In a memorable session at NPR's Tiny Desk, pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo brought a unique blend of joy, pain, and candid storytelling that left the iconic cubicle resonating with emotions. Rodrigo's visit to the renowned public radio space showcased her musical prowess, weaving through tracks from her sophomore album, "GUTS."
The singer-songwriter kicked off the performance with a soulful rendition of "Love is Embarrassing," reflecting on her first Tiny Desk appearance during the pandemic when she performed in an eerily empty DMV. Expressing her appreciation for the intimate Tiny Desk setting, Rodrigo remarked, "It's much cooler to be here. I've never been star-struck by a room before, so this is a huge honor."
Rodrigo offered insights into the inspiration behind "Embarrassing," describing it as a reflection on a night spent replaying cringe-worthy moments in bed. Transitioning seamlessly, she dived into the album's biting first single, "Vampire," a song she wrote in a swift 20-30 minutes but meticulously polished over a month with producer Dan Nigro. Accompanied by a three-person choir, Rodrigo's performance added a haunting finality to the track as they harmonized the poignant question, "how do you lie, how do you lie?" against a revamped arrangement.
Sharing the backstory of "Lacy," Rodrigo revealed it emerged as a unique experiment after crafting it as an assignment in a poetry class at USC. Breaking from her usual songwriting method, she wrote the lyrics first and then added the melody later. Rodrigo expressed her delight with the experiment, dubbing "Lacy" one of her favorite songs on the record. The moving ballad, performed on a lavender acoustic guitar and accompanied solely by the choir, showcased Rodrigo's evolving artistry.
Closing the four-song set, Rodrigo took center stage at the piano for "Making the Bed," a track penned in New York. The song encapsulates one of the album's prevailing themes-taking responsibility for one's actions. Rodrigo sang the poignant lyrics in a hushed tone, conveying a sense of introspection and maturity: "Want it, so I got it, so it's done/ Another thing I ruined I used to do for fun/ Another piece of plastic, I could just throw away/ Another conversation with nothing good to say."
Olivia Rodrigo's Tiny Desk performance proved to be a testament to her versatility as an artist, combining powerful vocals, insightful storytelling, and a captivating stage presence. The session showcased Rodrigo's ability to connect with her audience on a deeply personal level, making it a standout moment in the NPR Tiny Desk series.
