U of A alum and singer Chris Logan is creating a buzz with what he calls “bordertown sounds,” a fusion of sounds from his native Nogales that is gaining a following.
Growing up on the Arizona side of the border, Logan’s bordertown sound comes from an influence of anglo, country and Mexican rhythms along with styles and melodies that represent the music Logan grew up listening to -– country, blues, rock and the mariachi of his Mexican roots.
He played jazz in elementary school and transitioned to mariachi and guitar in high school, where he developed a passion for singing and shifted his focus to the genre. That inspired him to move to Tucson after high school and attend the University of Arizona, majoring in global studies.
During Logan’s time in college, he played in small UA mariachi groups and made money playing for the semi-professional mariachi Sol Azteca.
After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles where he started venturing into his own direction of songwriting and performing solo.
Being in the musically-diverse city helped Logan meet people outside of the mariachi space, connecting him to other musicians and songwriters including 13-time Latin Grammy Award nominated and producer Carlos Castro.
He met Castro through a connection with Logan’s friend, Angel Duran. Castro began working with Logan, mixing his first single, “One And Only.” That experience led to Castro becoming part of Logan’s production team on other recordings.
“Chris is a direct reflection of this new generation of artists who are bringing the sound of a tuba and marrying with a slide guitar, along with rhythmic cadences that are reminiscent of norteño music.” Castro said. “He is an artist that emboldens the spirit of multiple cultures thus creating a musical amalgam that showcases his town, his style and his musical vision.”
Chris Logan with Carlos Castros (middle right) and his production team in the studio.
Logan’s latest single, “Falling Again, ” features a tuba, which has probably never been included in a country song and probably best represents his bordertown style. The tuba influence comes from Logan growing up listening to regional Mexican music where tuba and accordion are prominent.
Being an independent musician gives Logan creative control over his music, although he admits it’s hard work.
At home in Los Angeles, Logan performs in the community including at senior centers and festivals. But his big goal is to take his bordertown sound on the road and represent his hometown and the UA.
You can find Logan’s music on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1E4vMaJqbiljK9) and Apple music (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/chris-logan-the-border-town-kid/1717161335); his videos are on his YouTube channel, (https://www.youtube.com/@chrisloganfromtheborder.
Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.
