Michael Kenneth Lopez, a Native of Belize, moved to New York City at the age of seven. There he was introduced to photography by a friend who had a passion for the art. He received his BFA from SUNY Purchase in 1992. He has had shows in various NYC locations and took part in a show in Pittsburgh entitled "Art and Violence." His work has also appeared in Vibe Magazine, Fortune, The Source, New York Magazine, and The Village Voice. In 2000 Michael was commissioned to create a series of images for Jaguar, in which he photographed black and white portraits of the 2000 S-Type and XJ vehicle using New York City as the backdrop.

As producer and visionary behind the innovative underground dance group Three Generations Walking (Spiritual Life Music), MKL, sits on cusp of global recogni- tion. The group, which is more a concept, based on a loose band of members revolving around MKL and production partner Soy Sos, than a fixed entity, has enjoyed widespread acclaim with their debut single "Slavery Days", followed by "To Live" & “Groundation EP” (released on Spiritual Life Music). The notoriety MKL has gained travelling far and wide is from preaching his gospel of sensual, hypnotic dance rhythms to appreciative masses in Japan, Europe, Soviet Union and throughout the US and Canada.

"I've always believed that there's so much more to dance music that what the commercial norm is" states MKL, a native of Belize who now calls New York home. "People appreciate innovation and honesty in music. That's what 3 Generations Walking is about. There's definitely an ethnic under current. On our upcoming album you might hear reggae roots, Haitian, Afro Cuban, salsa, jazz, soul, deep house all blended into something that I feel is a step to the left from the norm. But the reaction we've been receiving proves that it's a sound people are willing to embrace.

MKL's eclectic taste may stem both from his family background and the years spent honing his DJ skills in the competitive melting pot that is New York City. Establishing himself with a four-year residency at noted nightspot Nells in the early '90's. MKL have played at Big Apple venues such as Body & Soul, PSI, Giant Step, Centro Fly and spun to thousands at Central Park's Summer Stage in July.

Since teaming up with producer Soy Sos in the spring of 1998, the duo "MKL vs. Soy Sos" has produced a slew of club hits on King Street Records including "Skin", "Moments In My Life" (also featured on the "Abstract Jazz Lounge, Vol. 2, Joe Claussell's "In the mix" compilation, Ron Trent's "Mix the vibe compilation and the "Buddha Bar Vol. 1" Compilation).

"Her Song" (Dance Tracks Records), an international club hit, can be found on the "Bar Fly" CD compilation, Marquis Wyatt's (OM Records). The "MKL vs. Soy SOS" remix of Calm's "People from the Sun & The Earth" (Wave Music), Femi Kuti’s “What Tomorrow Will Bring” (Spiritual Life Music), Soma Mestizo “Silver Sun EP”, & Yellow Productions “Like Ours”(MKL vs. Soy Sos TechJazz Mix) by Tom & Julie.

MKL's ears have lent themselves to a variety of high profile arts related projects of late including music direction for top fashion designers and dance choreographers. Clients include Cynthia Rowley, Epperson, Victor De Souza, Zang Toi (fashion) and, (choreographers) Kevin Wynn & Ron Brown.

In addition, other high profile projects include The release of 3 Generations Walking self entitled Album, Spring 2003 (Spiritual Life Music), Chico Hamilton's "What Is What Isn't" (SoulFeast) & remixes on Verve & Spiritual Life Music.

MKL himself is something of a renaissance man. A fine arts graduate from SUNY Purchase University, his photography work has appeared regularly in numerous publications including the Village Voice, Fortune & New York Magazine while modeling work has taken him to Bali.

"Ultimately it's all about keeping the creative coals burning" states MKL. "Living a full and varied life allows me to do that, whether it's DJing, doing photography, traveling, even working out. It all reflects positively in my music, which is my number one priority. I'm so hyped about the release of the 3GW album. Call me naive, but I honestly believe it will be a step in changing the way dance music is perceived. We can have musically complex and intricate arrangements. We can appeal to the mind as well as the feet."
Jeff Vasistha
www.mybiowriter.com