Cara Rogers
Olivia Rodrigo has released vampire, the first single from her sophomore album GUTS. Hinting at what we can expect from her upcoming record, the new release is a blistering yet heartbreaking indictment of a toxic ex-partner.
Released on June 30, vampire sky-rocketed straight to Number 1 on Global and US Spotify charts, allegedly even causing Spotify to crash shortly after its release. Rodrigo released the track alongside a music video, directed by Petra Collins, who was also at the helm of Rodrigo’s music videos for good 4 u and brutal.
“For the more cynical among us, the song’s lyrics might be a little too on-the-nose.”
Her new single vampire begins with the melancholy vocals we’ve come to know and love from Rodrigo. The song was co-written and produced by Dan Nigro, who also produced the star’s debut album SOUR. Rodrigo addresses the opening lyrics to an unknown recipient: “Hate to give the satisfaction, asking how you’re doing now / How’s the castle built off people you pretend to care about?”
FROM SADNESS TO ANGER
As a gentle crescendo builds, the chorus reaches its peak with the lyrics: “But you made me look so naïve / The way you sold me for parts / As you sunk your teeth into me, oh / Bloodsucker, famef*cker/ Bleedin’ me dry like a goddamn vampire.”
For the more cynical among us, the song’s lyrics might be a little too on-the-nose. Or perhaps I was being naive in thinking that a song called vampire would have more depth than a typical energy-sucking metaphor.
“The song is a punchy and powerful takedown of who we can only presume is an ex-partner”
Speaking to Zane Lowe, Rodrigo explained: “I wrote the song on the piano, super chill, in December of last year. And my producer Dan and I finished it in January and finished writing it. And I’ve just always been really obsessed with songs that are very dynamic. My favourite songs are high and low, and reel you in and spit you back out. And so we wanted to do a song where it just crescendoed the entire time and it reflects the pent-up anger that you have in that situation.”
The song is a punchy and powerful takedown of who we can only presume is an ex-partner – a strong suggestion that the 20-year-old is not quite ready to leave behind the angsty pop and heartfelt ballads of her debut album.
WHO IS ‘VAMPIRE’ ABOUT?
Naturally, listeners resorted to close lyrical examination to determine who exactly the vampire in question might be. References to a partner who, “Went for me and not her / Cause girls your age know better” led to some concluding that the song refers to 24-year-old producer Adam Faze, whom Rodrigo publicly dated when she was only 18.
The timing of the song’s release affirms this fan theory, with its release date almost exactly two years after the couple debuted their relationship.
thats crazy that olivia rodrigo and adam faze were “confirmed” official on june 29th 2 years ago at the space jam event at universal and she released vampire today on JUNE 29TH 💀💀
— GOLDEN GIRL (@livinyoungnwild) June 30, 2023
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ‘GUTS’
The new track is the first indication of what fans can expect from Rodrigo’s upcoming sophomore album, GUTS, set for release on 8th September.
On the subject of what the album represents to her, Rodrigo explains: “For me, this album is about growing pains and trying to figure out who I am at this point in my life. I feel like I grew 10 years between the ages of 18 and 20 — it was such an intense period of awkwardness and change. I think that’s all just a natural part of growth, and hopefully the album reflects that.”
Rodrigo has also promised an accompanying tour with the release of her sophomore album, although dates and venues are yet to be announced.
Olivia Rodrigo says tour is ‘definitely coming’:
“I can't announce when or where, but I'll be in your area soon.” pic.twitter.com/rJkL8BfLMV
— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) July 13, 2023
With the stunning success of her debut album firmly behind her, fans wait in anticipation to see what Rodrigo does next. If it’s anything as fierce and heartfelt as SOUR, they won’t be disappointed.
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Featured image courtesy of Sebastiaan Chia via Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here.
cararogers
Cara is a freelance lifestyle and culture writer based in Manchester. When she's not writing opinion pieces about pop culture or the latest social media trends, she's trying out new veggie recipes and listening to podcasts.