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Anderson Rocio of Riverine Records on Brands Connecting With Artists
Forging a deeper relationship is key
Anderson mixes songwriting and environmental advocacy on the world stage. Her music has been featured in global campaigns, TV and film. She is the founder of The Power In Us Project, a conservation nonprofit, and Riverine Records, an independent label.
We spent two minutes with Anderson to learn more about her background, her creative inspirations and recent work she’s admired.
Anderson, tell us …
Where you grew up, and where you live now.
My mom’s American and my dad’s Spanish. I was born in Italy, spent my early childhood in the U.K. When I was 11, my parents packed my two brothers and me into a 44-foot catamaran. We sailed from Florida to New Zealand, which has mostly been home ever since. For the past eight years, though, I’ve been based in Los Angeles.
Your favorite bands/musicians today.
Emerging Kiwi artist Jack Robertson is on his way to big things. I’m a huge fan of NF’s album Hope. Sia’s LSD album is always the first pick on a road trip.
One of your favorite projects you’ve ever worked on.
“The Power In Us” music video. I teamed up with MOTHER Magazine and curated the work of 44 photographers and filmmakers. The project emphasizes the collective strength we possess to drive transformative change for our planet, with 100 percent of the streaming revenue—for both the song and video—donated to ocean conservation. That initiative launched what is now The Power In Us Project, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting popular music with conservation.
A recent project you’re proud of.
“Grand Scheme.” It launched our label, Riverine Records, in September.
One thing about how the music world is evolving that you’re excited about.
The evolving camaraderie among creatives and the openness to share what it means to work in the music industry. It feels different now than it did when I started—the castle walls are all falling down.
Someone else’s work, in music or beyond, that you admired lately.
A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.
I’m a sucker for any Freakenomics podcast. Whenever my music ears need a break, or I just want to gain perspective, Stephen J. Dubner always provides the best conversations.An artist you admire outside the world of music. Also, Robin Hanna. I don’t know how someone paints water like that.
Your favorite fictional character.
The cast of Friends.
How musicians should approach working with brands.
As a working artist/musician you are a brand, so find your kind of people and collaborate together.
How brands should approach working with musicians.
Find your kind of artists—artists you connect with. Work on the relationship, not the trade.
A mentor who helped you navigate the industry.
Wendy Ong, Kim Nieva, Julie Shama Stephens, Cherie Matheison. There has been a long list of badass women trailblazing the way. And of course, I would have gone home long ago if it weren’t for two of the music industry’s finest: Grace Segundo and Michelle Cho.
What you’d be doing if you weren’t in the music business.
I’d be working with the ocean, wildlife and conservation. That’s my dad’s world and has always been a passion of mine.
2 Minutes With is our regular interview series where we chat with creatives about their backgrounds, creative inspirations, work they admire and more. For more about 2 Minutes With, or to be considered for the series, please get in touch.
