Singer-songwriter Rhiannon Rodriguez and her unique blend of bedroom pop and shoegaze influences have already put her in the spotlight, and she’s ready to continue her ascension to stardom. Rhiannon brings a dreamy, introspective sound that resonates deeply with fans of artists like Billie Eilish and Clairo. However, music isn’t her first creative endeavor—she’s no stranger to the arts, having grown up in the world of film as the daughter of acclaimed filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. Now, she is carving her own path, channeling her storytelling roots into music that feels both personal and universal.
Though Rhiannon has spent time on film sets—including a role in Netflix’s We Can Be Heroes—her true passion has always been songwriting. Describing her journey into music as a natural evolution rather than a sudden realization, she has long felt the pull toward creative expression through sound. Her EP, “Bittersweet,” set to release following the lead single “Pink Lemonade,” is a deeply personal exploration of love, loss, and healing. Working alongside producer Tiger Darrow, Rhiannon carefully shaped each track to build a chronological journey through these emotions.
In this interview with Rhiannon Rodriguez, she shared insights into her creative journey, her inspirations, and the deep love she has for her friends, which shines through in her music. She spoke candidly about the storytelling elements that influence her sound and the collaborative process behind “Bittersweet.”
Rhiannon, congratulations on your debut single, Pink Lemonade! What was the turning point that made you realize you wanted to step into the music world and share your voice this way?
Thank you so much! I’ve always loved singing, it’s been a long-time passion of mine. I’ve always wanted to write songs, and getting this opportunity to make this a reality has been a dream come true. There was no real turning point that I realized it, it developed over the course of my life until I realized I could do something about it.
You’ve grown up around film, working alongside your father, Robert Rodriguez. How did that background influence your artistic approach to music?
It has influenced me and my art all my life. I love stories, and music with stories behind them, it’s one of my favorite parts about them. I love songs like “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by Charlie Daniels Band and “Devil’s Train” by The Lab Rats for their storytelling aspects, I’d love to write some kind of fake made-up folklore song like that one day.
What was it like stepping into your character’s shoes in We Can Be Heroes, and how did the experience of working on such a project impact you as an actor?
I was a background character with about less than a minute of screen time, so it didn’t impact me as an actor. But I was a teenager pretending to be a tall 10-year-old because I was the only person who looked young enough and was strong enough to hold the lead actress up on my shoulders.
Outside We Can Be Heroes, what other acting projects have you been involved in, and how have they contributed to your growth as a performer?
I haven’t been involved in many other projects, but I’m open to be! Voice acting is a real passion of mine.
Your song Pink Lemonade captures a nostalgic and intimate view of friendship. What inspired the song, and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?
It’s heavily inspired by the love I have for my friends! I adore them so so very much, I had to make a song about them. I hope they take away that friendship is important, and to profess your love for your friends whenever you want! Let them know… they’re your pink lemonade.
Pink Lemonade serves as both your debut single and a key track on your EP Bittersweet. What was it about this particular song that made you decide it should be the first to introduce your music to the world?
I’m telling a story with my EP and Pink Lemonade is the start of that story! It’s to be listened to in chronological order, at least for the first listen-through. So naturally, it’d have to be the first!
Your upcoming EP, Bittersweet, explores themes of love, loss, and healing. Can you share a bit about the creative process behind it?
I worked with the ever-so-talented and wonderful, Tiger Darrow, to write this EP! She and I would get on Zoom, crack down for a couple of hours on each song, and by the end have a complete demo track. I’d have references for the sound and the vibes, she’d do the production, I’d write the lyrics, and we’d make adjustments as needed. We made 4 songs together, but I made the very last one completely on my own.
What were the key influences that inspired the sound and themes of Bittersweet?
Each track is a little bit different! It’s a little jazzy, a little alt-pop, and a little bedroom pop. A Steven universe kind of sound too. That show heavily inspired my music.
Among all the tracks on Bittersweet, is there one that stands out as your personal favorite, and if so, what makes it special to you?
I love all of the songs on this EP, and I don’t have a favorite child! I couldn’t have a favorite child! That being said… the fourth track might be my favorite child. In this album about grief, it’s the acceptance track. It rings in my heart and soul, and I couldn’t be happier with how that song came out. If I had to pick another one, the final track would also be my favorite. Just because of the meaning behind it. It’s another song about my love for my friends, ‘cause I couldn’t just make one!! While Pink Lemonade is the more childlike wonder of friendship, the final track is a little more grounded.
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