Lucas Zelarayan made his debut with the Columbus Crew in March of this year, leading his team to victory against New York City FC, where he scored the only goal of the match. It was a sign of things to come as the Argentine playmaker finished the regular season with six goals and four assists in just 16 appearances to win the award for MLS Newcomer of the Year.
Zelarayan and the Columbus Crew now face off against the New York Red Bulls this Saturday in Round One of the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs. We caught up with Zelarayan to talk about all things music, and found out that both appreciation for music and the ability to play music run in his family. We also heard all about what the team listens to in the locker room and what’s playing through his JLab headphones before he takes the field.
How much do you love music?
I like it a lot because it’s something that keeps me grounded. I like to not just listen to music, but also play some instruments. It’s something that I do frequently because it helps me relax and I like listening.
Is it an important part of your life?
Yes. I like it as much as soccer. My family on my dad’s side are musicians and I was around it since I was little. That’s why I like it so much.
What type of music do you like to listen to?
I listen to a little bit of everything. I like all styles of music because I like to play instruments, but the kind I like most is cuarteto, a type of music that was developed in my home city of Cordoba, and that’s why I like it so much.
Who are your favorite artists right now?
A lot of the musicians on my playlist. La Mona Jiménez, Los Caligaris, Q’ Lokura – a lot of that style of music. Rock, cumbia, I like all types of music, but mostly bands from my home city of Cordoba, which is the type of music that I grew up with.
Do you listen to music before matches? If so, what is playing through your JLab headphones that gets you ready for a match?
I listen to cuarteto music – it’s a happy, fun type of music which elevates my mood. I also like listening to songs that make my mood better and that prepare me to play with a lot of joy.
Who has been in charge of the music in the locker room?
Usually Artur or one of the staff members. They usually play music in English which I don’t understand, but I do think it’s good.
What is a new artist and/or song you have been hooked on through your teammates?
Artur listens to Eminem and other music in English – I like Bruno Mars. Those are some of the artists I have discovered here in the U.S.
What’s the best concert or festival you’ve ever been to?
It’s hard to choose one because I’ve had the chance to go to many concerts in Cordoba and in Monterrey. If I have to pick one, I’d go with seeing Los Caligaris in Monterrey in 2018.
What’s your earliest music-related memory?
I just always liked and listened to music since I was a kid and, as I said before, in my family I have a lot of musicians. So I always had instruments around me and some of my best memories involve music.
