“This is my diary for the last few years.” This is how Rita Ora describes the recently released new album “You and I”, in which she has been involved in all stages of production for the first time. The 32-year-old British pop star, actress, television face and endorsement of several fashion brands, celebrates her career so far, as well as her love with New Zealand director Taika Waititi, who she married last August Was.
Where did you start making albums?
“I actually started keeping a diary: my life has changed a lot in recent years and so I wanted to capture moments and stop them in time. Then these thoughts and concepts became songs and as a songwriter it became It was quite challenging, I learned a lot about making a record, I found the courage to be involved in every aspect and it was amazing to know the artist that I am today.
In “Shape of Me” she sings that she is looking for herself. At what point is it?
“I feel like an accomplished artist. I have been in this industry for more than 10 years, I have learned, seen and done a lot. On the record, I wanted to reintroduce myself using my own words and my own stories. I truly believe that, regardless of fashion, the artists who last are the ones who are really true to themselves.
Your music is primarily dance: what do you like about the genre?
“I love everything and that’s where my love for music came from.” As a teenager I used to dance in underground clubs, I remember the sweat running down my face and the feeling of liberation. And it was the LGBTQIA+ community that introduced me to this world of dance and electronics: I went to parties and felt welcome, accepted and safe. This is why I have worked with many DJs in the past.
He also recently performed at Pride in London.
“Of course, I do everything for gays and queens, if they call me, I will come.” They fought a long battle and grew up to be my friends. Thanks to her, I learned what I know about beauty, fashion, makeup, hair, movies and thanks to her, I understood what a community is.
Many of the songs on your album talk about love: are they direct references to your relationship with Taika Waititi?
‘I have always sung about love and I will never stop singing. But I also have experience in this matter and I am living it in reality for the first time. I wanted to share my feelings with the fans because they might read what I wrote about them without understanding what was really going on, so I wanted to explain it in my own words.
Is it true that the day after your wedding he was in the studio working on the album?
Yes and the title track “You and I” was born. We had decided to get married without any plans, just because we both really wanted to, and then I realized I had a studio session the next day. I didn’t feel like canceling it because there was a producer I’d been waiting to work with for a long time, so I went over there and said, “Look, I’m really hungover because I’m getting married tomorrow, So I’m not sure what’s going to happen”. Eventually a ‘wedding song’ was born and I think that really helped the hangover.
You presented last year’s MTV Vimas with Waititi, who also directed a video clip for it: Is there an artistic connection as well as a personal one?
“Our worlds are very similar and very different at the same time: he makes films and I make music, but there are many creative similarities and in my opinion, being a director, he is very good at details. ” So we help each other very well, support each other and respect each other. We were friends for many years before we got together, we have the same sense of humor and when we work and you see us on stage together, luckily it reflects who we are in everyday life as well. Collaborating from time to time has been meaningful to us and we hope to be able to do it again if the right projects come along.”
Would you like this album to celebrate your love?
“It’s a little bit, but it also celebrates me writing my own songs and being in control of my work, my desire to tell my story in music for the first time, without using metaphors, it’s a very personal challenge of mine.” ”
In addition to music, she acts, works in the world of TV and fashion. Is your goal to keep multitasking?
“Absolutely.” It has always been my dream to do many different things and I have always considered myself to be an all-round artist. My inspiration is stars like Jennifer Lopez, Tina Turner, Madonna who have done many things very well. And since I was a little girl, I wanted to entertain and be creative in many ways.
How important is your Kosovar origin to you?
“I never fail to remind you: I came to the UK when I was a year old and now that some time has passed it’s great to see that there are other pop stars who come from the same places Well, I think of Dua Lipa, Bebe Rexha o Ava Max: She’s living proof that these conflict-torn countries are full of talent, life, and incredible people who can have amazing careers if given the chance. It feels good to see this happen.