LISA: “I’m Proud to be Thai” – Blackpink’s Solo Star Opens Up to Rolling Stone About Her “Rockstar” Return, Rosalía Collaboration, and More
Global superstar LISA has taken a massive leap in her solo career with the release of her powerful new single, “Rockstar.” This marks her first solo release since 2021 and her first under her own management company, LLOUD Co., which she founded to “present her musical and entertainment vision.” In an exclusive interview with ROLLING STONE en Español, LISA delves into her musical journey, creative process, and the exciting future ahead.
”It was a big comeback for me,” LISA shares about her new single. “I wanted to find a great sound, create iconic visuals or choreography – that’s what I was looking for.” “Rockstar” is a high-energy pop anthem produced by Ryan Tedder and Sam Homaee, showcasing LISA’s versatility and charisma.
”I wanted to find a hook that was catchy, something people could easily remember, something that would define it as a LISA song, and it turned out great. People loved ‘Rockstar’ just the way I imagined [laughs]. It’s easy for people to sing along to ‘I’m a rockstar.’ That phrase gets stuck in your head,” she reveals.
The concept of a rockstar has undeniably evolved over time. In 2024, a rockstar is more than just a guitar-wielding rebel with a wild lifestyle. The notion has expanded, and for LISA, a 2024 rockstar “is someone who is recognized worldwide and has a unique style, someone who is confident and ready to show the world who they are.”
The music video for “Rockstar” takes us on a captivating journey through the streets of Bangkok. Directed by Henry Schofield and choreographed by Sean Bankhead, the visuals are infused with references to Thai culture and LISA’s authentic roots.
”It made me very happy to have the opportunity to record in my country,” LISA reflects. “I don’t like forcing my culture; I prefer it to come naturally. It’s in my blood. So if I have the chance to show it to my audience, I will.” “I’m glad they enjoyed it.”
The “Rockstar” comeback is just the beginning. LISA has recently dropped another earth-shattering track with her collaboration with Rosalía on “New Woman.”
”I’ve always been a big fan of Rosalía,” she shares. “I love her shows, her style, I just love her. I had this incredible song and I thought, ‘I want to see her on this.’ I contacted her and luckily she was immediately on board. The process was very easy because we were both excited and wanted to do something big and special.”
”The chemistry on set was great, and Rosalía’s role incorporated Spanish, so we created a unique collaboration. I’m very proud of ‘New Woman’ and I think people love it too,” LISA adds.
LISA is undeniably one of the biggest stars in the world today. Beyond her undeniable success with BLACKPINK, she has shattered records as a solo artist globally with her singles “Lalisa” and “Money,” both of which reached the top 10 of the Billboard Global 200. “Money” achieved the record for the longest-charting song by a female K-pop artist on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. Last year, she set three Guinness World Records for most followers on Instagram as a K-pop artist, with over 104 million followers currently.
Does the pressure of such success ever get to her? When asked, LISA responds, “I’d be lying if I said I don’t feel pressure or stress. Of course,
I feel a lot of pressure, but I always try to think positive. I think the people around you are very important. You have to be surrounded by good people who protect you and hold you. I don’t want to stay in one place for too long. I want to keep moving forward and always maintain a positive feeling.”
BLACKPINK’s “Born Pink” tour, which included 66 shows in 22 countries, landed at number 10 on Billboard’s Top 40 Tours of 2023, breaking the record for the most successful concert tour by a girl group. Now, LISA is preparing to take the stage as a solo artist, a new challenge that she embraces with open arms.
”As you said, I’ve been on stage with the girls, so performing and feeling the emotions on stage alone is a challenge. But at the same time, I’m very excited to show the world my own style. It’s a challenge, but I like it,” she reflects.
Concerning her musical objectives for her solo projects, LISA further states during the interview, “I want to find a sound that has a personality, that when people listen, they know it’s from LISA. I want to find that thing that’s personal, that’s my style, that’s easily recognizable.”
LISA continues to conquer the world, taking the reins of her own musical destiny, becoming a fashion icon, and participating in various projects like “The White Lotus,” among others. In conclusion, the global superstar reveals what excites her most about this new chapter in her career:
”What excites me most about this new era of mine as an artist is making decisions on my own, being able to control things [referring to her role as head of LLOUD]. It’s stressful, but it’s also very exciting and fun.”
Ref: https://es.rollingstone.com/la-nueva-era-de-lisa/
