Rosalía: A Musical Journey Beyond Boundaries

Seth Doane is a seasoned CBS News correspondent in Rome. He has covered significant events like terrorist attacks and breaking news across Europe. Doane’s reporting includes diverse topics from Vatican coverage to climate change.

In a conversation at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, Spanish pop artist Rosalía reflected on her tour following her album “Lux”. She expressed her affinity for venues where energy is concentrated, acknowledging her prowess in performance.

Rosalía’s song “Berghain”, inspired by mystic Hildegard of Bingen, features orchestral arrangements rather than typical pop elements. Her vocals in multiple languages, including Spanish and German, highlight her appreciation for classical influences. The song’s inclusion of Björk emphasizes her unique approach.

Her latest tour included performing en pointe and singing in a variety of languages like Japanese, Ukrainian, Catalan, and Arabic. Writing lyrics in 14 languages was a quest for unity, not exhibitionism. The anticipation for “Lux” caused notable excitement in Madrid during its announcement.

The album narrates the lives of female saints and mystics, with figures like Olga of Kyiv. Rosalía discovered these stories, finding inspiration in their complex histories.

“On one side, there’s the responsibility of, okay, I have an office and there’s people that I care about. But at the same time, I only can do what’s honest for me. It took me two years to make this album.” – Rosalía

Discussions about the album’s creation revealed Rosalía’s perfectionism. Variations exist between the digital and vinyl versions due to last-minute adjustments. She continually finds aspects she could adjust, though she avoids listening to her own work, viewing the process of creation as a means to share and then move on.

Fans of Rosalía appreciate her four albums’ diversity. Her initial album “Los Ángeles” integrated flamenco with her music education. The 2022 album “Motomami” blended rap and reggaeton. “Lux” succeeded on both Billboard’s and U.S. Latin charts, reinforcing her artistic evolution.

Rosalía’s symphonic integration with the London Symphony Orchestra exemplifies her challenging artistic choices. She acknowledges an intense internal drive, captured in early childhood stories and lessons from her participation in “Tú Sí Que Vales” as a teenager.

By 2021, she was acclaimed as a significant modern artist by Pitchfork. Her adventurous sound and style mix positions her within the avant-garde realm of mainstream pop. Alongside music, Rosalía embraces fashion and acting, engaging in projects like HBO’s “Euphoria”. She aims to explore new territories without fear.

The saints-inspired album underscores Rosalía’s commitment to her music, akin to a devotee’s dedication in crafts like baking or shoemaking. She dedicates herself to music creation with passion and energy.

To hear Rosalía’s album “Lux”, click below for streaming. Free registration on Spotify grants full track access.