Art By: Kristina Marie ; Design by Isabella Vega
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Andria Rose is crafting her world, with a musical style this is roots-in-the-Earth & cinematic, and a voice that has been described as being "like raw honey out of the jar". After many years of feeling intensely, she decided to put her soul into words, and there her singing career was born. Our EIC Isabella Vega sat down with Andria to discuss her emotions, song lyrics, and being the observers in a crowded room.
Isabella: If you can describe yourself as a song lyric, which would you choose and why?
Andria: The first lyric that comes to mind goes “There’s no one I disapprove of more or root for more than myself.” by Julian Casablancas of The Strokes- Life is Simple in the Moonlight. It’s been this way my entire life. Nothing I do is ever quite satisfactory for me; I always feel like I should or could be doing more. I’m very hard on myself. But, at the same time, I am my biggest supporter.
Isabella: You’ve previously spoken about your need to get your insecurities and pain out of your head and into words: what is your favorite element of life to write about and which song has been your most personal?
Andria: I love, love. Anything romantic, I’m a sucker for. I think that’s my favorite element of life. It’s also my favorite thing to write/sing about. I’ve been dating my boyfriend, Bryan, for a little over two years now, and it’s been the best two years of my life. It’s also been my longest relationship. I’ve never been happier. So far in my released repertoire, my most personal song is Prelude. I wrote that song at the very beginning of our relationship. I was going through a funk, but I was also so happy with my newfound love. It was such a contradiction.
Isabella: What are your biggest musical & stylistic & artistic inspirations? What is your dream musical collaboration?
Andria: My biggest musical, stylistic and artistic inspirations would be the works of Selena, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nancy Sinatra, Julie London, Hope Sandovol. I am also a fan of more modern bands/artists like Chicano Batman, Mild High Club, Crumb, Toro Y Moi Anderson Paak., Alexandra Savior, Quelle Rox, Faye Webster- just to name a few. My list goes on. All of these amazing artists have influenced the artist I am today.
If it wasn’t already apparent, I am quite a big fan of The Strokes/Julian Casablancas. It’s been a dream of mine to do a musical collaboration with him someday. Kevin Parker is a genius. All of his records and the records he’s worked on for other artists are beautiful, so I would say that’s a dream of mine as well.
Isabella: I know that we both share a deep love for Frida Kahlo. I found this quote by her the other day that says: “I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do. ” This reminded me of your recent piece on For The Record , where you talk about being “the observer” in a vibrant hispanic family, and feeling alone within it. I think a lot of creatives struggle with a state of loneliness from observing the world as it is instead of being a full part of it. How do you see a balance between embracing your own quietness and introspection versus being a full part of the world? Do you see yourself as someone who is a role model to the quieter latinas, who don’t necessarily fit into the stereotype of being “loud”?
Andria: I’ll admit, I find it hard sometimes to find a balance. My inner nature oftentimes takes over whenever I find myself partaking in something social. So I suppose, in a way, me writing about my observations and the aspects that make up my insecurities are a way of me being a “full part of the world”. I think, maybe, by embracing my introspection, I am inviting those who feel as I do to possibly feel validated and reassured- not alone. I see my music and my shows as indulging in a bigger picture because I’m sharing so much of myself with others. I would like to think I serve as a role model for quieter Latinas, and quieter people in general. I think being vocal about who I am off stage, in my real life, is vital for my fans to know who I really am, aside from all the common misconceptions. I hope that by letting people in and being a bit vulnerable in that way, it will encourage more comfortability in themselves. I know it’s taken me a minute to even begin to understand who I am. I’m still learning. But as I always like to say, through others, you find yourself.
Isabella: How are you dealing with the state of the world right now? What is the most important thing that you think people should remember?
Andria: I have higher days than others. I’ve been trying to keep myself occupied by continuing to do interviews and continuing to be active on my socials to grow my platform. What’s been one of the only things I’ve been looking forward to as of late is seeing my music reach new listeners. Whenever I may feel overwhelmed or a little down, I try to give myself mental health days. Those are the days where I simply watch movies all day with my boyfriend (who I am quarantined with, thankfully) go on a scenic drive, read, or do some gardening outside. I’ve been trying my best to stay positive and hopeful, even when I feel inward, I try to move past it. I think an important thing for people to remember during these times is to remain hopeful and have faith. It’s also important for them to know that any emotion they may be feeling at the moment is valid.
Find more of Andria here:
Twitter: @andriaxrose
Instagram: @andriaxrose
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7pyFoUaznDd4Bxq5PmPKnK