Seth Doane, an accomplished correspondent for CBS News, has been stationed in Rome, Italy, since 2016. He has provided insightful coverage on numerous issues ranging from terrorist events to climate change.
Recently, he sat down with Spanish pop sensation Rosalía at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House. They discussed her global tour following the release of her album “Lux,” which translates to “light” in Latin. Rosalía expressed her fondness for performing in places with concentrated energy, like the opera house.
Rosalía’s music deviates from typical pop structures. Her song “Berghain,” which features orchestral and choir elements, was inspired by the 12th-century mystic Hildegard of Bingen. This composition also includes operatic vocals in Spanish and German and a collaboration with Björk. It signifies the 34-year-old’s respect for classical influences and her ambition to innovate.
The “Lux” tour demanded unprecedented versatility from her, including singing in multiple languages such as Japanese, Ukrainian, Catalan, and Arabic. She clarified that the use of 14 languages was not for show but to search for a connection. The anticipation for the album was so high that its announcement caused traffic jams in Madrid.
The album delves into the lives of historical female saints and mystics, such as Olga of Kyiv, who was known for her past as an assassin before becoming a saint. Rosalía found inspiration in the complex histories of these figures, challenging the typical associations with sainthood.
While she acknowledged the commercial considerations of creating an album, Rosalía emphasized following her honesty. Her perfectionism kept her making changes until the last moment, resulting in slight differences between the digital and vinyl versions. Despite this, she admitted to not listening to her albums post-release, as she believes the act of creation is about sharing, not revisiting.
Rosalía’s work displays a wide range. Her debut, “Los Ángeles,” offered a modern take on flamenco. Her 2022 album, “Motomami,” merged rap and reggaeton, earning top spots on various “album of the year” lists. The latest, “Lux,” secured the fourth position on the Billboard 200 chart and topped the U.S. Latin chart.
Rosalía’s experiments with styles show her as an avant-garde figure in mainstream pop. Besides music, she is involved in fashion and acting, appearing in HBO’s “Euphoria.” She approaches her work with a fearless curiosity, drawing from a lifelong passion for exploration.
Recalling her childhood, Rosalía shared stories of her youthful vigor that often landed her in trouble, like a fall resulting in a scar on her forehead. Her tenacity persisted despite early setbacks, such as being dropped from the talent show “Tú Sí Que Vales,” which taught her the importance of preparation.
Regarded by Pitchfork as one of the most impactful artists of the last quarter-century by 2021, Rosalía embraces creativity with an almost spiritual commitment. Her work, she insists, holds the same noble value as traditional crafts, guided by devotion and love for music.
Rosalía continues to redefine pop music boundaries and remains devoted to her art form, much to the delight of her fans. “Lux” is available for streaming, inviting listeners to experience her innovative sound.
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