Sarah Mahmoodi
Andria Rose, born Andria Rose Saldaña, is a Mexican American singer from South Texas. Her sultry vocals, dreamy soundscapes, and Chicano-indie, psychedelia, and jazz-funk fusion led her to open for artists like The Marías and Kali Uchis. Now living in Los Angeles, she calls the city her inspiration and muse. We spoke with the singer ahead of the release of her new EP, Painted Pout, coming tomorrow, Oct. 2. She’s also hosting a pop-up in promotion of the album next Friday, Oct. 9, at Leiminspace in Chinatown.
LA Weekly: Tell us about your path as an artist.
Andria Rose: At age 11,I picked up the guitar, started writing songs, and played at little open mic nights around town. Once I was 16, I started a band with some really good friends of mine called Andria Rose and the Youth. At the time, my guitarist had an art collective that he went by called Youth. I really loved the idea of having a collaborative effort so we combined the names.
We were together as a band for less than a year when we got a tour with The Marías. We didn’t have any music out, but after I sent them our demos and said we would love to hop on the tour, they actually said yes! So in 2019, we did their very first tour with them. Truthfully, I had no idea what I was doing, but I feel like that’s the best way to learn how to be a professional. Just fake it till you make it. After that, I realized I wanted my experience as an artist to be more of a singular one. I’ve been doing it solo ever since.
How would you describe your music to those just discovering you?
I’m a self-proclaimed Latin velvet songstress. I use the word velvet to describe my music and visuals because it captures the emotion and texture of my work. Velvet for me means lush, soft, and sultry. Nice to the touch. Dreamy. It has a lot to say, but it can be understated and introspective at the same time. I also weave in my culture of being a Latina by going in between English and Spanish. That’s how I grew up so it feels very innate.
Andria Rose (Photo: Camila Noriega @caminoriegaa)
Tell us about your new project Painted Pout.
I feel that this is my most personal work yet. It follows the narrative of my experience here in LA and the many lives I’ve lived here. The EP is called Painted Pout because I’ve always worn red lipstick and never felt fully ready for the day without it. At the surface it seems vain, but I don’t think it is. I see lipstick as an armor and a source of protection. That’s what it’s always been for me.
The project is a reflection of my journey here in Hollywood. I’ve realized a lot about myself while living here… the different masks I’ve had to wear. LA can be tough, but it’s also what you make it. Sometimes we don’t talk about certain things or admit vulnerability. We are all kind of performative in that way. That’s what Painted Pout represents: acknowledging the performative aspects of who we are, but also not losing what we are underneath. And in the end it’s been a really beautiful experience for me.
How important is it for you to curate your aesthetic to go alongside your music?
The visuals in my world are very authentic to who I am. I want to live a very beautiful, romantic, work of art kind of life, so my music reflects that. I have a lyric that says, “It’s all Crimson, this world I live in.” The color red has been a part of my aesthetic for, gosh, my entire career. I haven’t left it behind because the color red brings me comfort. I feel most embodied when I’m immersed in it. With world building, it needs to be a reflection of the music and it needs to be authentic. It’s very intentional because it has to be. It’s just the only way.
You just announced a pop-up to commemorate the release of your EP. Tell us more about that.
It’s taking place at Leiminspace in Chinatown, October 9. I’m partnering with a collective based out of Santa Ana called Case Study. I did a show with them back in June and had the most amazing experience. They were super on board and have been really helping to make the vision come to life. It’s going to be a completely immersive experience where I bring you into the world of Painted Pout. I don’t want to give too much away, but we’ll have a DJ, custom matcha drinks, exclusive merch, and gifts on a first come first serve basis. It’s my first event in LA so I’m very excited! It’s going to be a celebration and a moment to revel in.
Andria Rose’s new EP “Painted Pout” is out tomorrow, Oct. 2. Follow her on Instagram @andriaxrose.