Carrie Rodriguez, a native Texan, has collaborated with renowned artists such as John Prine, John Mayer, and Bruce Hornsby in her music career. Her unique performances often involve experimentation with other musicians, showcasing her Texas roots. One of her ongoing projects, Laboratorio, recently took center stage at Austin’s Paramount Theater, featuring members of the band Calexico, known for their genre-blending music inspired by the borderlands.
In a conversation with Texas Standard, Rodriguez discussed the goal of Laboratorio shows, emphasizing the exploration of Latin music and the cultural connections it brings. Collaborating with artists like Eva Ybarra and Ruben Ramos, Rodriguez aims to delve deeper into her bi-cultural background and family roots through music. The partnership with Calexico for this project adds a new dimension, combining music with poetry by Roberto Tejada and visual elements like video projections to create an immersive experience for the audience.
As Rodriguez prepares for the release of a new album in mid-July, she reflects on her role as a songwriter in residence at UT and the creative process behind her recent projects. With a focus on capturing the spontaneity and magic of live performances, Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of documenting these experiences for future reference. The collaborative nature of Laboratorio shows, featuring a talented house band and experienced musicians, highlights the joy of musical exploration and the cohesive energy that binds the performers together on stage.
