Alexis de la Rocha Is Done “Running Back” to the Hurt
Alexis De La Rocha, a talented artist, singer, songwriter, producer, and synth enthusiast, hails from Los Angeles, which serves as her constant source of inspiration. Though once upon a time she got her start as the frontwoman of the experimental band BEATMO and LJ Laboratory (formerly known as LEX), her solo career began with the release of "Chill," a soulful R&B single co-written with VFRESH, her longtime collaborator. She then ventured into the world of synth-pop dreams with "Haze" and the two aspects seem to have intertwined and mutated irreversibly into a vibrant and nostalgic tapestry, particularly 1980s/1990s synthesizers modulated and set to explore the aesthetics of fantasy, fashion, goth, freestyle, and dream pop.
Her latest release, "Running Back," is a nostalgic tribute to the 90s, a decade that celebrated self-love and embracing one's true self. It's a heartfelt homage to her younger self, a poignant reminder to accept her present state, and a gentle nudge to revisit the things that bring her pure joy in life.
"It's a tribute to my '90s self and an anthem for anyone who's ever found themselves in a toxic relationship or situation, where they compromise their essence and lose sight of their best selves. This track is the ultimate reminder to hit the rewind button on self-love, self-care, and self-acceptance during those challenging moments” – Alexis de la Rocha
The song portrays a recurring pattern of longing and dependency within a complex relationship. Alexis finds herself ensnared, seemingly unable to escape the cycle of continuously returning to the person who captivates them. The imagery of glitter and shimmer serves as a metaphorical refuge, a desperate attempt to evade the harsh reality they face. Despite her awareness of the detrimental aspects of the relationship, including overwhelming neediness and destructive tendencies, letting go proves to be an arduous task for her.
The music video for this track captures the essence of it quite well. It opens in the midst of a vast field that seems to be the site of a festival or gathering. As the night progresses, we follow Alexis and her fellow revelers as they immerse themselves in the joyous atmosphere, basking in the good vibes that permeate the air and showcasing the beauty of living in the moment and embracing the good times as an antidote or balm to toxicity.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Samuel Aponte is Venezuelan-born raised and based.
I joined Rival Magazine after a few years of doing PR work for independent musicians of all stripes; understanding their struggles to be heard in a sea of constant ADHD noise and paywalled access to platforms, I now bring a willingness to always appreciate and encourage the effort and creativity that artists put into their work. Can also find some of my writings on LADYGUNN and We Found New Music.