Musician and songwriter Rodriguez has drawn deeply from her personal history and family experiences in the creation of her latest album, "Dream House," a project shaped by themes of home, resilience, and renewal. Central to the album’s narrative is the story of her mother’s modest house in Altadena, California, which became a symbol of stability and safety for the family following the devastation of a fire.
Rodriguez’s mother, who worked as a cleaner and nanny, had long aspired to own a home where her family could feel secure. Eventually, she purchased a small, three-bedroom midcentury house built in the 1960s. This house and its surroundings held special meaning for Rodriguez, who fondly recalls visits to the local library, nearby hiking trails, and the roses planted in the garden. The supportive environment of her public school, where educators encouraged her artistic talents despite crowded classrooms, also influenced her early development.
After studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Rodriguez moved to New York in 2011 and immersed herself in the city's DIY music scene. There, she connected with emerging musicians such as Dev Hynes (Blood Orange), Chairlift, Grimes, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra, frequenting venues in Brooklyn and Manhattan that were hubs for experimental pop and electronic music. During this formative period, a tarot card reading inspired the album’s title—The Empress—reflecting themes of femininity, creativity, and birth, which became central to her work.
The album, crafted over the past year, runs parallel to her mother’s plans to rebuild their family home after it was damaged in a fire. Rodriguez described the process as one of mutual renewal, with her music reflecting the physical reconstruction efforts. Songs like “Dream House” evoke a vision of the restored home filled with simple, intimate details such as open windows and the scent of lavender rose tea, underscoring a deep personal connection.
Collaborators on the project include producer and artist Cecile Believe (Calla Thompson-Hannant), who co-wrote several tracks. Thompson-Hannant admired Rodriguez’s ability to create distinctive pop music that blends personal storytelling with innovative production. The pair shared musical influences ranging from Robyn and Underworld to Caribou and Saint Etienne while working on tracks like “SYW.” Other collaborators include producer Romil Hemnani and Jim-E Stack, who has previously worked with prominent artists including Bon Iver and Lorde.
The album explores motifs of impermanence and self-reliance, with songs like “Blue Light” expressing longing and transition, while “Machete” celebrates independence. Interludes featuring Rodriguez’s mother narrating stories about their home further intertwine the personal and artistic aspects of the project, adding emotional depth.
Reflecting on the experience of making "Dream House," Rodriguez emphasized the power of art to foster human connection and healing. She noted the strength found in community support following the fire and expressed optimism about the future. In Altadena’s neighborhood, she observes enduring bonds among residents, finding joy in the resilience that keeps the neighborhood vibrant.
As the rebuilt house nears completion, the album stands as a testament to Rodriguez’s journey through loss, creativity, and homecoming, offering listeners a portrait of hope grounded in both personal and collective renewal.