Rosalía on Her Album ‘Lux’ and Musical Journey

The grandeur of New York’s Metropolitan Opera House provided an apt backdrop for a conversation with Spanish pop artist Rosalía. Following the global tour for her latest album, Lux, she expressed her connection to environments filled with concentrated energy. As a performer familiar with the intricacies of energy, Rosalía’s latest work transcends typical pop formulas.

Innovative Music Collaboration

Her song “Berghain,” inspired by the 12th-century mystic Hildegard of Bingen, showcases operatic vocals in Spanish and German, featuring an orchestra and choir. This collaboration even includes an appearance by Björk, reflecting Rosalía’s deep appreciation for classical influence while charting unique directions in music. At the 2026 BRIT Awards, she and Björk delivered a live performance of the song that resonates her distinct musical approach.

A Global Linguistic Journey

The Lux tour has been her most demanding, incorporating performances such as dancing en pointe and singing across languages like Japanese, Ukrainian, Catalan, and Arabic. Rosalía’s commitment led her to compose lyrics in 14 languages, driven by a quest for communion rather than mere display. The album was so eagerly awaited that its announcement caused traffic disruptions in Madrid.

Stories of Saints and Mystics

Lux delves into the tales of female saints and historical figures, including Olga of Kyiv, a ruler from the 10th century. Rosalía found inspiration in these diverse backgrounds while crafting her songs, pondering their potential commercial success amid her genuine artistic expression. Her self-critical nature saw her making adjustments until the last minute, resulting in slight differences between digital and vinyl versions of the album.

Driven by Perfectionism

A self-described perfectionist, Rosalía acknowledges ongoing thoughts about adjustments she could have made to the album’s elements. Despite this, she chooses not to listen to her albums post-creation, likening the process to torture. Her vast discography highlights her diverse musical styles, ranging from flamenco influences in her debut album Los Ángeles (2017) to the genre fusion in Motomami (2022), which topped numerous “album of the year” lists.

Artistic Curiosity and Growth

Rosalía’s curiosity was ignited in childhood and shaped her journey through setbacks and triumphs, such as being eliminated from the Spanish talent show “Tú Sí Que Vales” at 15. This experience drove her to prepare extensively, contributing to her inclusion in Pitchfork’s list of influential artists.

Avant-garde and Genre Experimentation

Her avant-garde tendencies in mainstream pop are evident in her musical experimentation and style juxtaposition. She’s also a prominent figure at the Met Gala and an acting presence, appearing in HBO’s “Euphoria.” Rosalía embraces her fearless nature by continuously trying new things.

Devotion to Music

Rosalía’s spiritual dedication to music echoes through her latest album’s thematic connection to saints. She compares being a musician to professions such as baking, emphasizing the nobility of her craft. Driven by devotion, she continually strives in the studio, pouring love and energy into her creations.

Listen to Lux by Rosalía via the Spotify embed below: (Free registration required for full tracks)