Disney+ Olivia Rodrigo’s Driving Home 2 U Premiere
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to DJ some pretty incredible events. My playlists have been the soundtracks for brand events, private parties, and more. I’ve been a corporate event DJ, a movie premiere DJ, and even a celebrity event DJ, but on March 24, I DJ’d for one of the hottest stars on the planet, Olivia Rodrigo.
Olivia Rodrigo’s film Driving Home 2 U was released as a Disney+ original on March 25, and I had a front-row seat as the DJ for the premiere. This event was nothing short of an immersive experience. Inspired by the film’s old school road trip vibe, the premiere was staged with vintage diner, motel, gas station, and roadside attraction motifs, complete with rollerskating and flash-dancing staff. Guests and adoring fans were gifted with themed merch, taking in the sights and sounds as they waited to catch a glimpse of the immensely talented Rodrigo.
Driving Home 2 U chronicles Rodrigo’s nostalgic journey from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Los Angeles, California, as she relives her first historic road trip, during which she wrote her first album, SOUR. Throughout her pilgrimage, Rodrigo shares personal stories from her time on the road and the moments she spent writing the music that would eventually become one of the most downloaded albums of all time. Driving Home 2 U includes exclusive insights into the ground-breaking record, interviews with Rodrigo and other key players, new live arrangements of her most-loved songs, and personal footage from the album’s creation.
This premiere was a celebration of Rodrigo’s adventure from teen to global superstar, so I wanted the music I played to reflect the style and message of her songs. My tracklist featured ‘90s alternative, indie, and pop-punk hits, and I relied heavily on female artists. My vision for this event was edgy but fun and playfully retro, so I sprinkled in grungy anthems and angsty ballads alongside pop-rock dance tunes and punky girl power tracks. From Avril Lavigne to Sleigh Bells, from No Doubt to St. Vincent, the crowd was somewhere between singing along, rocking out, and busting a move all night.
The entire atmosphere was brimming with excitement, and I had an absolute blast. DJing the Driving Home 2 U premiere was a privilege and a pleasure. I’m also extremely grateful to have been recognized for my work that night in Variety Magazine’s coverage of the event. Having the chance to honor the artists and genres that inspired Rodrigo and contributed to the album documented in this film by playing them at this event for her guests and fans to enjoy was, without a doubt, one of the brightest highlights of my career.
Less than two weeks after the premiere, Olivia Rodrigo swept the Grammys, winning awards for Best New Artist for SOUR, Best Pop Vocal Album for SOUR, and Best Pop Solo Performance for “Driver’s License.” I’m so proud to have been involved in a night celebrating one of her many achievements. Seriously, somebody pinch me.
You can watch Driving Home 2 U on Disney+ and check out my playlist for the film’s premiere here.
