Olivia Rodrigo Says Sarah McLachlan’s Support Meant Everything to Her as She Launched Daisy Chain Fields Festival
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The first-ever edition of the festival was held on Saturday, Aug. 29, bringing together an all-female roster of artists along with groups led by women.
Sarah McLachlan gave Olivia Rodrigo exactly the kind of encouragement the younger singer had hoped for when she revealed her plans for the Daisy Chain Fields festival.
In a Rolling Stone digital cover story published Thursday, Sept. 3, Rodrigo shared how meaningful it was to have McLachlan’s backing for the new music festival, which brought together an all-female lineup of performers and women-led bands.
Rodrigo, 23, said McLachlan, 58, was the first person she reached out to while developing the festival, which made its debut Saturday, Aug. 29.
Rodrigo recalled feeling extremely nervous before making that call. She remembered sitting near the fireplace at home, feeling cold and trying to convince herself to simply pick up the phone and contact McLachlan.
Her nerves quickly disappeared when McLachlan welcomed the idea. Rodrigo said she was thrilled not only to receive McLachlan’s approval but also to have her guidance as the festival came together.
McLachlan, who helped create Lilith Fair in 1997, immediately embraced Rodrigo’s vision. She described her reaction as an instant burst of happiness and excitement, seeing the younger artist’s festival as an opportunity to continue the legacy of the groundbreaking women-centered event.
Rodrigo said the concept for Daisy Chain Fields had been on her mind for several years. Although she felt strongly about the idea, she admitted that its importance made her hesitant to talk about it publicly at first.
The singer explained that the festival combines several things she cares deeply about. She has long been struck by the connection she sees between women and girls at her concerts, particularly the emotional experiences and sense of release they share with one another.
Alongside her love of music, Rodrigo has also been outspoken about women’s rights and access to reproductive healthcare. Bringing those interests together through a festival felt like a natural fit.
Rodrigo also credited Lilith Fair as a major source of inspiration. She remembered learning about the festival as a teenager and being fascinated by the opportunity it gave female musicians to perform together. At the time, she said, she wished she could have been among the artists and fans who experienced it.
McLachlan ultimately became part of Daisy Chain Fields herself. During Rodrigo’s headlining performance in Irvine, Calif., on Aug. 29, the veteran singer made a surprise appearance onstage.
The two artists joined forces for special duets, including McLachlan’s emotional 1997 hit “Angel.” They dedicated the performance to Dolly Parton, who died at age 80 on Aug. 25.