U2 Wrote a Song About Rosalía. How Does She Feel About That?

U2’s forthcoming album, Carnaval de Luz, marks the band’s first collection of new material in nearly a decade and features an unusual tribute: a song inspired by Spanish singer Rosalía. The track, titled “The Mirror Maker (Rosalía),” was penned by Bono, who has openly expressed his admiration for the contemporary artist.

The genesis of this homage began with Bono reaching out to Rosalía, not only to seek her approval but also to consult on the song’s linguistic elements. According to Rosalía’s recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, she received a text from Bono regarding certain phrases in the song. One term in particular, resembling "mamole," prompted her to investigate its meaning, only to find it absent from standard Spanish vocabulary. She ultimately gave Bono the go-ahead to creatively interpret the language, highlighting the collaborative spirit between the two musicians despite their different backgrounds.

Rosalía, who grew up listening to U2’s catalog, described the experience as surreal and overwhelming. She recalled the impact of U2’s music during her formative years, emphasizing the legendary status Bono holds in her musical upbringing. This connection adds a personal dimension to the cross-generational exchange between the two artists.

From Bono’s perspective, the song represents a departure from U2’s usual thematic concerns, which often revolve around social issues such as imprisonment or memorializing influential figures. Instead, "The Mirror Maker" serves as a celebration of an artist whose work Bono finds exceptional. He has noted that Rosalía’s recent album Lux, slated for 2025, explores themes similar to those U2 is engaging with on Carnaval de Luz, underscoring a shared artistic sensibility.

Bono’s approach to initiating contact was deliberate yet hesitant; he sought advice from mutual friend Penélope Cruz before reaching out to Rosalía directly. Despite initial reservations about appearing intrusive, Bono found the interaction to be rewarding and infused with humor. The two artists have bonded over a mutual appreciation for the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca, further enriching their connection beyond the music itself.

In addition to discussing the U2 collaboration, Rosalía reflected on her recent Lux tour, which concluded with a unique segment called El Confesionario. This interactive portion of her live performances invited guest artists and audience members to share personal confessions prior to the song “La Perla.” Rosalía expressed her enthusiasm for hearing these stories, noting the emotional resonance and communal spirit fostered during the tour.

Looking ahead, Rosalía’s visibility continues to rise as she is scheduled to perform as the musical guest on an upcoming episode of Saturday Night Live. This appearance is expected to further solidify her position as a leading figure in contemporary music.

Details about the full content of "The Mirror Maker (Rosalía)" and its role within Carnaval de Luz remain limited, but its inclusion signals U2’s openness to new influences and a willingness to honor artists who inspire them. The release date for Carnaval de Luz is set for November 13, marking a significant moment in U2’s enduring career and spotlighting an unexpected but meaningful collaboration with one of today’s most innovative musicians.