Olivia Rodrigo is pulling no punches with her forthcoming album, GUTS, but she also acknowledges a “responsibility” when it comes to addressing the individuals featured in her new tracks. This sense of responsibility has been amplified, particularly in the wake of the Joshua Bassett drama that unfolded following the release of her single “Drivers License.” At the age of 20, Rodrigo candidly confessed that she was ill-prepared for handling the public’s intense scrutiny and incessant speculation surrounding her past relationship after the song’s debut in January 2021.
“It was quite literally the first song I released, and all of that chaos ensued,” she reminisced during a conversation with Phoebe Bridgers in an Interview Magazine profile released on Tuesday, September 5. “I felt utterly unprepared for it,” Olivia Rodrigo continued, reflecting on the tumultuous period that followed the release of “Drivers License.” “It was an overwhelming experience, but today, I do sense a certain responsibility. However, I make a conscious effort not to dwell on it while I’m in the creative process.”
After the release of “Drivers License,” speculations ran rampant among listeners that the song delved into Olivia Rodrigo’s perceived breakup with the 22-year-old Joshua Bassett. Rodrigo’s reference to “that blonde girl” further fueled conjecture, leading to the involvement of Sabrina Carpenter, who was linked to Bassett during that period. Initially, the drama altered Olivia Rodrigo’s approach to crafting her second album, GUTS, scheduled for release on Friday, September 8th.
“At the inception of this album,” Olivia Rodrigo revealed to Bridgers, “I used to sit at the piano and imagine how others would perceive what I was writing, which is a rather dreadful and creativity-stifling approach. So, I had to shift my mindset and simply write what I felt compelled to, deferring any contemplation of its societal implications for later.” She continued, “It’s a delicate balance. I don’t think anyone has it perfectly figured out. The fact that people even listen to and discuss my music as it is now is astonishing to me, so the thought of it is quite surreal.”
While Olivia Rodrigo confessed that she is “still navigating” her whirlwind rise to fame, she offered a glimpse of an upcoming song inspired by the aftermath of “Drivers License.” “There’s a particular song where I delve into how my life transformed due to everything that transpired with the last album and the sheer whirlwind of it all,” she revealed. “Ultimately, it was a cathartic experience, but it was quite challenging to revisit all those memories.” Nevertheless, Rodrigo expressed her “gratitude” for her career journey thus far, acknowledging that many aspire to be in her position. She also emphasized the importance of acknowledging the emotional impact of such experiences and the associated trauma.
Olivia Rodrigo’s candid remarks about her music follow closely on the heels of her response to rumors that her recent single “Vampire” was inspired by Taylor Swift. Fans have speculated for some time about potential tension between the two artists, especially since Rodrigo credited Swift, 33, with various songwriting contributions on her SOUR album. In an interview with The Guardian, published on Saturday, September 2, Rodrigo expressed her surprise at these assumptions, saying, “I was very surprised when people thought that. I mean, I never want to disclose who my songs are about. I’ve never done that in my career and likely won’t. I believe it’s better not to restrict a song to being about one specific thing.”
“I believe one should approach writing songs about fame with caution,” she remarked. “Often, people aren’t very receptive to that theme. However, it’s worth noting that fame has become more attainable than ever before,” she continued. “In today’s world, everyone seems to be chasing some form of internet virality, and there’s a pervasive desire for social recognition and fame that extends beyond the confines of Los Angeles or New York. It’s a prevalent aspect of our generation.”
