Q&A: Rhiannon Rodriguez on the Raw Heartbreak of "Lie I Can't Deny"
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
RHIANNON RODRIGUEZ IS AN ARTIST UNAFRAID TO NAVIGATE THE DARKER CORNERS OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE, a quality powerfully evident in her haunting new single, "Lie I Can't Deny." Following her debut, this track offers a more vulnerable and raw exploration of heartbreak and the internal conflict between truth and self-preservation. The single serves as the second offering from her upcoming debut EP, Bittersweet, a project that promises to delve even deeper into themes of love, loss, and the arduous journey of acceptance.
What makes Rodriguez particularly compelling is her ability to seamlessly blend diverse sonic elements into a cohesive and unique sound. Drawing from bedroom pop's intimacy, indie soul's emotive depth, and the nuanced phrasing of jazz-influenced vocals, her artistry transcends genre boundaries. This multidimensional approach is further enriched by her background in animation and film, disciplines that inform her visual storytelling and add another layer of depth to her musical narratives.
Beyond the intricacies of her sound and the emotional weight of her lyrics, our interview also explores the significance of the accompanying live performance video for "Lie I Can't Deny," filmed at the iconic Troublemaker Studios with a special appearance by her father Robert Rodriguez's band, Chingon. Rodriguez discusses the experience of bringing this vulnerable song to life in a live setting and offers a glimpse into what listeners can expect from the full Bittersweet EP, hinting at an emotional rollercoaster that ultimately navigates the complexities of grief and the path toward healing.
LUNA: "Lie I Can't Deny" is described as a "darker, more vulnerable offering" compared to your debut. What prompted this shift in tone, and what aspects of vulnerability did you want to explore with this song?
RODRIGUEZ: I wanted to explore the betrayal and anger that comes from losing someone. The feeling that “what you love is slipping away and not wanting to believe it” is so visceral, I wanted to put that into song. Each song on the EP is telling a story that I’m still unveiling, so stay tuned in the coming weeks for its completion.
LUNA: The lyrics of "Lie I Can't Deny" delve into the complexities of truth and self-preservation, with lines like "I guess ink fades over time / I guess time takes what is mine." Can you discuss the specific emotions and experiences that inspired these lyrics and the song's overall narrative?
RODRIGUEZ: It has to do with my own feelings of grief I had to sort through! When I healed enough to write this song, I got to really dig deep into how exactly I felt. Not only emotionally, but the physical sensations. Weight on your chest, ears burning hot with anger.
LUNA: Can you tell us more about the making of the live video you shot at Troublemaker Studios?
RODRIGUEZ: That was a concert my dad and I put on as part of the SXSW launch his new film venture, BRASS KNUCKLE FILMS. He was putting on a show with his band and they invited me on to open for them! I did a six song set of my originals, including Lie I Can’t Deny, and a few cover songs. It was my first big live audience performance ever! It was such a blast that I’m excited to perform more!
LUNA: How does songwriting function as a tool for you to process and express difficult emotions?
RODRIGUEZ: Even when I was younger I had trouble identifying exactly what I was feeling and how to express that, so I always turned to art to aid in it that feeling process. Drawing, and either listening to, playing, or making music never failed to help me process or identify them. To this day those tools help me feel and process them thoroughly
LUNA: Your artistry blends elements of bedroom pop, indie soul, and jazz-influenced vocals. How do you navigate and combine these different genres to create your unique sound?
RODRIGUEZ: I have an incredible Co-Writer and friend, Tiger Darrow, who helps me take my brain juices and turn them into something cohesive. I’m incredibly inspired by all of those genres and don’t know why I should just be tied to one! So why not mix em up.
LUNA: Who have you been listening to lately?
RODRIGUEZ: Gorillaz, Billie Eilish, Ashnikko, The Marias, GHOST!! Love Ghost. Lady Gaga too especially with her new album. Lots of artists! I love music so much.
LUNA: Your background includes animation, film, and music. How do these different creative outlets influence and inform each other in your artistic process?
RODRIGUEZ: They’re all very intertwined! Sometimes you get inspired by one to do the other, for example: a song can inspire an animation, and an animation can inspire a song. I’d love to be able to make a combination of a filmed and animated music video one day.
LUNA: "Lie I Can't Deny" is the second single from your upcoming EP Bittersweet. What can listeners expect from the EP as a whole?
RODRIGUEZ: As the title suggests, expect something bittersweet. It’s love and loss and acceptance in grief, you’re going on an emotional rollercoaster. I am excited for the EP release, because two of my most treasured songs are on the latter half of the album.
I love all of those songs so much, but I have a special place in my heart for the last two tracks. I hope listeners love them as much as I do.
LUNA: What intention do you have for the rest of this spring season?
RODRIGUEZ: I’m gonna be writing some more songs! I play an ARENA SHOW later this week, May 2nd! That will be a new experience!
Some film projects coming up, too. Exciting things are afoot, and I hope y’all will come along for the ride!
