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AZTEC PRESS 17April 10 to April 24, Spring 2008 By Kwame Hart There is a ‘Lady Maverick’ walking amongst us. Chezale Rodriguez looks to kick up some dust with her debut album, “My Story: The Making of a Maverick.” Rodriguez, a Pima Community College applied arts student and a Pittsburgh native, moved to Tucson in 1996 with her family. S h e chose the alias ‘Lady Maverick’ because she wanted to highlight her distinct musical style. “I always liked the word maverick,” Rodriguez said. “To me, mavericks stand out.” Standing out has never been a problem for Rodriguez, who began performing on stage during middle school through violin and dance – a passion that she still holds dear. “I’m a performer at heart,” Rodriguez said. “I always used to be the girl that sang the national anthem.” Today, Rodriguez is a member of ‘The Human Project,’ a local dance troupe. She maintains an equal affinity for both music and dance, but is currently focused on her musical endeavors. “As of now, music is a more creative outlet for me,” Rodriguez said. Her debut album was a long time in the making. The first songs were composed in 2005 and the entire project was completed in 2007. She is currently scheduling concerts around Tucson and Phoenix to promote the album. “It can take a lot of time and money, but you have to fi nd ways of getting yourself out there,” Rodriguez said. “There’s nothing like having a great audience. If they give me that energy back then it’s more enjoyable, but even when they don’t you still must present yourself.” As she aspires to break through into an industry swelling with stereotypes, in which change is not always seen as good, Rodriguez keeps her individuality as the focal point of her music. “Music is no longer about doing your own thing and more about following trends,” Rodriguez said. “Chezale is what you’re going to get every time.” Rodriguez attributes her technique to the diverse array of musical genres, ranging from R&B to jazz, that she was exposed to by her parents. Specific influences include Queen Latifah, Aaliyah and Public Enemy. “I grew up on that,” Rodriguez said. “My background in hip-hop goes hand-in-hand with my parent’s age.” Despite striving for uniqueness, Rodriguez does not mind the inevitable comparisons to other artists. Her sound is most commonly likened to some of her favorite musicians: Lauryn Hill, MC Lyte and Mary J. Blidge. “I defi nitely don’t try to sound like anybody else,” Rodriguez said. “I have no problem reminding people of them though.” Following the examples of several of her musical muses, Rodriguez utilizes her music as a medium for social commentary. On the track ‘Reminiscin,’ she rhymes over a sample of Nas’ ‘Virgo,’ recollecting her fond memories of hip-hop. Meanwhile, the soulful ‘ElOhVeeE’ examines the many idiosyncrasies of love. “I describe my music as something positive and motivating,” Rodriguez said. “It makes you think while making you feel good—you have got to move.” Rodriguez acknowledges the long road that lies before her. Within the next two years, she plans on making great strides in her music career. Goals include earning her degree, moving out of Tucson and performing at many new venues. “It’s all about being comfortable with who you are and exuding it through your music,” Rodriguez said. “I am a humble person, but my music shows my confidence.” For more information on Lady Maverick, including performance dates or song samples, visit www.myspace.com/chezale. Her album, “My Story: The Making of a Maverick” can be purchased at Zia Records locations on Speedway Boulevard and Oracle Road. S 19 S 20F 18T 17 ‘Lady Maverick’ has distinct musical style Chezale Rodriguez, also known as Lady Maverick, builds her music on a foundation of hip-hop. Matthew Henry, AztecPress