Empress Of's 'Dream House' Album Draws on Eaton Fire Loss and Rebuilding
Lorely Rodriguez, the artist behind Empress Of, released her fifth album, Dream House, following the destruction of her childhood home in Altadena by the Eaton Fire in January 2025. The album features the single 'SYW' with Cecile Believe and the track 'Missing Out On,' and includes field recordings of construction sounds and her mother's voice. Rodriguez wrote the first song, 'Blasting Through the Speakers,' in April or May 2025 with Mike Sabath, inspired by Jade's 'Angel of My Dreams.' The record evolved from an EP to a full album, incorporating her mother's story and the concept of home. Visuals were shot by Julian Klincewicz in Altadena. Rodriguez will perform at Music Hall of Williamsburg, a venue closing after she opened for Florence and the Machine there 12 years ago. The house is nearly complete, and her mother calls it her dream house.
Key facts
- Empress Of released her fifth album, Dream House, in 2025.
- The Eaton Fire destroyed Lorely Rodriguez's childhood home in Altadena in January 2025.
- The album includes 'SYW' featuring Cecile Believe and 'Missing Out On'.
- The first song written was 'Blasting Through the Speakers' in April or May 2025 with Mike Sabath.
- The record was initially an EP but expanded into an album.
- Julian Klincewicz photographed the album artwork in Altadena.
- Rodriguez will play at Music Hall of Williamsburg, which is closing.
- She opened for Florence and the Machine at that venue 12 years ago.
Entities
Artists
- Empress Of
- Lorely Rodriguez
- Cecile Believe
- Mike Sabath
- Raye
- Jade
- Julian Klincewicz
- Florence and the Machine
Institutions
- Vogue
- Music Hall of Williamsburg
Locations
- Altadena
- United States
- Williamsburg
- New York
- New York City