Odessa A’zion is having the kind of season that turns an actor into an icon. She stole scenes from Timothée Chalamet in Marty Supreme — picked up a BAFTA nom along the way — and is currently doing the same to Rachel Sennott in I Love LA. In the HBO series, which was recently renewed for a second season, she plays Tallulah, a self-made It Girl not unlike A’zion herself. In real life, however, A’zion would rather be mixing her own patchouli oil, spinning classic rock, and recording her own music than scrolling online. But her acting career is keeping her plenty busy. Up next: Mother Courage, a family drama set against a Broadway production. Here, she talks journals as therapy, solo car rides, and why someone should invest in a time machine.

What’s the worst recommendation someone’s given you?

To follow certain rules and guidelines when it comes to creating. There are no rules. Do what feels right for you.

What's something you bought under $100 that changed your life?

My journal. I don’t talk to a therapist I talk to my journal. She knows all. Actually scariest thing on planet earth. I feel like Marceline. Somebody better burn this shit when I go.

Where do you go to find peace?

My car. When I get to drive alone. It’s often the only solo time I get and it gives me a second to breathe. And having things constantly moving around me helps my brain. Whether it's with music or in silence, that's my spot.

Who is your forever inspo?

My animals. Jimi Hendrix. Janis Joplin. Led Zeppelin. Bob Marley. Mick Jagger. Music. Movies. People. Everything, always.

What's the best investment (money, time, habit) you've made?

Investing any free chance I get into art. Genuinely. Any chance I get I’ll work on music. I wish there was more time! You know what I’d love to invest in? A time machine. Anybody got one of those let me know. I’m in.

Follow Odessa on Cosmos and Instagram.