University of Arizona 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.
Logan’s sound comes from an influence of Anglo, country and Mexican rhythms along with styles and melodies that represent the music he grew up listening to on the Arizona side of the border — 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 U of A, majoring in global studies.
During Logan’s time in college, he played in small U of A mariachi groups and made money playing for the semi-professional mariachi Sol Azteca.
People are also reading…
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 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 Logan (left) brings his authenticity to the country music scene, along with his friend and co-producer Angel Duran (right).
“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.”
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 U of A.
You can find Logan’s music on and Apple music (). His videos are on .
Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.
