Phoebe Bridgers Releases New Song On Video for Primetime

"On Video" and the Primetime Soundtrack

The new single from Phoebe Bridgers, titled "On Video," was recorded specifically for the A24 film Primetime. The track is described as a chilling rocker characterized by dense guitar riffs that lurk in the distance. Rather than being a standalone single added to the project, Bridgers composed the piece to function as the end title theme for the movie, drawing creative influence from the original score by Ari Balouzian.

Balouzian, a longtime collaborator of director Lance Oppenheim, provided the film's score, which also includes the recently released track "Savior." According to reports, Primetime officially hits theaters on Wednesday, September 25, though other sources indicate the film opens this Friday. The movie chronicles the history of the infamous 2000s television program To Catch a Predator and its host, Chris Hansen.

Acting Debut and the Venice Premiere

In addition to her musical contribution, Bridgers makes her debut as a movie cast member in Primetime. While she previously made a cameo appearance as herself in the 2024 film I Saw the TV Glow, her role in Oppenheim's thriller marks her first scripted performance. She portrays a decoy named Del Harvey. The film features a high-profile cast, including Robert Pattinson as the host based on Chris Hansen, alongside Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, and Alex Winter.

During a press conference at the Venice International Film Festival, where the film saw its world premiere, Bridgers shared her initial hesitation about joining the production as an actress. She noted that the experience was ultimately positive despite her nerves:

"It was certainly super intimidating and when Lance asked me, I was like, ‘No way.’ But it turns out, working with incredible people actually makes it way easier. I thought I was going to wither with all of these guys. Instead, it was so fun and free."

— Phoebe Bridgers

The Lost Weekend Album and Phone-Free Tour

The release of "On Video" follows the launch of Bridgers’ third solo LP, Lost Weekend, which arrived last month. The album represents her first solo full-length release in six years, following the 2020 record Punisher. Bridgers is currently embarked on an extensive headlining tour to support the new album, which includes a strict phone-free policy for attendees.

The tour has seen several notable stops, including a performance at Madison Square Garden in New York and a recent show in Brooklyn. The Brooklyn performance, which took place on the same day as the Primetime theatrical release, featured a surprise appearance by her Boygenius bandmates Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker. The trio performed the songs "Not Strong Enough" and "Cool About It" for the audience.

Collaborative Projects and Context

Bridgers has integrated her Primetime colleagues into her musical projects beyond the soundtrack. For her "Lost Boys" music video, she recruited director Lance Oppenheim to helm the visual and cast Skyler Gisondo in the role of a gas station cashier who transforms into a knight in shining armor. This collaboration highlights the overlap between her recent cinematic work and her solo music career.

The artist, who is associated with the Folk genre, was formed in 1994 according to industry records. Her return as a solo artist with Lost Weekend has been a long-awaited event for fans, and her involvement in Primetime showcases a multifaceted expansion of her creative output into the world of film. Fans can now listen to "On Video" as the film begins its theatrical run.