As a 21-year-old artist, Olivia Rodrigo embodies the spirit of youthful exuberance and raw talent that is both captivating and inspiring. Her journey into music has been nothing short of exhilarating, with her songs serving as an outlet for self-expression and personal growth. Yet, she remains grounded, reminding us all that the true essence of purpose lies beyond charts, awards, and accolades.
During her GUTS World Tour, heartwarming clips of a youthful Olivia Rodrigo serenading her plush toys are shown on screen. “That segment truly moves me,” the artist confesses. “My mom can’t get through it without tearing up.
One scene is showcased in Olivia Rodrigo’s concert film, titled “Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Tour“, which premiered on Tuesday.
Rodrigo expresses, “It’s an incredibly joyful experience,” she shares with The Hollywood Reporter. “I find immense pleasure revisiting those videos. My ambition has always been clear from the home movies of me performing for my stuffed toys. I’m deeply thankful that it unfolded this way and I get to realize my dream every night on stage. It’s truly unique and I feel incredibly fortunate.
Man, I can’t believe it! Last September, my sophomore album, GUTS, dropped and it was a massive hit. It doubled the number of shows I played on my 2022 SOUR Tour! Not only that, but I moved from playing in theaters to performing in arenas like the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York City and the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, where they filmed the Netflix special. Incredible!
She’s thrilled that her supporters who missed her live performances can experience them through her new concert film on Netflix. “That’s what made creating this for Netflix so appealing to me – people who might not have been able to secure tickets will now be able to watch it,” she explains. “Additionally, I believe this movie offers unique perspectives and angles, making it feel fresh and exciting, even if you’ve seen it before.
In a recent interview, the 21-year-old discusses her experience with live performances, offers guidance to emerging artist Chappell Roan who is opening tours, considers a potential comeback to acting, and shares her thoughts on casting her first vote.
How did it feel to go from performing at theaters to arenas on your latest tour, playing twice as many shows compared to before?
The two tours I experienced were incredibly distinct. To be honest, they seem almost incomparable to each other. Each tour had its unique vibe. The SOUR Tour was an intimate experience that I truly enjoyed. It was a valuable learning experience for me as a newcomer to touring with such routing. Contrastingly, this tour was grand in scale, taking me to locations I hadn’t visited before and performing at larger venues. This tour pushed me as a performer, offering opportunities to learn and grow, particularly as the shows progressed, boosting my confidence significantly.
The tour featured an all-female band — was that also the case for your first tour?
Indeed, it’s true. I have a strong affection for girl bands. My early years were filled with the rhythm of rock music, particularly girl rock bands such as Sleater-Kinney, Hole, Babes in Toyland, and countless other female rockers. When embarking on tours, I often strive to replicate that atmosphere for myself.
During your performance on the tour, you play “Pretty Isn’t Pretty” from GUTS, a tune with a catchy rhythm yet profound lyrics. Could you share your experience in composing this song, and have any fans reached out to discuss this particular track with you?
It’s intriguing that you share the same fondness for that song as I do. Among all the tracks I’ve performed, this one holds a special place because its lyrics have always been challenging to articulate as I wanted. Over numerous attempts, I couldn’t quite get it right, but when I finally penned down this version, it felt like a triumph. It’s not a popular song or one with the highest number of streams in my catalog, but there are moments during live performances when I see a few audience members deeply moved by the lyrics, and their connection to the song is palpable. I always try to engage with them, make eye contact, and sing it for them, which makes the performance particularly significant for me.
Many of your supporters are around your own age or even younger, yet you still have a fair share of older fans. What’s it like to witness the 30- and 40-year-olds joining in with the singing during your concerts?
This segment [of the shows] is incredibly enjoyable! It’s been really exciting to observe various age groups joining in the singing, and it’s remarkable to see such a varied assortment of individuals attending these performances. Every night, it’s a joy to gaze out and witness this diverse crowd. Music has an amazing ability to transcend boundaries. It frequently makes me realize how similar we all are. In reality, we have far more in common than differences, and a concert perfectly illustrates that truth.
I’m confident that, when you express yourself honestly and openly – feelings that many individuals have experienced at some point in their lives – it will likely strike a chord with everyone. This is simply my belief.
You mention in the film that “Enough for You” is your favorite from SOUR. Why is that?
I wrote that song by myself in my bedroom on my bedroom floor, and I’m really proud of it and it really captures this insecurity that I was feeling at the time. That’s an insecurity that thankfully I don’t feel now, but it’s a real beautiful time capsule of my 17-year-old heart, and so I always have a fondness for it.
Chappell Roan makes an appearance in the concert film — what was it like to perform with her?
Her performance was simply amazing! I must admit, I’m a big fan of Chappell, and she played an immense role in the GUTS world tour. She kicked off the shows and performed with me for the initial seven or so, helping me find my rhythm and define what the show was all about. It seemed unfair not to acknowledge her contribution; she’s such a significant part of it. I adore the song “Hot to Go!” and it was an absolute blast to perform it alongside her. The crowd went wild!
You both work with producer Dan Nigro — is that how you met?
Absolutely! Our paths crossed through Dan, who served as a bridge for our collaborations in his studio. We’d take turns working on projects, running into each other occasionally, and catching up when we could. She provided background vocals for some tracks on my albums “SOUR” and “GUTS”, making her an integral part of my musical journey. I am overjoyed to see her rising to success, dominating the scene, and receiving all the recognition she truly deserves.
As a gamer who made my big break last year, I’d like to share some thoughts with the talented artists who are experiencing their own success this year. The whirlwind of new fans, growing recognition, and perhaps even Grammy nominations can be exhilarating, yet overwhelming at times. Here’s what I wish someone had told me:
Wow, it’s quite challenging! At 21, I often find myself navigating uncharted territories, but reflecting on when my music career was just beginning and I was picking up speed, it was incredibly exhilarating. However, it’s crucial to recall that the aspects of life that truly bring meaning might not be about charts or awards, but rather something deeper. If you maintain this perspective, you’ll likely lead a happier, more centered life.
Hey there! Ever found some moments to compose fresh tunes or jot down lyrics lately? For me, creativity often strikes at random, so I usually put pen to paper whenever inspiration hits. But sometimes, I also set aside specific sessions for structured writing. How about you?
I have a mix of both passions – songwriting and self-care. Writing songs gives me a sense of sanity and humanity. It’s almost therapeutic for me, similar to journaling or talking to a therapist. So, I always find myself writing songs. However, I’m not focusing on creating something that will be widely heard at this moment. Instead, I’m enjoying the process and having fun with it.
Back in the early part of this year, I was honored to be nominated for the Best Rock Song at the Grammys alongside musical legends like The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, and Queens of the Stone Age. It was quite an esteemed group, and while boygenius took home the award, I must admit that being recognized among such talented artists felt incredibly special to me.
Absolutely! It was an incredible experience for me. It felt like I was being welcomed into a group that has traditionally been dominated by men – the realm of rock music. As a young woman, being recognized and included in this male-dominated sphere was truly exhilarating. It carried a profound significance for me.
Which artist would you like to collaborate with or write a song for?
Wow, I’ve long dreamt of collaborating on a song with Gwen Stefani! She’s truly an inspiration to me, and this year at Coachella, I was fortunate enough to share the stage with her. She’s not just incredibly talented, but also down-to-earth and kind. Her songs have been like roadmaps for my own songwriting journey. It would be incredible if we could create something together today! She’s amazingly versatile, truly the epitome of a cool girl. No one quite compares to her unique style and talent – she’s simply awesome!
As a gamer, I’m finding myself drawn into a new kind of game – the political one. With the election approaching, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation and curiosity. This is actually my first time that I’ll be able to cast a vote for a presidential candidate, and I must say, it feels like a significant level-up in civic responsibility!
This is the first presidential election I’ve participated in. I missed the previous one. It’s incredibly thrilling! I exercised my right to vote yesterday [Sunday]. I opted for a mail-in ballot, then I took it to the voting station. The experience was exhilarating. I wore my voting sticker all day, feeling quite proud. This election is absolutely critical, so I strongly urge everyone, particularly those of my generation, to make their voices heard at the polls. It’s never been more crucial.
Many people became familiar with your acting skills prior to the release of “Drivers License”. If given the opportunity, what type of acting role would you prefer to take on in the future?
That sounds fascinating! I’m eager to explore an acting role outside of music. While my passion for music remains undiminished, I believe it would be exhilarating to challenge myself in a new way and venture into something entirely different from what I’ve been engaged with recently. I hope such an opportunity arises; the future is promising!
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2024-10-29 17:55