Olivia Rodrigo, the prodigious artist who captivated the world with her debut album “Sour” in 2021, has triumphantly returned to the music scene with her highly anticipated sophomore album, “Guts.” Departing from her Disney roots in “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” in 2022, Rodrigo has firmly established herself as a musical force to be reckoned with. Her meteoric rise includes a Best New Artist Grammy and the admiration of industry heavyweights. While the world eagerly awaits her second album’s reception, it’s Olivia Rodrigo herself that fans are most eager to hear from about her latest work.
Thankfully, Rodrigo is as candid as ever. Here’s a glimpse into her thoughts on “Guts” and her evolving musical journey:
1. Evolution of Her Writing Process: Rodrigo shared her growth as a songwriter in an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music’s New Music Daily. She explained how her first album, “Sour,” was characterized by its spontaneity. It was the product of a 17-year-old pouring her heart into her music, navigating the tumultuous waters of her first heartbreak. However, with “Guts,” she faced different challenges—pressure and heightened expectations. This compelled her to silence external noise and focus on refining her craft. She describes it as a more creative and mature approach to songwriting.
2. A Shift in Sound: In an interview with SiriusXM’s The Morning Mashup, Rodrigo revealed that “Guts” features a sound that’s a bit more rock-oriented compared to her previous work. She emphasized the inclusion of hard-hitting and driving songs, along with more pop-infused tracks. This shift toward a more upbeat and energetic style was influenced by her experiences performing for live audiences during her first tour after “Sour” and the sheer joy of seeing fans react to her music.
3. Favorite Tracks: Rodrigo’s favorite track from “Guts” varies with her mood, according to her interview with People. She expressed her love for songs like “All-American Bitch,” “Teenage Dream,” and “Love Is Embarrassing.” Her choices reflect the diverse emotional landscape she explores on the album, ranging from danceable tunes to raw, emotive tracks.
4. Handling Accusations of Copying: Rodrigo faced accusations of copying other artists with songs like “Deja Vu” and “Good 4 U.” She responded by granting songwriting credits to those she drew inspiration from, such as Taylor Swift and Paramore. In an interview with The Guardian, she expressed disappointment in seeing her work discredited due to misunderstandings. Nevertheless, this experience didn’t deter her artistic process for “Guts.” She acknowledged her growth and understanding of the music industry, feeling better equipped to handle such situations.
5. Writing About Real People: Rodrigo’s debut single, “Driver’s License,” sparked speculation about its subject, which some believed was her co-star Joshua Bassett and his rumored relationship with Sabrina Carpenter. In an interview with Phoebe Bridgers for Interview Magazine, she discussed the overwhelming media attention that followed her first song. While she didn’t reveal whether she gives her song subjects a heads-up, she emphasized her sense of responsibility and attempts to navigate this aspect of her songwriting process more thoughtfully.
6. Writing About Fame: In her conversation with Bridgers, Rodrigo touched on the complexities of writing about fame. She highlighted how fame is more attainable than ever in the digital age, with many seeking internet virality and social climbing. This theme is apparent in tracks like “Makin’ the Bed,” where she reflects on her own rise to fame, and in her reference to the subject of “Vampire” as a “fame f***er.”
7. Speculation About “Vampire”: Rodrigo has garnered speculation about whether her song “Vampire” is about Taylor Swift. When questioned about it in The Guardian, she chose not to confirm or deny this speculation. She expressed her preference for not pigeonholing her songs to one specific interpretation, highlighting the richness of her lyrics that can resonate differently with listeners.
With “Guts,” Olivia Rodrigo continues to captivate audiences with her deeply personal and authentic songwriting. As she navigates the complexities of fame and artistic expression, fans eagerly await the next chapter of her musical journey.
