Omar Ruiz-Lopez (he/they) is a Latin-Americana artist whose music bridges old-time, Celtic, and Brazilian fiddle traditions with indie folk songwriting. A bilingual singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Omar brings classical training, emotional depth, and a cross-cultural perspective to the stage. Omar calls North Carolina home, and has been part of the Triangle music scene since 2010.  

Omar lived in Nashville from 2023-25 and has played and recorded with artists including as the GRAMMY-nominated band War and Treaty, Franklin Jonas, Lizzie No and Langhorne Slim, and co-written with songwriters such as Rachel Baiman and GRAMMY-nominated Melody Walker (Sierra Ferrell, American Dreaming). He is currently working on an EP with Willa Frank (Paper Wings) and a full-length album with Rachel Baiman producing. Omar co-founded the Americana group Violet Bell with Lizzy Ross and from 2016-2024 their collaboration seamlessly intertwined top-notch songwriting with a variety of musical landscapes. 

Born in Panama and raised in Puerto Rico, Omar's early exposure to traditional Caribbean folk songs, courtesy of his father, laid the foundation for his deep appreciation for music. A bilingual songwriter and undercover composer, Omar crafts music that beautifully reflects his cultural roots entwined with a rich tapestry of diverse musical influences. 

With a wealth of experience in music business, production, and engineering, Omar is both a skilled performer and a dedicated educator. His role as a Teaching Artist underscores his commitment to shaping the next generation of musicians. His extensive teaching expertise extends to coaching chamber music ensembles and conducting. This includes a 10-year period of having worked with Kidznotes in Durham, the non-profit free orchestral music program for kids ages  K-12. 

As a Latiné immigrant and a versatile musician spanning multiple genres, Omar has a unique ability to connect with diverse international audiences. His music serves as a bridge, fostering understanding and appreciation across cultural boundaries.

Biografia del artista

Omar Ruiz-Lopez es un distinguido músico y educador viviendo en Hillsborough, NC, con dominio notable de varios instrumentos, como el violín, la viola, la guitarra y la mandolina. Llamando a Carolina del Norte su hogar, fue parte de la escena musical del pujante Triangle durante 13 años hasta que se mudó a Nashville en 2023 y regresó en 2025.

Nacido en Panamá y criado en Puerto Rico, su temprana exposición a las canciones folclóricas tradicionales caribeñas, cortesía de su padre, sentaron las bases de su profundo aprecio por la música. El español es su primera lengua y continúa siendo una parte integral de su identidad cultural.

Omar estará explorando una mezcla de distintas tradiciones del violín, como música Old-Time, latinoamericana y celta, al tiempo que presenta algunas de las canciones originales de la tradición americana/folk.

Como inmigrante latino y músico versátil que abarca distintos géneros, Omar tiene la capacidad única de conectar con públicos internacionales diversos. Su música hace de puente fomentando la comprensión y el aprecio de las barreras culturales.

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Who influenced and inspired you, and how did it impact your life?

My earliest musical influence was my father, who played Afro-Cuban folk songs at home. I didn’t grow up seeing live shows, so my first real exposure was punk and indie concerts as a teen—raw, energetic, and eye-opening. Then at 18, I saw my first orchestra, and it completely changed how I understood music.

Those experiences led me to music school, and since 2010, I’ve been writing original songs and supporting other artists in North Carolina and Nashville. My sound blends those early influences—Afro-Cuban roots, folk traditions, classical training, and the spirit of indie and punk.

How do you want to inspire others, and what do you want your legacy to look like?

I want to inspire others to express themselves freely—to open their minds and hearts through music and creativity. If my work encourages someone to be more honest, more curious, or more connected to their roots or community, then I’ve done my job. I hope my legacy reflects a life of openness, collaboration, and the courage to blend tradition with personal truth.

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