Rosalía’s ‘Lux’ Brings 14 Languages and a Spiritual Vision to Pop

A demanding tour and album

At New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, Rosalía discussed the global tour for “Lux,” whose title means light in Latin. She said the tour has been more demanding than any she has done, with performances en pointe and songs in Japanese, Ukrainian, Catalan and Arabic.

Rosalía wrote lyrics in 14 languages. She said the languages were not included to show off, but in pursuit of communion. The album’s four-part symphonic structure includes choirs and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Saints, mystics and listeners

“Lux” tells stories of female saints and mystics through history, including Olga of Kyiv, a 10th-century ruler. The album’s release was highly anticipated: a countdown announcement snarled traffic in Madrid.

Rosalía said she must balance responsibility to the people around her with making work that feels honest. She spent two years creating the album.

A perfectionist lets go

Rosalía kept adjusting the album close to its deadline, leaving slight differences between the digital and vinyl versions. She said she can keep working indefinitely, and still imagines possible changes to the mix, violin levels or her vocal takes.

Even so, she said she creates music to share it and let it go. “Why would I listen it back? That would be torture!” Rosalía said.

A childhood drive to create

Born Rosalía Vila Tobella near Barcelona, she recalled running down a hill as a child despite her family trying to stop her. She fell, opened her forehead and needed stitches; she said the mark reminds her that she has never stayed still or said no.