Olivia Rodrigo and Conan Gray: Pop Superstars Share Amusing “Bad Advice” on Singles
Los Angeles, CA – When it comes to pop music prowess, Olivia Rodrigo, 22, and Conan Gray, 26, are undeniably at the top of their game, each boasting a string of acclaimed singles and albums. However, their recent candid Q&A for Interview magazine unveiled a surprising, and rather amusing, secret behind their collaborative dynamic: they’re notoriously bad at advising each other on which songs to release as singles.
The “Vampire” Verdict
Rodrigo, whose critically acclaimed sophomore album GUTS debuted on September 8, 2023, recalled playing her powerful lead single “Vampire” for Gray. Despite the track’s raw emotion and immediate impact, Gray was initially skeptical of its potential as a first single. “When I played you GUTS, I played you ‘Vampire’ and I was like, ‘Isn’t this good?’ And he’s like, ‘Not for a first single,'” the “Lacy” singer recounted. Gray’s advice proved humorously misguided; “Vampire” went on to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Rodrigo’s third chart-topping single and securing its place as one of 2023’s defining tracks.
“Memories” Misjudgment
The pattern of questionable counsel isn’t a one-way street. Rodrigo admitted to a similar misstep when Gray shared “Memories,” a poignant track from his critically lauded 2022 album, Superache. “On Superache, you played me ‘Memories,’ which turned out to be the biggest hit on the album,” Rodrigo confessed. “Everyone loved it. And I remember hearing it for the first time being like, ‘I just think you have better songs.'” Despite Rodrigo’s initial reservations, “Memories” resonated deeply with fans, becoming a standout and heavily streamed track from Gray’s sophomore effort.
A Bond Forged in Music
Their playful bickering over track selection is merely a testament to the deep bond shared between the two artists, a friendship that began years ago and solidified over their mutual connection to acclaimed producer Dan Nigro. Nigro has notably contributed to both Rodrigo’s SOUR and GUTS and Gray’s Kid Krow and Superache, acting as a creative linchpin in their respective careers. “We’re just pals and I think he’s so brilliant,” Rodrigo told Capital FM in 2021, emphasizing her admiration for Gray’s talent. Gray echoed this sentiment in June 2022, telling PEOPLE that Rodrigo is “a wonderful person and a very, very talented songwriter. It’s nice to have people that you can relate to.”
Their close-knit relationship extends beyond professional critiques. Rodrigo revealed that her entire family are fervent fans of Gray, with her mother particularly fond of his song “Vodka Cranberry,” and reportedly traveling “miles to see you in concert.” This personal connection was evident when Gray celebrated the release of “Vampire” on Instagram, sharing a photo posing with the single’s cover art and playfully commenting, “edward and bela would be so proud,” a nod to the beloved Twilight characters.
New Music and Enduring Friendship
This illuminating interview arrives as Gray continues to build on his artistic momentum, having recently released his latest studio album, Found Heaven, on April 5, 2024. Gray has described the project as being about “finding yourself in the chaos of life, finding strength in your vulnerabilities, and finding heaven in the little moments that make life beautiful,” suggesting a deeply personal work following the success of his previous records.
Despite their self-proclaimed “bad advice,” the undeniable success of “Vampire” and “Memories” serves as a humorous reminder that sometimes, artists are simply “too close to it and can’t see the forest for the trees,” as Rodrigo aptly put it. Their unique friendship continues to be a compelling narrative in the pop landscape, built on mutual respect, shared experiences, and perhaps, a healthy dose of ironically flawed musical counsel.
