Angelique Rodriguez, the enchanting Puerto Rican singer-songwriter born and raised in New York, has been making waves with her latest EP, 'Surrender'. This multi-talented artist – who also dabbles in modelling, visual art, photography, and acting, not to mention her work as a psych-research assistant – has poured her heart and soul into this deeply personal project.
'Surrender' is a captivating exploration of self-discovery, inspired by Rodriguez's own journey of shedding old habits and embracing a newfound sense of freedom. The EP's title track perfectly encapsulates this theme, with Rodriguez reflecting on her past self and questioning her new reality. "Everywhere I go, I see versions of myself / They're asking what I know, yeah, they're asking me for help," she sings in the fiery chorus.
But 'Surrender' is more than just a catchy tune; it's a powerful testament to personal growth and resilience. In the second verse, Rodriguez declares, "But I have the strength inside of me / To take back what's mine, to bark and to bite, to finally just be free." This raw honesty and vulnerability are what make Rodriguez's music so compelling.
This debut EP, two years in the making, is a testament to Rodriguez's artistic vision. As she explains, "I wanted to name it 'Surrender' because I think it perfectly encapsulates the themes of the album and what I’m currently going through as a 24-year-old. I sing about my struggles (but deep desire) to let go of my childhood trauma, let go of what others think, let go of toxic people, and allow myself to feel love, joy, peace, and healing."
'Surrender' takes listeners on a journey from darkness to light. 'Angel Angel', an ode to Rodriguez's younger self, offers a comforting message of hope and resilience. The inclusion of birds chirping in the background evokes a sense of nostalgia and peace. From there, the EP dives into themes of creative inspiration on 'Heaven Send Me', the risks and rewards of love 'Forever My Love' and 'Tell Me', and ultimately, empowerment and self-acceptance in 'RISE' and 'Live For Me'.
Even the artwork reflects Rodriguez's personal journey. A childhood photo paired with a recent collage she created symbolises the evolution of her artistic spirit. "I used to love collaging as a kid and making art/being crafty has always been an integral part of my life," she shares.
With 'Surrender', Angelique Rodriguez has gifted us a collection of songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. Her smooth, rich vocals effortlessly glide over a blend of Latin pop, R&B, ballad, and rock influences, creating a sound that is uniquely her own. This is an artist who is clearly on the rise, and 'Surrender' is just the beginning of a promising career.
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