IN CONVERSATION WITH
RICO NASTY
interview by CELINE AZENA
Rico Nasty continues to metaphase, reinventing and redefining rap culture, transcending waves of rocker-hyper pop-punk energy into a whirlwind of undeniable sound, and with music that explores breaks and contorts normality with a playful approach. We discuss the artist's latest collaborations anticipations for the future and her upcoming Boiler Room performance set to join the 2024 world tour in the heart of Brooklyn, New York.
You consistently explore diverse music styles and push their boundaries, and there's a wealth of genres waiting to be explored. Are you planning to delve into new sounds and is there a genre you haven’t explored that you want to?
I mean, I love rock music. And I feel like oftentimes people, because of songs that I've done in the past, think that when I'm home alone, I listen to Korn and Slipknot because I do a lot of the screaming stuff, but I actually don't listen to a lot more than Death Cab or Cutie and The Drums, the chiller side of it. I feel like for this project, I wouldn't want to call it a super metal song, but there is one on there that's super cool. And then there's another one on there that's super beachy and vibey.
Talking about diverse music styles, you're scheduled to perform in New York City as part of Boiler Room's 2024 world tour. In terms of pre-show rituals, what are the most important ones you follow before shows?
I definitely feel like rituals are a bit pretentious because I've done it and it doesn't make a difference. You're either going to do a good show or you're not. You're going to get out there and you're going to give it your all. My adrenaline is normally rushing before the show. I'm just going to go out there and have fun because it's just fun.
Having performed at Boiler Room before, how would you define your personal music evolution since 2019?
That was in Madrid. My DJ was so excited when we found out that we had booked it. It was one of my very early experiences with a live performance. I remember being nervous because I didn't have a prerequisite for what I was getting into, but it was fun. And the crowd was lit. They knew the lyrics and it was super lit. In general, back then, I used to have these weird doubts and jitters, and I don't really get those anymore. It kind of just feels like I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing.
Your adaptability shines through in your extensive list of collaborations. More recently, you worked on the EP ‘Hardc0re Dr3amz’ with Boyz Noize. When you started this project, what was your mindset and how did the final songs come together?
I feel like it kind of just happened. It was kind of random, but me and Boyz Noize have been working for a minute. We've been working with each other since my song ‘Money’ with Flo Mili. I was working on music already, but feeling uninspired, and I had a conversation with him about that, so we locked in and made a bunch of cool, cutesy dance songs. He played me so much German techno, different music that I never really got the chance to dive into. Then we went on a cruise, and we promoted the music on the cruise, which was something I've never done before.
If you could describe ‘Hardc0re Dr3amz’ in 3 words, what would they be and why?
I would say techno is forever, dance music is forever. It is timeless. Anything that gets people in a good mood is timeless in my opinion,. Nobody will ever get tired of it.
What are your intentions for people who listen to your new music? How do you express your own emotions through the music you create?
I always want people to feel like they're taking power back when listening to my music. And I'm not sure why I set my intentions for people that had all odds stacked against them, that are going through stuff like that, but I do know that when I first started making music, that's the space that I was in. I met so many people who were going through the same things as me by just keeping those intentions that you will not be counted out forever, you will not be doubted forever.
Your ERAs are transformative, telling a story through makeup, hair and fashion. How would you define your style, and how does it influence your creative direction as an artist?
I literally have no idea. I was just trying things, same with music. I was going to different places and just fully indulging in the things that I saw and taking them back into my own world and flipping them around.
On my last tour, I had a moment where I walked past the mirror and I was like “Yeah, you cannot dress like this anymore”. It was a shift in me and I feel like my style has not been the same since. But right now, I don't really like anything besides sweatpants. I'm literally no makeup, back bun, white tee sweatpants, and I'm off.
When collaborating with beauty and fashion brands, you seem to embrace the opportunities without hesitation. What criteria do you consider when selecting brands to work with, and how do you ensure that they align with your values and image?
I try to align myself with brands that are super present pushing the envelope. And Topicals of course are pushing the envelope. I love their products. I had their stuff years before ever working with them. I love when brands align with people that I like. Another brand I did a collab with for tour was Face-Lace. That was really major to me, something I already like to do. I’d really like to do home decor, that would be next for me.
You often describe your alter egos. I’m curious how did Tacobella came to be?
The girls don’t know about Tacobella and I’m low key back in my Tacobella bag. She’s reservicing. Tacobella is just the more melodic verison of myself. It’s like when I was first making music. I had alter egos, like four of them. It was my way to create from different perspective.
What should people anticipate for your upcoming performances this year, and what do you hope attendees will gain from seeing your shows?
Definitely that space of community. I’m so excited to see my fans. I don’t want to spoil too much, I’m in the process of doing a bunch of different stuff. You’ll see it and I hope you guys like the changes I made and the new stuff I’m trying. As for Boiler Room, just expect it to be lit.
