St. Vincent talks about working with Taylor Swift on song “Cruel Summer”

Have you heard the incredible story of how Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” surged to the top of the charts, four years after its initial release? In a recent interview with People, St. Vincent, the talented musician who co-wrote the song with Swift and producer Jack Antonoff, shared her shock and admiration for the song’s unexpected success. 

St. Vincent, also known as Anne Clark, praised Swift’s intelligence and hard work, attributing much of the song’s success to her dedicated fans. Despite being a non-single from a previous album, the fans believed in the song’s potential and made it a chart-topping hit through sheer determination. 

But that’s not all – St. Vincent also shared insights into her friendship with rising star Olivia Rodrigo. After Rodrigo’s hit “Deja Vu” drew comparisons to “Cruel Summer,” the young singer credited St. Vincent, Swift, and Antonoff as writers on the track. St. Vincent had served as a mentor to Rodrigo during the making of her successful sophomore album, Guts, emphasizing the importance of trusting one’s instincts in music creation. 

Reflecting on Rodrigo’s authentic voice and the resonance of her music, St. Vincent praised the young artist for staying true to herself and creating a remarkable record. The bond between the two musicians highlights the supportive nature of the music industry and the power of mentorship.  

The interview coincided with the release of St. Vincent’s latest album, All Born Screaming, which features a collection of powerful and emotive tracks, including “Broken Man,” “Flea,” and “Big Time Nothing.” The album explores themes of love, resilience, and the human experience, culminating in a powerful mantra of “We’re all born screaming.” 

For St. Vincent, music is a journey of self-discovery and connection, a way to express emotions and experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide. Through her collaborations with artists like Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo, she continues to inspire and uplift music lovers with her unique perspective and artistry. And as we listen to her latest album, we are reminded of the profound impact music can have on our lives, echoing the sentiment that we are all born screaming, searching for meaning and connection in this vast world of sound.