rosalía Defends Artistic Contradictions in New Album ‘Lux‘ Amidst Critical Debate
LONDON – Catalan artist rosalía is responding to criticism surrounding her experimental new album, Lux, defending its deliberate embrace of contrasting themes and influences as a reflection of a “contradictory world.” The album,released today on Columbia,features a striking blend of classical arrangements,electronic textures,and unexpected samples – including a recitation from Mike Tyson’s 2002 tirade against Lennox Lewis – sparking debate about its artistic merit and conceptual underpinnings.
Rosalía acknowledges potential naiveté regarding politics but asserts her artistic intentions are rooted in a genuine desire to learn and share. She frames Lux as an exploration of light and darkness,arguing that confronting challenging themes is essential for deeper understanding.The album’s title, Lux (Latin for light), is intentionally juxtaposed with darker passages, designed to amplify the impact of both.
The artist clarifies the inspiration behind the album’s name, explaining it stems from the technical translation of Berghain - “mountain grove” - rather than direct reference to the Berlin techno club, though she acknowledges the association. “We all have this forest of thoughts inside us where you could get lost,” Rosalía stated. she further elaborated on her artistic beliefs, citing a quote that resonates with her approach: “The artist who walks beside the devil, putting a hand on his shoulder, can expand our understanding of wickedness.”
Rosalía’s willingness to embrace contradiction extends to her lyrical content, exemplified by the song featuring Björk’s invocation of “divine intervention” immediately followed by Tyson’s aggressive outburst. This deliberate clash, she believes, allows for a more nuanced exploration of complex emotions and ideas.
