It’s been eight years since Ramona Gonzalez (Nite Jewel) dropped her debut demo. Since then, Gonzalez continues to experiment with her eclectic sound, incorporating a variety of different aesthetics, from weird synth pop one-offs to lo-fi dance anthems. Yesterday, Gonzalez dropped Liquid Cool, the follow-up to her sophomore album, One Second of Love. The album – which explores themes of aloneness in the world and is filled with catchy minimalist, synth pop – marks something of a return for the producer and singer-songwriter. Gonzalez left her label and Liquid Cool was released on her Gloriette label. In a press release for the record, Gonzalez said, “I felt like I had found my identity again.”

We asked Gonzalez about the last music she purchased. Her selections—which include the blistering pop and r&b of Rihanna’s latest album, Anti, and a new wave throwback—reveal the eclectic influences which have shaped her music.

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1. Architecture and Morality by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

To be honest, I always attempt to play Dazzle Ships (OMD’s fourth record released in 1983), but it’s usually far too deep for most crowds. I picked this up at Wombleton Records here in Los Angeles a couple weeks ago. [There are] so many great cuts that can hang with just about any synthy pop in my collection. “Souvenir” has become a staple for my DJ sets.

2. Anti by Rihanna

On a personal note … Anti has become the go-to for just about every occasion: gal-pal hangs, romantic evenings, [and] also solo sing-a-longs in the car (“Kiss It Better”). I for real bought it cuz I want to be able to play it even if disconnected from wifi on a road trip in the desert somewhere.

3. World, You Need a Change of Mind by Kindness

So I was originally playing like three songs from this record off Spotify during my DJ sets. And each time I had to use my phone, I felt an emptiness inside like, “I want to hold this record in my hands,” so I shelled out. Such a cool record. So ambiguous and understated. Beautiful.

Britt Julious is on Twitter.