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How A Stranger Is Made is the second studio album by Luis Mojica. The record was recorded at The Old Dutch Church in Kingston, NY as well as at Split Rock Studios in New Paltz, NY by Jason Sarubbi. It features 11 piano-based songs that incorporate the wurlitzer, celesta, harpsichord, organ, saxophone, percussion and a rich texture of backing vocals that display Luis' wide 3+ octave vocal range. The record was arranged, performed, written, and produced by Luis. He is joined on this album by Mercury Prize nominated producers David Baron & Simone Felice who have worked with artists like Bat For Lashes, Peter Murphy, & The Lumineers. The record was mixed by Grammy Award winner Justin Guip (Levon Helm) & award winning vocalist/composer Fredo Viola. Photography for the record was shot by Kelly Merchant and the album design was created by Fredo Viola. This record follows Luis' journey into the deep parts of his mind and heart, as he faces and transforms unresolved pain into bliss and freedom. Sexuality, male identity, betrayal, love, and spirituality, particularly shamanism, are consistent themes on the record. The songs are very personal, as if taken from the artist's personal journals. |
press
"If you’re looking for compelling and rapturous soulful next-level indie releases created in the Hudson Valley, then you will be completely missing out on one of the most powerful records of 2019 if you sleep on the lush, jazz-infused chamber-pop poetry of Luis Mojica’s yearningly bold new album, How A Stranger Is Made. A boring run-of-the-mill collection of clichés this record is most definitely not." - Hudson Valley One
"...an album which even after numerous plays just thrills and impresses more and more; Luis Mojica a minstrel unafraid to share worldly and personal souls." - The Ringmaster
"Luis is a musician that is in touch with his feelings and can not only wear them on his sleeve but give it to others when they need it." - Jammerzine
"A convincing delivery, it seems he is speaking right to the listener in the same way Tori Amos, Devendra Banhart, Kate Bush, and Ani DiFranco manage to. His muse has obviously led him into some deeply personal, vulnerable places. Through his music, Mojica radiates creative joy, making this a thoroughly enjoyable listen." - The Big Takeover
"...an album which even after numerous plays just thrills and impresses more and more; Luis Mojica a minstrel unafraid to share worldly and personal souls." - The Ringmaster
"Luis is a musician that is in touch with his feelings and can not only wear them on his sleeve but give it to others when they need it." - Jammerzine
"A convincing delivery, it seems he is speaking right to the listener in the same way Tori Amos, Devendra Banhart, Kate Bush, and Ani DiFranco manage to. His muse has obviously led him into some deeply personal, vulnerable places. Through his music, Mojica radiates creative joy, making this a thoroughly enjoyable listen." - The Big Takeover