"I had to prioritize myself and my own interests." Treating this album as a fresh start, she embraced creativity at a measured pace while reducing the pressure of external expectations. Essentially, she returned to her roots. “As straightforward or unexciting as it may sound, I simply created music in the way I used to, without worrying about trends, trying to fit in with the times, or adhering to what people expect of me. I approached this album as if I were a new artist,” she explains. Although the idea of being a “new artist” might seem daunting, Rico remains connected to her origins while exploring a new path. "I didn’t completely disregard what shaped me; I just refined those aspects and eliminated the unnecessary excess," she asserts. This transformation has been a long time coming. “I feel like I entered this industry as a child,” Rico shares. “I was nineteen, so life has been a whirlwind. It’s always been ‘what’s next?’ and I don’t want to continue this way. It’s draining to constantly mold myself to others' perceptions. It has definitely matured me. I woke up and thought, ‘wait a minute?!’ There are aspects of my personality and my environment that I need to take charge of. And I realized, ‘this isn’t going to benefit me five years down the line.’”
For Rico, being influenced by the opinions of her label also contributed to her feeling restricted. Seeking a supportive environment that aligned with her alternative direction and gave her more room to grow, Rico made the bold decision to part ways with her entire management team. Without those limitations, she regained the freedom she had in the early stages of her career. “When you’re young and signed to a label, you trust others and they support you at that moment,” she reminisces, “but then perspectives change, you change, circumstances change. I don’t think [the label] grasped my vision for my future. You have to take control of your own path because if I’m not going to take myself seriously, who will? In hindsight, you think, ‘who the hell told me to do that?! I can do better. I can be better!’”
“I allowed myself to simply exist, and I wasn't overly concerned about anything related to the album. It felt like my own little world, and I haven't experienced that with an album since ‘Sugar Trap’. It felt personal, every song was intentional and enjoyable to create. That’s incredibly refreshing.” Looking back on the changes she has faced in her twenties, she laughs. “At 21, I thought I knew myself. Then at 25, I began questioning everything. By 27, I realized, ‘oh, wow.’” Amidst the tumult of growing up, Rico has found stability through routine, freedom in saying no, and peace in not being governed by her emotions. “Any young person out there, please learn how to take charge of your day. That will liberate you,” she advises, reflecting on her younger self, who she describes as “not relaxed, very reactive.”
A display of pop creativity.
The cherished band will have support from artists such as CMAT, Black Country, New Road, Everything Everything, and others.
Mexican-Canadian artist Sophia Be, based in Los Angeles, has released her new single, 'I Still Love You.' This poignant pop ballad features rich piano melodies.
Lizzie Mayland of The Last Dinner Party discusses their band's experience with burnout, the quest for a sense of belonging, and her journey into solo work with the EP ‘The Slow Fire Of Sleep’.
Emilee Petersmark, the co-lead vocalist of the indie folk quartet The Crane Wives, presents a playlist featuring her favorite songs from K-indie bands and reflects on the significance of her exploration of the indie music scene in Seoul's Hongdae neighborhood for Atwood Magazine's AAPI Heritage Month series.
A natural path for her sound to have followed.
After experiencing feelings of being constrained by self-doubt and industry expectations, Rico Nasty recognized the need to return to fundamentals and rely on her instincts. In her third album, ‘LETHAL’, she has discovered the most powerful version of herself to date.