Young Grammy winning singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo returned to music after a two year hiatus with her newest single, “Vampire.” The song’s cathartic pop-rock sound mingled with biting lyrics about a previous age-gap relationship is captivating the same vast audience the singer won over with her debut album, “SOUR.” Instead of the brutality of teenagehood, Rodrigo has moved on to discussing the trials and tribulations of young womanhood.
She calls out an ex boyfriend that left her feeling used and manipulated, and of course, drained. The sense of being drained ties into the metaphorical “Vampire” that Rodrigo slices through with her words. The accompanying music video, a gritty “Twilight” meets old Hollywood style piece directed by longtime Rodrigo collaborator Petra F. Collins, provided the perfect blend of 2010s vampire nostalgia and heartbreak freedom for Gen Z listeners. Pitchfork has already named it a best new track.
Social Media Reactions
Rodrigo’s much anticipated single is being met with largely positive reactions across social media. Many are appreciating the blend of production choices born out of Rodrigo’s combined musical theater, pop, and rock music experience. Others complimented her maturing vocal prowess.
HER VOICE IS SO DIFFERENT I LOVE HER
— zay ???? (@certifiedlivie) June 30, 2023
JUST LISTENED TO VAMPIRE BY OLIVIA RODRIGO FOR THE FIRST TIME!#vampireOR2 pic.twitter.com/DQX8O7X2OB
— kemp (@livrrygf) June 30, 2023
Many are applauding Rodrigo’s call out of opportunistic men in the entertainment industry who prey on young women on the rise. Rodrigo allegedly entered a relationship with producer Adam Faze when he was 24 and she was 18, and later DJ Zack Bia, who was 27 whilst she was 20. Bia has notoriously dated several high profile women in the entertainment industry who are significantly younger than him, including Madison Beer and “Outer Banks” star Madelyn Cline. Many sense that the lyric “bloodsucker/fame f*cker” refers to Bia.
@alcatrazeditsx Olivia did NOT come to play with Vampire #oliviarodrigo #vampire #guts #zachbia #madisonbeer #madelyncline
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The lyrics are attracting nods to a track with a similar message, Taylor Swift‘s “Dear John,” which allegedly references John Mayer. The pair were 19 and 32 when they allegedly had a romantic relationship. Swift additionally later penned “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve” about the lasting trauma the relationship left her with.
the way olivia rodrigo whacked every single predator/groomer out there pic.twitter.com/UWDjVmrbf0
— jojo (@livsgrudge) June 30, 2023
Rodrigo has referred to the songwriting process for “Vampire” as “therapeutic.” In an Instagram post of behind-the-scenes images from the music video shoot, the singer wrote that the track encompasses “lots of feelings of regret, anger, and heartache.”
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Rodrigo has reportedly since relocated to New York City from her native Los Angeles during production for her new album. Her sophomore album, “Guts”, drops September 8.Â
