We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Emily, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Overtime, I have had trouble with a work life balance. I catch myself overthinking and being very indecisive sometimes and it really causes me to lose track of the time along with what I am spending too much or too little time on. Ever since moving to Boston, MA for college, I have had more time to myself to think of a better balance. For instance, I learned how to control my overthinking by writing out my schedule the night before and also by getting everything done as soon as possible rather than procrastinating. I make sure to stay consistent with my music and I have created a creative space where I can keep making new projects and song ideas. This helps me concentrate and motivates me to not only work on my music but to get my schoolwork done as well so I don’t stress too much about it. Altogether, my answer would have to be getting my work and music done first and then spending time calling my family and friends along with taking time to myself while exploring areas around my new home.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art has been something I have taken my time on to discover and learn as much as I can about. My art can be created from lyrics I either write off of the top of my head or from hearing a beat and writing to it. My style is Pop/EDM with a mix of occasionally Rock and an R&B style. My biggest influences are SZA, The Weeknd, Selena Quintanilla, Beyoncé, Prince, Ed Sheeran, and Rihanna. I do not only find inspiration within their music but also from their stage presence, work ethic, and so much more. On another note, what sets me apart from others is definitely the sound of my new music and how I perform. My music tends to have switch ups and different styles of writing about toxic relationships and party vibes while I perform a lot of the time with a 12 string acoustic guitar! Incorporating the guitar (especially 12 string) within my songs live has been an absolute vibe and journey. I am very VERY excited to show more of this and continue to record and release music for everyone to hear!! Additionally, a lot has helped me get to where I am today! One of the biggest reasons I am here is from all the connections I have made. You cannot be afraid to get yourself out there and you have to learn to love yourself to perform and talk with as much confidence as possible! It has been a bit of a challenge getting here and I expect to see more hardships overtime but I know it will be worth it one day! I overcame these challenges from reminding myself of my goals along with going over everything I have achieved so far. Also, I talk to my mom about a lot of the challenges I face and she always helps me feel it out. A few lessons I have learned along the way are to never give up and to stay true to yourself. You should never give in to what other people say and you should always be yourself, you never want someone to change you or tell you what you should be doing. This is your life and your journey, you have to lead the way! Overall, I would love the world to know that I am in this industry for the passion of music, I want everyone to relate to my songs in various ways and I would love to help others find confidence within themselves.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This has to be one of my FAVORITE questions! This is actually perfect because my sister is visiting Boston, MA this weekend and she is my best friend! There are so many places to check out and definitely amazing people here! First, for places to eat and drink, I would have to say Tattes, The Bebop, Pressed Cafe, Cafe 939, Mikes Pastries, and so much more! Beautiful places to visit as well would have to be the Prudential, the Docks (Charles River), the North End, the Commons, Newbury Street, Fenway Park, and Cambridge. As a music student, a few places that would be nice to hangout in are the practice/ensembles rooms, Newbury Street, The Commons, the Christian and Science Center, and more! Two of the most interesting people I know are my roommates! We all get along, have the same humor, and they are both very talented individuals! Also, on a side note, I am in love with the Guitar Center on Fenway!!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is definitely someone I would love to shoutout who deserves A LOT of credit for helping me get to where I am today. My mom has been the biggest motivator and helper within my music journey. With no musical background or knowledge within the industry, she has worked hard to learn as much as possible to help me reach my dreams. I started showing an interest in music even before I could form words. I would hum and rock back and forth all day until being able to actually sing lyrics. At the age of 4, my mom brought me to a recording studio, when 8 years old she put me in singing lessons, at 13 years old, guitar lessons and I started doing my own gigs, and so on. This illustrates how invested she has been in my journey. While taking on all of this she has even went to the heights of assisting me with social media and always promoting me wherever she goes. Even at times I am down she is always there to remind me of how far I have come within the music industry. Did I mention she took on all of this even after her diagnosis of a rare brain condition called Chiari Malformation?? Without her I would not be at this point in the industry this early on. So a HUGEEEE SHOUTOUT TO MY MOM!!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emrod_music_/?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Emily-Rodriguez/100036811080368/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Emrodmusic
Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emrod_music_?_t=8gIMJM5I9wx&_r=1
Image Credits
– Uprise Studios – Prime Legacy – TD Photo