Debbie Millman’s ongoing project “What Matters,” an effort to understand the interior life of artists, designers, and creative thinkers, is now in its third year. Each respondent is invited to answer ten identical questions and submit a nonprofessional photograph.
Anderson Rocio is a New Zealand and Los Angeles-based artist and activist who blends emotive indie pop with global impact. She founded The Power In Us Project, a non-profit that connects environmental conservation initiatives with popular music through Riverine Records, an independent label that champions education and empowers artists across Aotearoa and LA.
What is the thing you like doing most in the world?
Oh, so many things, there’s a lot to do in this world!! Writing music, playing my piano, jumping into the ocean, discovering new places with my family, a good walk with a close friend, tea with an old friend. The list goes on.
What is the first memory you have of being creative?
Luckily, creativity was always encouraged in my childhood; I don’t remember a time without it really. I remember writing poems in primary school in the shapes of trees, and I think I was 10 when I’d finally written a song that my piano teacher could officially score out, lyrics and all. Don’t ask, it’s long gone.
What is your biggest regret?
No regrets. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve made mistakes all over the show! And plenty of things I would have done differently, but in retrospect, they’ve all been lessons to the next level up. Without them, well, who knows where I’d be. Something comforting about that.
How have you gotten over heartbreak?
Writing, lots and lots of writing. Lots and lots of songs. Lots and lots of singing and playing my piano.
What makes you cry?
Just the right song, or watching an artist I admire performing live in a sold-out room. That, and the news, I guess.
How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?
It depends on what it is… for the most part, the goalposts move too quickly to settle into the pride and joy of it at the time. It isn’t until I look back later down the road that I feel that sense of accomplishment. Most of the time it’s mixed with surprise that I actually pulled it off.
Except for when I perform, I get those waves of immediate joy on stage.
Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?
You know… I truly have no idea. I haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about it. I don’t feel like we get enough time in this life to spend it thinking about the next ride. I can barely keep up with this one.
What do you hate most about yourself?
Damn, hate is a strong word. There are LOTS of improvements to be made, constantly, in all areas really. I think if I hated something about me, it would mean no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t change it, and I think we have a lot of ability to change things.
What do you love most about yourself?
My capacity, for better or worse, always surprises me.
What is your absolute favorite meal?
Ooof. My mom makes the best Genovese pesto. I’ve tried and trie,d and I still can’t recreate it.
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