybody has to go at least once.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To be completely honest the moment I decided to take a career in the music industry my family and loved ones took a step back. I think a lot of it had to do with the shock of me changing careers around the same time my child was born and many thought it would be more practical to have a job with more stability so I didn’t really have a support system. I knew that my parents would support me no matter what and they were going to let me take the risk, but financially it was all me. I had to take out loans to put myself through school and really motivated myself every day in order to make things work no matter the circumstances. My child was definitely a huge influence for me to succeed, but I also knew I had to do this for myself and prove to others that I was capable.

In the beginning, I did have one cousin, Enrique Legaspi, who always told me that I could have a career in music and was actually the one who had introduced me to Hip-Hop and program to create music which eventually led to me becoming the professional musician I am today. DJ Rocky Rock was also a huge support for me as we would make beats together and he would be the one to keep pushing me and later on introduced me to the Black Eyed Peas which would boost my career. Then, while I was in school, I met Ric Gibbs who believed in me more than I believed in myself and would reassure me that I was going to do great things. One of my biggest supporters was Sarah Boillin who would constantly take me to the studio when I didn’t have a car and wait there till I was done which would often take several hours into the early morning. Sarah adjusted her jobs, living situation, and pretty much entire life in order to do anything in her power to make sure that I was making it to classes, studio sessions, meetings, etc. because she wanted to watch me reach my full potential. Without Sarah I wouldn’t have my career or music and for that I am sincerely grateful.

Website: natolopezmusic.com

Instagram: @illum1nato

Twitter: @illum1nato

Facebook: Nato Joel Lopez

Other: Business IG: @legendsent