ALEX LOPEZ: The Young Gun

Festiva's Hottest Guys of Valley Rock 2009 profiles the drummer of Spanish pop trio Zeri. To read other profiles in the series, click here.

As the youngest member of Mission male trio Zeri, named after the band's lead singer, Alex Lopez is ready to make it big. With good looks and talent to boot, he might not have to wait long.

But along with the fame and glamour that he's looking forward to, he knows that the odds of a relationship surviving the music business are slim to none.

It's something he's already gotten a taste of while touring with the band. Overzealous fans can make for some jealous moments, but Lopez said his current girlfriend has been supportive thus far.

"There are some times when I get questions from her, but I just have to understand her and put myself in her shoes and calm her down when she gets all crazy," he said.

Taking advice from older bandmates Zeri Ramirez and Hector Arizpe, Lopez said he's learned that communication is the best way to keep relationships healthy, even through a rise to stardom.

"I know it's going to be more of a challenge to be able to keep that communication and keep a relationship. But I don't think it's impossible, so it will be OK.

All About ALEX LOPEZ
AGE 17
BORN/HOMETOWN Monterrey, Mexico/ McAllen
STATUS Has a girlfriend
ROLE Drummer for local trio Zeri
SONG STUCK IN HEAD RIGHT NOW "In Your Atmosphere" by John Mayer
GRADUATED He's homeschooled and graduates in about a month.
ZODIAC SIGN Gemini         
NEXT GIG Nothing as of yet, but the album is tentatively slated for a June release.
ONLINE www.myspace.com/zerimusic

If a guy girl had these three albums, I would fall in love with them immediately:

Our album, "Bendicion" by Zeri; a Guns n' Roses album and one by John Mayer

Who is your celebrity crush?

Hayley from Paramore

What were you like as a kid?

"I used to get in a lot of trouble... I used to talk back to my teachers," he said. "I think I've changed already."

What's your worst bad habit?

Buying Starbucks and never finishing it. "And knowing I'm going to do that, I always get the largest one."

Which Valley restaurant would you take a first date to?

To my house and cook dinner there.

What's the worst date you ever had?

"When I first started dating my current girlfriend, I got kicked out by her father. That really sucked," he said. "She thought he was at work. So he just walked in on us watching a movie. She hadn't asked permission to have me there."

• THAT'S HOT

>> British or Spanish accent - British

>> Brown or blue eyes - Brown

>> Good body or pretty face? Pretty face

>> 80's or 90's - 80s

>> Convertible or pickup truck? Convertible

>> London or Tokyo - London

>> Sunlight or moonlight - Moonlight

• SPILL IN THE BLANK

The reason I broke up with my last boy/girlfriend is... she cheated on me

When I turn 18, I would do a spread in Playboy/girl if they paid me... for free.

I got my first kiss when I was 14 years old.

The biggest lie I ever told a boy/girl is... I don't really recall or remember lying to a girl.

Read about the other nine Hottest Guys of Valley Rock 2009, or check out 2009's Hottest Women of Valley Rock. How does this group measure up against 2008's Hottest Men & Women of Valley Rock? Click here to decide for yourself