Echoes of Heritage: MixLab’s Inspiring Journey as a Renowned Remixer Contributes To The Indigenous Muralist

Echoes of Heritage: MixLab’s Inspiring Journey as a Renowned Remixer Contributes To The Indigenous Muralist

On the vibrant canvas of the world music scene, Tucson-born Andres Andy Lopez, popularly known as MixLab, has painted a distinctive picture. From an early age, his Mexican American heritage, deeply influenced by Tucson’s Pascua Yaqui tribe, has played an integral role in shaping his artistry. MixLab’s inspiring journey from DJing at local parties to being globally recognized by thedjlist.com as the #8 DJ, VJ, DVJ remixer in hip-hop and the #1 in Funk and RnB in the world in 2011, exemplifies the power of passion, persistence, and embracing one’s cultural roots. You can immerse yourself in the unique blend of his musical influences on his Soundcloud profile.

Born to Pedro Lopez and Olga Noperi Lopez, MixLab was exposed to the sounds of regional Mexican music at a young age. Immersed in the rhythmic pulsations of cumbias and corridos at family gatherings, he was naturally drawn to the beats of legendary artists such as Los Tigres Del Norte, Fito Olivares, and Ramon Ayala. These formative years on the south side of Tucson laid the foundation for MixLab’s DJing journey, which began when he was just ten years old.

MixLab’s passion for music soon ventured into new territories. The energetic beats of hip hop and the soulful melodies of RnB began to influence his style, culminating in a unique fusion that has become his signature sound. His La Yaquesita remix is a testament to this blend, where the influence of Mexican culture resonates powerfully.

This remix is a harmonious marriage of the traditional “yaquesita” rhythm with modern hip-hop beats and an accordion’s soulful melody. It reflects the richness of his heritage while demonstrating his innovative approach to music. This piece, with its distinct appeal, was featured by Paul Cicala from KVOA in a heartfelt video story covering an artist from Tucson’s Pascua Yaqui tribe who was instrumental in creating a Super Bowl mural in downtown Phoenix.

Paul Cicala, a multiple Emmy-nominated news and sports reporter, returned to his birthplace, Tucson, after an impressive career journey across Southern California, Las Vegas, Texas, and Mexico. In his video story, he commends MixLab’s “yaquesita” remix and hip-hop beat with accordion that he incorporated into his narrative. This contribution not only added depth to the story but also drew attention to MixLab’s creative genius.

But the musical realm is not the only sphere where MixLab has left his indelible mark. When the NFL employed him to contribute to a massive Super Bowl mural, MixLab seized the opportunity to represent his cultural roots. The mural, located in downtown Phoenix, serves as a beautiful tribute to Arizona’s rich indigenous history and culture.

The Super Bowl mural symbolizes a unique celebration of diversity and unity. It acts as a beacon of Arizona’s cultural heritage, drawing attention to the area’s indigenous history and the communities’ contribution to the vibrant tapestry that makes up the state. MixLab’s involvement in this project showcases his commitment to cultural preservation and his ability to articulate these narratives through his art.

Inspired by his experiences and the impact of digital technology on the arts, MixLab conceived the idea of creating a content creator platform, Yourway.Store. As the founder and owner, he envisioned this platform to provide a dedicated space for creators from all walks of life to showcase their work, connect with their audience, and monetize their creations. It’s an embodiment of MixLab’s vision to uplift and empower artists worldwide, offering them the tools they need to flourish in the digital landscape.