Olivia Rodrigo Draws Inspiration from The Cure, New Order, and Joy Division
Olivia Rodrigo has recently shared her musical inspirations, highlighting iconic bands The Cure, New Order, and Joy Division. The singer-songwriter discussed her influences during an episode of the Music Makes Us podcast, hosted by Kathleen Hanna. This appearance allowed Rodrigo to delve into her musical journey and her evolving sound.
Influence from Rock Legends
During the engaging hour-long conversation, Rodrigo expressed her admiration for Robert Smith of The Cure. After performing with him at Glastonbury, she immersed herself in The Cure’s discography, as well as the music of New Order and Joy Division. She described Smith as “perhaps the greatest songwriter to come out of England” and a personal hero.
Memorable Glastonbury Experience
In June, Rodrigo headlined the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, performing hits like “Friday I’m In Love” and “Just Like Heaven” alongside Smith. Her social media showcased her fun moments backstage with Smith, including snapshots of them hanging out and her wearing a Cure T-shirt while resting after the performance.
Reflections on Music and Identity
When discussing her emotional connection to music, Rodrigo mentioned Alanis Morissette’s album “Jagged Little Pill.” She described it as a go-to record for self-reflection, noting its blend of anger, joy, and vulnerability. This emotional complexity, she believes, is often uniquely expressed in rock music created by women.
Growth as an Artist
Rodrigo reflected on her musical upbringing, being inspired by her parents’ taste in grunge, rock, and alternative genres. She stated, “I love pop-punk music; I love grunge music; I love country music and folk music.” These diverse influences are apparent in her debut album “Sour.”
Recent Performances and Collaborations
- This summer, Rodrigo featured Weezer at Lollapalooza in Chicago.
- She invited David Byrne to perform with her at Governors Ball in New York City.
Byrne praised Rodrigo for her strong connection with her audience and the meaningful impact of her songs. As she continues to evolve as an artist, her inspirations from legendary bands like The Cure, New Order, and Joy Division shape her unique sound and artistry. This evolving musical influence hints at exciting developments for Rodrigo’s upcoming projects.
