By Julianna Misenheimer, Contributing Writer
Celebrity dating drama is not a new development within the music industry. Taylor Swift knows that better than anyone. Witnessing such drama is an American rite of passage, and for Generation Z, this baptism is delivered at the hands of Olivia Rodrigo.
Since the release of Rodrigo’s new single “drivers license,” social media, TikTok in particular, has housed an array of reaction videos and conspiracy theories attempting to analyze and unpack everything in this song.
The song symbolizes more than just becoming a legal driver. It conveys the raw, vulnerable hurt that inevitably strikes post-heartbreak. Rodrigo poetically expresses her struggle with the broken promises, bittersweet nostalgia and unavoidable reminders of someone who once loved her.
Joshua Bassett co-starred alongside Rodrigo in the television drama series, “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” Their fictional depiction of a boyfriend-girlfriend dynamic onscreen manifested into a full-fledged relationship offscreen.
Bassett recently debuted his song, “Lie Lie Lie,” to which many believed was in retaliation to Rodrigo’s song. This single potentially offered the opportunity for him to clear his name, so to speak, and offer his perspective on the tender situation. Bassett, however, denied his song having any ties to their relationship. Instead, he reassured those invested in this situation it was written two years ago, pleading for it to be judged independent of “drivers license.”
While Rodrigo’s song is undeniably about their breakup, Bassett responded in total support of her musical masterpiece, even sporting genuine respect and admiration for his former flame. Bassett moved on at a more expedited pace by entering into a fresh relationship with another Disney star, Sabrina Carpenter.
If Carpenter’s name sounds unfamiliar, the important thing to note is she is blonde. In “drivers license,” the first line of the second verse mentions a blonde girl, to which Gen Z quickly connected the reference to Bassett’s new fling, Carpenter.
Now, here is where the drama ensues. Carpenter released her own song entitled “Skin.” Unlike Bassett’s single, this is almost a direct response to Rodrigo. Mixed reviews of this song have surfaced on social media. Some find it petty and unnecessary, while others enjoy its catchy nature. No one really knows the full story, or the true intentions behind writing these songs. Most artists express their inner self best through their preferred medium.
For musicians like Rodrigo, Bassett and Carpenter, communicating their hurt, frustration and pain is best done through music. Writing songs and making music is a form of self-expression, and while the response of the general public does carry substantial weight, it is not the sole reason behind why they do it.
Actively producing and releasing music enables them to articulate their struggles and let go of any negative energy affecting their life.
