Meet Gastón López

Percussionist Gastón López Finds Rhythm, Connection Through Music

Coin, Spain — For Gastón López, music has never been just about keeping time. It is about creating moments of connection between strangers, turning everyday spaces into stages, and proving that passion matters more than the instrument in your hands.

A familiar face to many visitors of the Mercado Agroalimentario de Coín, López has spent years entertaining audiences with his energetic percussion performances. Whether playing a traditional drum kit or transforming buckets and household objects into instruments, the local musician has built a reputation for bringing rhythm and life wherever he performs.

His musical journey began at the age of 11 when his parents gifted him his first drum set.

That birthday present sparked what would become a lifelong passion.

Now with 17 years of experience behind him, López has dedicated much of his life to studying and refining his craft. Along the way, he attended various music academies and training programs, continually seeking opportunities to improve as both a drummer and percussionist.

Among the institutions that had the greatest impact on his development was the Centro de Artes y Música Moderna de Málaga (CAMM), where he studied jazz drums for several years and expanded his technical and creative abilities.

His commitment to music eventually became more than a hobby. At a pivotal moment in his life, López made a decision that would shape his future.

"I decided I wanted to dedicate myself to music 100%, no matter what," he said.

As he considered different paths within the industry, one possibility felt familiar: performing on the street.

The idea was not entirely original. Performance has long been part of his family history. López's father street performed as a puppeteer, exposing him from an early age to the creativity, resilience and independence that come with entertaining audiences in public spaces.

Inspired by both his father's example and videos of street drummers performing with improvised instruments, López began experimenting with buckets, pans and other everyday objects.

The approach quickly became part of his artistic identity.

"It's a great way to show that you don't always need the best instrument to make music," he said. "If someone really wants something, there are no limits."

One place holds particular significance in López's story: the Mercado Agroalimentario de Coín.

The market was the site of his very first street performance, an experience he still remembers vividly more than a decade later.

"The first time I ever played on the street was in that market," López recalled. "It's a very special and dear place to me."

Today, visitors can still find him performing there on Sundays, bringing his distinctive style and infectious energy to local audiences.

While technical skill and musical training have played important roles in his success, López believes the true value of performing lies elsewhere.

For him, music is ultimately about human connection.

"The most wonderful thing about playing for people is the connection that can be made," he said. "You don't know the person, and they don't know you, but there's a bond through art and music that makes those who have stopped to watch stay."

That exchange of energy between performer and audience is what keeps López returning to the stage, whether it is a formal concert venue or a busy market square.

"It's a constant give and take," he said. "The energy of the people enjoying it helps you give your best."

Beyond his street performances, López continues to contribute to the region's growing live music scene. He currently performs alongside saxophonist, Erly Thornton as part of the Costa del Sol Funk Collective, a group dedicated to delivering energetic performances that blend original material with fresh interpretations of beloved classics.

Music fans will have the opportunity to see López in action on Sunday, June 7, at 19:00 p.m. when the Costa del Sol Funk Collective takes the stage at La Cochera Cabaret in Málaga.

The concert promises an evening of original funk rhythms, Latin influences and inventive takes on well-known R&B favorites from legendary groups such as Earth, Wind & Fire and Stevie Wonder. Organizers describe the show as more than a concert—an immersive musical experience designed to get audiences moving.

For López, it is another opportunity to create the kind of connection that has driven his musical journey since he first sat behind a drum kit at age 11.

As local artists continue to shape the cultural identity of the Costa del Sol, community support plays a vital role in keeping live music thriving. Residents of Coín and the surrounding area are encouraged to come out, support local talent and experience firsthand the passion, energy and musicianship that performers like Gastón López bring to the stage.

Whether playing for passersby at the market or performing under the lights of a concert venue, López remains committed to sharing music that brings people together—one rhythm at a time.