Fuzzy ’90s sweaters, lots of guitars, and big teenage feelings are not the vibe you usually associate with a visit to the DMV. But singer-songwriter and breakout star of 2021, Olivia Rodrigo made obtaining a government-issued permit to operate a motor vehicle a symbol of freedom and heartbreak back in January. So, this feels like a fitting bookend to her huge year.
Rodrigo debuted her first-ever appearance on NPR’s live performance series Tiny Desk Concert on Tuesday, opening with an all-guitar version of bitter pop-punk banger “good 4 u”.
“Right now we are in a real-life DMV, which definitely has some interesting vibes to it,” she said, looking around at the laminated “APPT LINE” sign on a stand behind her, before moving on to acoustic heart-render “traitor”.
The vibes may be interesting, but this Tiny Desk is proof that Rodrigo’s a performer who can go the distance — and that a broken heart and a soaring ballad can make any space feel meaningful. Even a municipal service facility.