Our interview series Icebreaker features artists talking about things—some strange, some amusing, some meaningful—that just might reveal their true selves. This edition features Los Angeles electronic pop artist Lorely Rodriguez, aka Empress Of, who recently released a bonus-laden cassette version of her debut album Me and will play the Pitchfork Music Festival later this month.
Pitchfork: Do you think your life would be better or worse without social media?
Empress Of: I don’t think it would be worse, but I would probably notice a lot of things around me and walk into walls less.
What's the greatest concert you’ve ever seen?
Stevie Wonder. Or, like, Death Grips.
What YouTube video have you watched the most times?
It’s either the video of the panda sneezing, or the one of James Brown, Prince, and Michael Jackson performing together. It was a James Brown concert, and he was like, “I heard Michael Jackson is in the audience,” and he calls Michael Jackson up to the stage. And then Michael Jackson is like, “I heard Prince is in the audience.” It’s so insane, probably my favorite thing on the internet ever.
What’s the last TV show you binged?
That serial killer one, “Making a Murderer.”
What’s a moment in your life when you felt like the smartest person on Earth?
I hardly ever feel like the smartest person on Earth, but sometimes, if I get a deal on toothpaste on something, I do.
If you could be in any band ever, which one would you choose?
There are so many bands that I love that I wouldn’t want to be in, like Radiohead. But I would say Spice Girls. They always looked like they were having so much fun, which is important. They changed a lot of people’s lives because they were so badass.
What’s the most recent song you’ve heard that made you believe in the power of music?
Angel Olsen’s “Lights Out.” She has an amazing, obvious talent—she just has to open her mouth and sing and she’s making art.
What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?
When I first started doing music, my friend was like, “kill all fears.” I like that idea, because fear has nothing to do with the obstacles you’re facing. Unless there’s a bear that’s trying to fucking kill you, it’s just insecurity.
What fictional character do you relate to most?
Tina from “Bob’s Burgers.”
What’s your favorite joke?
A 3-year-old told me this one: Why is a seagull called a seagull? Because if he flew over the bay he’d be a bagel.