Olivia Rodrigo - Music Marketing

Olivia Rodrigo first emerged as a Disney actress before beginning to share her own songwriting online and through her work on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Her breakout single “drivers license” in 2021, from her debut album SOUR, introduced her as a teenage pop phenomenon with a confessional, raw style of lyricism. Rodrigo quickly became the voice of a generation of young people, especially teenage girls navigating heartbreak, identity, and self-discovery, with her music reflecting both vulnerability and emotional intensity. Only a few years later, Olivia has solidified herself as one of the most influential pop-rock artists of her era. Her second studio album, GUTS (2023), expanded her sonic palette and lyrical depth, tackling themes of fame, pressure, insecurity, and rebellion. The accompanying GUTS World Tour became one of the biggest tours of 2024, with sold-out arenas across multiple continents and rave reviews praising her energy, musicianship, and ability to connect deeply with fans. I was lucky enough to go to a GUTS world tour performance and the way Olivia captured the stage was insane.

She recently headlined the English festival 'Glastonbury' Festival on the iconic Pyramid Stage, where she made history, becoming the second-youngest solo artist ever to do so. One of my favourite moments of her performance was when she brought out Robert Smith of The Cure, performing “Friday I’m in Love” and “Just Like Heaven” in a cross-generational collaboration that thrilled the crowd. Only a few weeks later she headlined the Chicago festival 'Lollapalooza' by inviting Weezer onstage, playing guitar and harmonizing on classics “Buddy Holly” and “Say It Ain’t So.” It was a full-circle moment as Weezer had been the first band she ever saw live.

Rodrigo is the perfect example of 'bringing back the oldies', as she connects her Gen Z audience to artists and sounds that shaped earlier eras of rock and alternative music. Rather than distancing herself from the past, she embraces it, creating a bridge between the raw vulnerability of her own songwriting and the energy of classic punk and rock icons. In doing so, she doesn’t just pay homage, she reintroduces these “oldies” in a way that feels fresh, urgent, and relevant for a new generation of fans.

For my music video, I'm inspired by Rodrigo's sense of unfiltered emotions, the way she blends humor, chaos, and teenage angst into every scene makes vulnerability feel powerful rather than shameful. Watching her navigate school hallways, perform on a surreal rooftop, and exaggerated pressures with unapologetic honesty reminded me that it’s okay to show frustration, confusion, or insecurity in my own creative work. I think both the song and music video highlight Gen Z's thoughts and emotions.