Tame Impala’s “Dracula” Soars on Charts with Sarah Aarons’ Insight

Tame Impala has achieved a significant milestone with their latest single “Dracula,” marking the Australian psych-rock group’s first entry into the Billboard Hot 100. The track debuted at No. 55 on the October 11, 2023, chart and quickly climbed to a high of No. 33. This success may signal a broader appeal for Tame Impala, coinciding with the release of their album *Deadbeat* on October 17, 2023, which has also seen two additional songs, “My Old Ways” and “Loser,” chart on the Hot 100.

The journey to “Dracula” was a lengthy and collaborative process, as co-writer Sarah Aarons explains. Aarons, a Melbourne native, detailed how she and frontman Kevin Parker spent years refining the song, even making last-minute changes just hours before the mixing was due. “There was just something about it that bothered him,” Aarons noted about Parker’s meticulous nature. This attention to detail ultimately contributed to the song’s success.

Creative Collaboration Sparks New Heights

Aarons and Parker’s collaboration began several years ago when they were introduced through mutual connections. Their initial conversations were informal, allowing them to develop a rapport that would prove beneficial in the studio. Aarons recalled a memorable moment when she brought her puppy to a studio session, leading to an unexpected bond over shared experiences.

They began working on “Dracula” alongside other tracks for the album, but it was far from a straightforward process. Aarons highlighted that the song evolved significantly over time, with Parker frequently re-evaluating its direction. “There were so many iterations of what it was,” she said, underlining the creative back-and-forth that characterized their collaboration.

Parker’s recent work with Dua Lipa on the album *Radical Optimism* likely contributed to his growing fan base, but Aarons believes that his distinctive sound and production style resonate across various platforms. “He really does take his time, and he’s really intentional about what it all sounds like,” she explained.

Final Touches and Last-Minute Adjustments

As the deadline for the album approached, the urgency intensified. Aarons shared that much of the final work on “Dracula” occurred under pressure. “We wrote ‘Afterthought’ two hours after the mixes were due,” she laughed, recalling how Parker called her with a new beat and a sense of urgency to create one last song.

The collaborative spirit between Aarons and Parker has been a significant factor in the songwriting process. Aarons emphasized how working with someone so deeply involved in production makes the creative process seamless. “Everything is him; it sounds so much like him,” she noted, reflecting on how Parker’s strong artistic vision shapes their work.

The pair’s dynamic allows for a more profound exploration of themes and ideas, making the music distinctly Tame Impala. “It’s not a song for everyone. It’s a song for Tame Impala,” she stated, reinforcing the personal touch embedded in their music.

With Parker’s intense focus on the final product, the last-minute adjustments became a hallmark of their collaboration. Aarons remarked, “When you know you have a deadline, your brain just goes, ‘This is the right thing.’” This pressing timeline led to breakthroughs in the songwriting that ultimately shaped “Dracula” into a compelling piece.

Aarons’ involvement extends beyond “Dracula”; she co-wrote “Oblivion” and “Afterthought” for *Deadbeat* as well. She believes that working on multiple songs from the same project enriches the overall cohesiveness of the album. “It’s easier to sculpt a voice or theme,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of familiarity and fun in the creative process.

Reflecting on her unique position as the only credited songwriter outside of Parker on this album, Aarons expressed gratitude. “I’m super flattered. It all happened so naturally,” she said, highlighting the organic nature of their collaboration.

As Tame Impala continues to gain traction on the charts, the creative partnership between Kevin Parker and Sarah Aarons stands out as a testament to the power of collaboration in the music industry. With “Dracula” making waves, fans can look forward to more from Tame Impala and the evolving narrative of their sound.