The air is thick with intensity when Lana Del Rabies steps into the room – or rather, into your headphones. Known for her visceral blend of industrial, gothic noise, and experimental metal, the Phoenix-based multimedia artist Sam An (the mind behind Lana Del Rabies) is as raw and unflinching as her music suggests.
In the latest episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with Lana Del Rabies to discuss her critically acclaimed album STREGA BEATA, the mythology that drives her music, and what fans can expect at her upcoming January 12th performance at Eli’s Mile High Club in Oakland.
Described as “an apocalyptic myth exploring grief and humanity’s destructive impulses,” Lana Del Rabies’ latest album, STREGA BEATA, pushes boundaries. During the interview, Sam An revealed that the album started as a deeply personal exploration. “I began working through the pain of abuse, death, and grief through an actual story in my work,” she shares, reflecting on how mythology inspired her to create a narrative that blends human frailty with divine accountability.
One track in particular, “Apocalypse Fatigue,” captures this duality. “There’s this cycle of what an apocalypse means – it’s not a one-time event,” Sam explains. “There are people surviving micro-apocalypses every day, all over the world.” The song speaks to the resilience needed in the face of global chaos and personal devastation. It’s an anthem of survival, layered with a soundscape that is as haunting as it is powerful.
Visual art has always been a cornerstone of Lana Del Rabies’ work. During the interview, Sam discussed how she integrates visual aesthetics into her music, describing the process as akin to “weaving a spiderweb.” From the eerie tones of “Hallowed Is The Earth” to the mythological underpinnings of her music videos, every detail contributes to a larger narrative.
“I collect imagery like I collect sounds,” she says. “When I’m writing an album, the visuals emerge alongside the music, creating an experience that’s more than just audio.” This commitment to multimedia storytelling is evident in her live performances, where Sam blurs the lines between audience, artist, and environment. Expect nothing less at her upcoming show in Oakland, where she promises an immersive, confrontational experience.
For Lana Del Rabies, mythology isn’t just inspiration—it’s a framework for exploring identity and power. Her latest single, “Queen of the Black Muses,” reimagines the myth of Persephone, shifting the narrative from victimhood to empowerment. “What if she wanted to go to the underworld? What if she chose to embrace the darkness?” Sam muses during the podcast. The track is a bold statement, musically and thematically, showcasing a continued evolution in her sound.
If you’ve never experienced a Lana Del Rabies performance, prepare for something transformative. “Every show is different,” Sam tells Backstage Bay Area. “I like to confront the audience, to create this push and pull between doing it for myself and them.” Whether she’s climbing onstage structures or delving into quiet, introspective moments, Lana Del Rabies’ live shows are raw, unpredictable, and unforgettable.
Fans attending the January 12th show at Eli’s Mile High Club can expect a setlist that’s as fluid and dynamic as her music. “The space itself dictates what comes out of me,” she says, promising an evening that’s as much a catharsis for her as it will be for her audience.
Lana Del Rabies isn’t just an artist; she’s a force of nature, pushing boundaries and creating spaces for introspection and confrontation. Her appearance on Backstage Bay Area offers a rare glimpse into the mind of an artist who refuses to be boxed in by genre or convention. Don’t miss her electrifying performance at Eli’s Mile High Club on January 12th—and in the meantime, tune in to the full episode to hear more about her journey, music, and vision for what’s to come.
Stream the full episode of Backstage Bay Area on all major podcast platforms and grab your tickets for Lana Del Rabies’ upcoming Oakland show at Eli’s Mile High Club.
Listen to the interview here:
