By: Staff
Adrie is thrilled to unveil “Bring Back the Light,” the debut single from her forthcoming concept album, a groundbreaking collaboration with Chilean artist Rulo, a trailblazer in Latin funk and hip-hop.
This vibrant track fuses the rhythmic pulse of afrobeats with the bold textures of funk guitars, seamlessly blending English and Spanish lyrics to reflect Adrie’s rich cultural identity. Created with a spirit of experimentation and innovation, “Bring Back the Light” doesn’t just invite listeners to the dance floor; it challenges musical boundaries with its dynamic sound and cross-cultural influences.
The journey behind this song mirrors its eclectic essence. Adrie and Rulo began crafting their vision in Mexico City, layering beats and melodies that explored the interplay of shadow and illumination in society. The production then traveled to Galicia, where Pablo Lesuit brought together talented musicians from Argentina and Spain to elevate the track’s rhythm and harmonic complexity. This global collaboration culminated in a soundscape that is both accessible and intricately textured.
The music video, filmed in Madrid, is a visual masterpiece created by a powerhouse team of women. Directed and edited by Maia De Zan Hatch, produced by Daniela Baquerizo of Guava House, and captured through the lens of cinematographer Carolina Maltese, the video mirrors the song’s vibrancy and depth, embodying Adrie’s love for blending cinematic storytelling with her music.
Reflecting on the project, Adrie shares: “This song marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. It’s the first glimpse into my concept album—a puzzle that will gradually come to life in the months ahead. Collaborating with such brilliant artists and blending my visual and musical inspirations has been an incredibly rewarding experience.”
We had the chance to catch up with Adrie for an exclusive interview in "The Cage" Music Blog.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview
Hello Adrie, we’re thrilled to have you for this interview! We’ve had a blast diving into your music and exploring your work, and now we’re even more excited to learn more about you, both as an artist, and as a person.
Is your stage name your given name, and what inspired you to use it as a way of connecting your artistry with fans?
Hi! Thank you so much for having me and for taking the time to listen to my music - it means a lot to me! It actually took me forever to decide on my stage name, and in the end, I chose Adrie somewhat out of necessity, as I had to release my first single and ran out of time. I really wanted it to be as close to my real name as possible, but my full name was too long, so I went with Adrie, adding an “e” to the end to make it a little more elegant and gender-neutral.
“Bring Back the Light” is the first single from your upcoming concept album, what inspired the theme of exploring light and darkness, and how do you hope listeners will connect with it?
This album came out of a period in my life when I experienced a lot of loss and change. Although it was a very dark time, it also gave me a deeper appreciation for the light in my life and the people who surround me. When I worked with Rulo on the track, he was watching David Lynch’s Twin Peaks and started telling me a little about the show and one of its main characters, Laura Palmer. I started to see parallels between the show’s themes of darkness and light and my own experiences. I hope listeners can connect to the song in the same way I connect with art like Twin Peaks - finding personal meaning in these themes.
You collaborated with Rulo, a pioneer of Latin funk and hip-hop. How did this collaboration come about, and what unique elements did Rulo bring to the song?
Spending time in Mexico City opened so many creative doors for me, as it’s a hub filled with incredible artists and endless inspiration. That’s where I met Rulo and we became friends, eventually deciding to make music together. Rulo is an extremely talented bass player, composer, and producer. When we got together, we laid down an afrobeat groove and then he played the bass line that drives the whole track. From there, we kept throwing ideas back and forth and eventually finished the track remotely while I was in LA and Spain and he was in Mexico. He added so many unique elements to the song, his rhythmic contributions and vocal harmonies are amazing.
Your single blends afrobeats with funk guitars and includes both English and Spanish lyrics. How does this bilingual, multicultural style reflect your identity as an artist?
Growing up in a multicultural household, speaking multiple languages, and listening to music from around the world have been such defining parts of my life. For a long time I tried to fit into one culture, especially living in the US, but I never felt like I truly belonged. I finally found my voice when I decided to make music in both languages and have fun exploring all sorts of sounds and genres, without worrying too much about what others may think. I think the music world has been moving toward this global, genre-bending direction for a while now, and I’m excited to be part of it.
What was your reaction when you first heard the final mix of your latest project?
I was really excited! Hernán Calvo is mixing all of the tracks on the album and he has a way of taking what Pablo and I create to the next level. His mixes create a rich stereo experience that transforms the songs, allowing each musical element to find its unique space.
You’ve mentioned that David Lynch’s Twin Peaks inspired some of the themes on this album. What aspects of Twin Peaks influenced you, and how does this influence manifest in your music?
As I mentioned above, I was really drawn to how the series explores good and evil and the complexities in between. I love how David Lynch pays attention to detail, from the visuals, the colors, the music, to the cinematography. I try to emulate that as much as possible with my music. I’m also very inspired by films and storytelling, and how these intersect with music.
The production process for “Bring Back the Light” took you from Mexico City to Galicia, where you worked with musicians from Argentina and Spain. What impact did this cross-cultural collaboration have on the song’s sound and feel?
I love how technology enables us to collaborate with artists and musicians from all over the world without being in the same physical space. Everyone involved in this track brought something unique, influenced by their cultural backgrounds, and that’s what makes it so special. These sorts of cross-cultural collaborations create a sound that feels universal but also deeply personal, reinforcing the notion that music is a shared language that transcends borders.
The music video for “Bring Back the Light” was shot in Madrid with a women-led team. Could you tell us more about this experience and why it was important to have a diverse, women-led crew for this project?
It was so exciting to work with such talented women on this project. The music industry is still very male-dominated, so creating opportunities for diversity is essential and helps elevate the art. Collaborating with women who’ve had similar experiences gave the video a depth and perspective that aligns with the story I want to tell.
You describe “Bring Back the Light” as the “first piece of a puzzle.” Can you give us a hint about what’s next and how this single fits into the bigger story of your album?
This single is a preview of the album’s experimental sound and themes. Since it’s a concept album, it’ll take the listener on a journey and this track is part of the album’s more upbeat chapter. Without giving too much away, the project moves through themes of struggle and growth, gradually finding hope and light.
What do you hope listeners take away from “Bring Back the Light” as they hear this song and see the video? Are there any messages or emotions you’re especially excited for them to experience?
I want listeners to feel empowered. It’s a fun, uplifting track meant to remind people that even in difficult times, we can always find light and that it’s ok to go through a dark time - everyone has experienced one.
Can you walk us through how a typical song takes shape for you? Which instrument usually sets the foundation, and how does each contributor shape the final sound?
Every song comes to life differently. When I write alone, I usually start at the piano or with a guitar, coming up with different harmonic structures and melodies. Sometimes, those melodies just pop into my head as I’m going through life, especially when I’ve been spending a lot of time on my own (which I like to do). When I collaborate I like to focus on the story or message first, letting that guide the creative process. I’ve also been approaching songwriting from a producer’s perspective, experimenting with a beat or rhythm and building from there. All these different methods keep the process fresh and inspiring, and it’s hard to get writers block if we remember creativity is everywhere.
We recently saw you playing the acoustic guitar beautifully on your Instagram and read, “This Friday, 11/1, a very beautiful song from @sirhope_ produced by @jeanpaulbogho that I was invited to sing on 🥹 and it’s called ‘La Corriente del Lago.’” Could you tell us more about this collaboration?
Thank you so much, I really appreciate that! La Corriente del Lago was written by Jean Paul Boghossian, an Argentinian artist who reached out to me through my friend Sir Hope. From the moment I heard it, I knew I had to jump on the track. It’s a really beautiful record and the lyrics are really nostalgic - something I’m really drawn to. It’s always such a privilege to contribute to songs that resonate so deeply.
What was the most challenging part of bringing this project to life, from the initial idea to the final recording?
With these sorts of collaborations, the biggest challenge is finding a balance between bringing my voice and style to the song while respecting and preserving the essence of the original work. It can be a delicate process, but when it clicks, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Which part of the music-making process do you find the most stressful—the creative phase, the production, or the actual release?
The creative phase is my favorite - and I think most artists will agree on this one. The production phase can be tricky, especially when managing multiple projects and teams. As a people pleaser, it’s sometimes difficult to be assertive knowing everyone’s opinions and interests differ but I have to stay true to my vision. The release phase can also be stressful because you have to wear so many hats - promotional, strategic, analytical, while finding time to stay creative and not abandon the art. It’s always hard to feel like you’re doing everything perfectly, but I try to remind myself that it’s all part of the journey.
Of all your released songs, which one holds the most significance for you or has had the greatest impact on your life or career, and why?
It’s hard to choose one because every song leaves its mark in its own way, but “Julieta” holds a special place in my heart. It’s a song I wrote for my Mexican grandmother, Julieta, who passed away unexpectedly the day I finished recording and I never got to show it to her. It was also the first song I wrote in Spanish, and it marked a turning point in my music career and defined all of the music I’m making today.
Have you ever faced a moment when the challenges and flaws within the music industry made you think, “I can’t do this anymore”? What helped you find the strength to keep going through those obstacles?
Yes, definitely. This is a complicated industry and sadly the “industry” side can sometimes get in the way of the music. In those moments I try not to lose sight of how powerful music can be and how much it’s helped me and others, that’s why I started making music in the first place. Having a strong support system has also been key. Surrounding myself by like-minded creatives and forming a community has also helped me a lot and reminds me that I’m not alone, and many artists that I know feel the same way.
What’s the most inspirational thing a fan or someone close has told you about your music, and how did it impact you?
One of the most heartfelt moments was when a couple approached me after a performance to tell me that my singing reminded them of their late son. They said it brought them comfort during their grief and encouraged me to keep going. That moment affirmed the power of music as a tool for healing and gave me the inspiration to keep creating, especially during difficult times.
So, what’s next? Can you share the full details on your future projects and what fans should be excited about? We’re hearing about more releases, and we’d love to be the first to announce it!
I’m really excited to release my concept album in 2025. It’s such a personal project that explores loss, change, and growth through sonic and visual experimentation. I’m going to be releasing singles throughout the year and unveiling the story with each track, it’s unlike anything I’ve done before and I can’t wait for it to come to life after almost a year of hard work!
Adrie, thank you so much! We appreciate you taking the time to talk to us.
Thank you so much for having me and for all of these amazing questions! I’m really grateful for the opportunity to share a little bit about me and my musical universe!
End Interview
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We’re happy to have shared Adrie’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
Now, click the links below to experience their incredible work firsthand!
Check out this latest release and listen to more on Spotify & YouTube
Comentarios