Creating Folklore was a unique experience for Taylor Swift, as the pandemic forced her to navigate the process in unprecedented ways. Used to a collaborative environment, Swift had to adapt to social distancing measures, which meant she couldn’t work in person with her usual team of producers, Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff. Despite these hurdles, the album’s creation was a fulfilling journey.

The restrictions of the pandemic extended beyond the recording process, influencing the album’s visual aesthetic as well. Without access to a glam squad or elaborate wardrobe, Swift embraced a simpler, more authentic approach. She recalled the unique experience of shooting the album’s photos herself, with the help of her friend and photographer, Beth Garrabrant. This DIY approach added a personal touch to the album’s presentation, resonating with fans and enhancing the intimate feel of the music.

Looking back, Swift expressed gratitude for the creative journey that Folklore represented. The album’s storytelling and emotional depth resonated with listeners worldwide, making it a standout project in Swift’s discography. The album’s success and the warm reception from fans have been deeply fulfilling for Swift, affirming her artistic choices and the unconventional path she took during its creation.

Swift’s reflection on Folklore came during her Eras Tour show in Hamburg, Germany, where she celebrated the album’s fourth anniversary with her fans. Despite the rain at her concert, Swift’s energy and enthusiasm were palpable, and the crowd responded with equal fervor, demonstrating Swift’s deep connection with her fans and her appreciation for their unwavering support.

Olivia Rodrigo set it as a goal for herself not to write any music for six months after her debut album Sour was released.

Olivia Rodrigo is a 20-year-old singer who rose to stardom in 2021 after she released the album, which contained singles such as “Drivers License,” “Deja Vu”, and “Good 4 U,” and she is getting ready to release its follow-up, Guts, this September.

Olivia decided to not create any new songs after the release of Sour since she needed to live her life so that she could write about it.

After her self-imposed break, Olivia Rodrigo felt the process of songwriting to be different because she was older and wiser. She wasn’t 17 anymore, or going through her first heartbreak and crying while the words would just pour out of her. Another fact that Olivia realized was that she had allowed too many distractions into her life and she needed to carve out solitary time when to write music.

Hanging out with her friends, having a sleepover every single time, or clinging to a boyfriend stopped her from processing the events happening in her life. However, those days are gone, and Olivia Rodrigo now wakes up and makes herself some matcha tea and bacon before she sits at the piano. She tries to write something, even if it doesn’t turn out exactly the way she expects at first.

Olivia looks back on who she was while she promoted Sour and concludes that girl seems to have been a “different person.” The songwriter realizes her former self was happy about who she was and did well.

Olivia Rodrigo’s fans can’t wait for the release of her new album and are curious to hear the result of her new and improved songwriting process. The stakes are high, and much is expected from a more mature Olivia.