Since the release of her Systems EP two years ago, Lorely Rodriguez, better known by the moniker Empress Of, has stayed busy. On top of a recent five night residency at Elvis Guesthouse in Manhattan and upcoming tour dates supporting Florence and the Machine, the singer is now preparing for the release of her new record, out this summer on Terrible Records.
“Water Water” was born from a lone retreat to Valle de Bravo, Mexico during which Rodriguez wrote her first full length. Even the song’s name reflects the inspiration of the retreat, as Valle de Bravo is located on the shore of Lake Avándaro, just southwest of Mexico City. The video is meant to serve as an “echo-impression” of Rodriguez, aiming to visually represent her emotional state during the song’s conception. “I wanted to make a video that made me experience the emotions I felt when I wrote the song,” said Rodriguez. “Mostly like drowning in that synth pad.” Directed by Zaiba Jabbar, the video features a double exposed Rodriguez shifting in and out of the frame, singing the lyrics through fog and woodscape as the shots shift between soft purple and black and white. “Water Water” is an embodiment of Rodriguez’s unique brand of ambient, sharply produced, and geometric synth pop. The soaring and steady delivery of lines like “Take me with you when you trip next / It’s so beautiful to see you when nobody’s watching” are a tribute to her time alone on the retreat.
Empress Of has always written both Spanish and English lyrics of her songs. If you’re feeling “Water Water,” peep “Agua Agua,” the same song, but with Rodriguez delivering the lyrics in Spanish.
