Olivia Rodrigo On Writing New ‘Vampire’ Song

Olivia Rodrigo sucks...blood. The 20-year-old rising pop star released her first single off her upcoming Guts album, titled "Vampire." Taking to Twitter Friday (June 30) to celebrate the song and music video release, Rodrigo wrote: "last winter and created the video with the incredible Petra Collins. writing this song helped me sort through lots of feelings of regret, anger, and heartache. it’s one of my favorite songs on the album and it felt very cathartic to finish. im so happy it’s in your hands now and I hope it helps u deal with any bloodsuckers in your life. all my thanks 4ever [red heart emoji]."

The emotional post included several snaps of Rodrigo on the set of the "Vampire" video, starting with a close-up photo that showed bite marks on her neck. Other photos showed the singer covered with fake blood near camera equipment and making a face with her eyes rolled back and tongue sticking out. The "good 4 u" singer also featured a throwback photo that clearly hints at the inspiration for the song — a collage that included a photo of a younger Rodrigo next to a Twilight poster. It was labeled "Edward and Bela" in child's handwriting. Rodrigo was only six years old when the film came out.

Fellow pop singer-songwriter, Conan Gray, 24, enjoyed the Twilight reference, commenting, “Edward and Bela would be so proud,” in reference to Rodrigo's spelling in the throwback snap. Camila Cabello also shared her support of the new single, posting the song on her Instagram Stories today. She wrote: "ready to belt this in my car." The release of "Vampire" marks Rodrigo's first official single since the release of her debut album Sour in May 2021.

Yesterday, Rodrigo said her new music felt like a natural progression in her musical journey. She had the name of her second album for "a long time." Olivia said, "I had it actually when I was making Sour. I'm like, 'I want the next one to be Guts.' I had it in my head. I love it. I just think it's an interesting word." As for the meaning of guts, the singer-songwriter loves how people use it in terms like "spill your guts," "hate your guts," and "listen to your gut."

Watch the Petra Collins-directed music video for "Vampire" below: