How to Be a Heartbreaker

Last updated

"How to Be a Heartbreaker"
Marina and the Diamonds - How to Be a Heartbreaker.png
Single by Marina and the Diamonds
from the album Electra Heart
Released7 December 2012 (2012-12-07)
Recorded2012
Genre Pop
Length3:41
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Marina and the Diamonds singles chronology
"Power & Control"
(2012)		"How to Be a Heartbreaker"
(2012)		"Froot"
(2014)
Music video
"How to Be a Heartbreaker" on YouTube

"How to Be a Heartbreaker" is a song by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, from her second studio album, Electra Heart (2012). It was released on 7 December 2012 by 679 Artists and Atlantic Records as the album's third and final single. Diamandis worked with Ammar Malik, Benny Blanco, Cirkut, Daniel Omelio, and Dr. Luke during the songwriting process, and enlisted Blanco, Cirkut, and Dr. Luke to oversee its production.

Contents

Background and release

Diamandis explained that "How to Be a Heartbreaker" was the only new track on the US edition of her album Electra Heart, and she wrote it "as the UK album was being printed." [1] Lyrically, she stated the song "basically involves four rules on how to be a heartbreaker. It's a guide for everyone!" [1] Despite initially confirming to Digital Spy that "How to Be a Heartbreaker" would be released in the United Kingdom on 15 October 2012, [2] Diamandis ultimately stated via her Twitter page on 22 November 2012 that the UK release of the song would be postponed until spring 2013 because of her US tour in December. [3]

Music video

Diamandis in the songs music video Htbahb.jpg
Diamandis in the songs music video

On 19 September 2012, Marina announced on her Twitter page that the music video for "How to Be a Heartbreaker" would premiere online on 24 September. [4] However, problems occurred on the day of the supposed release, and Diamandis took to her Twitter to explain the situation: "So, someone at my record label won't let me release the video because I look ugly in it apparently and we need more money and time to paint out ugly parts. The video will be out end of the week. If not, I am happy to leak the 'minger' version for my fans." [5] The video premiered on 28 September 2012 on YouTube. [6] Marina also worked on the song for about 6 months prior to being released.

The video was directed by duo Marc & Ish and filmed in late August 2012. [7] [8] It opens with Diamandis in a shower surrounded by Speedo-clad male models. It includes various close-up shots of Diamandis and the models throughout the video. She also appears with four different men in various settings, each showing her with a different colored hair ribbon. It includes shots of her walking alone on the beach in some parts of the video, and includes a shot of her holding a platter with a severed and bloodied mannequin head. She dons black hair and various black dresses throughout the video, and her signature heart makeup on her cheek.

Commercial performance

"How to Be a Heartbreaker" was released as the third single off Electra Heart . The song was a commercial success worldwide. In the United Kingdom the song peaked at number 88 and spent one week on the chart. [9] The song ranks as Marina's fifth best-selling track to date in the United Kingdom, with 95,000 combined sales as of February 2019. [10] "How to Be a Heartbreaker" was certified Silver in the United Kingdom in November 2021, denoting sales in excess of 200,000 units. [11] In Denmark the song peaked at number 18 and was certified Platinum. [12] The single was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in June 2021. [13]

Live performances

Diamandis first performed "How to Be a Heartbreaker" live on 29 June 2012 on The Lonely Hearts Club Tour at the HMV Institute in Birmingham. [14] She has since performed the song during most of her Lonely Hearts Club Tour performances and opening performances on Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto Tour, occasionally adding another breakdown after the second chorus. On 9 July 2012, she performed the song on Jimmy Kimmel Live! along with "Primadonna". [15] She has performed the song acoustically on various radio stations and television appearances in Europe and Canada. She also performed the song as part of her "YouTube Presents" streaming performance along with four other songs from Electra Heart on 15 August 2012. [16] Diamandis performed "How to Be a Heartbreaker" live on the season finale of Denmark's X Factor on 22 March 2013, along with "Primadonna". [17]

Other versions

The song was covered by Dean Geyer and Lea Michele on the Glee episode "Feud". [18]

Track listings

  1. "How to Be a Heartbreaker" – 3:41
  2. "How to Be a Heartbreaker" (Kat Krazy remix) – 3:34
  3. "How to Be a Heartbreaker" (Almighty remix) – 5:37
  4. "How to Be a Heartbreaker" (Kitty Pryde remix) – 3:00
  5. "How to Be a Heartbreaker" (Baunz remix) – 7:27
  1. "How to Be a Heartbreaker" (Dada Life remix) – 6:28
  2. "How to Be a Heartbreaker" (Dada Life remix radio edit) – 3:16

Charts

Chart performance for "How to Be a Heartbreaker"
Chart (2012–2013)Peak
position
CIS (TopHit) [23] 167
Denmark (Tracklisten) [24] 18
Finland Download (Latauslista) [25] 23
Hungary (Rádiós Top 40) [26] 29
Ireland (IRMA) [27] 21
Poland (Polish Airplay New) [28] 3
Scotland (OCC) [29] 73
UK Singles (OCC) [30] 88
US Pop Digital Songs (Billboard) [31] 42

Certifications

Certifications for "How to Be a Heartbreaker"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [11] Silver200,000‡
United States (RIAA) [13] Platinum1,000,000‡
Streaming
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [12]
Streaming 		Platinum1,800,000†

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
† Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release dates and formats for "How to Be a Heartbreaker"
RegionDateFormatVersion(s)Label(s)Ref.
Ireland7 December 2012 Digital download
  • Original
  • Kat Krazy remix
  • Almighty remix
  • Kitty Pryde remix
  • Baunz remix
 [20]
United States8 January 2013 Contemporary hit radio Original Elektra [32] [33]
United Kingdom3 February 2013Digital download
  • Original
  • Kat Krazy remix
  • Almighty remix
  • Kitty Pryde remix
  • Baunz remix
  • 679
  • Atlantic
 [34]
Canada12 March 2013RemixesElektra [21]
United States [22]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marina Diamandis</span> Welsh singer-songwriter (born 1985)

Marina Lambrini Diamandis, known mononymously as Marina and previously by the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, is a Welsh singer and songwriter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hollywood (Marina and the Diamonds song)</span> 2010 single by Marina and the Diamonds

"Hollywood" is a song by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, from her debut studio album, The Family Jewels (2010). It was released digitally on 29 January 2010 and physically on 1 February 2010 as the third single from The Family Jewels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marina Diamandis discography</span>

Welsh singer and songwriter Marina Diamandis, known professionally as Marina and formerly Marina and the Diamonds, has released five studio albums, seven extended plays, 26 singles, five promotional singles and 34 music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Am Not a Robot</span> 2010 single by Marina and the Diamonds

"I Am Not a Robot" is a song by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, from her debut studio album, The Family Jewels (2010). It was released digitally on 23 April 2010 and physically on 26 April 2010 as the album's third single. The track originally appeared on Diamandis's second extended play, The Crown Jewels EP (2009). The single was added to BBC Radio 1's A List in April 2010. A choral version of "I Am Not a Robot" was used in an advertisement for British healthcare provider Bupa in March 2011. Additionally, the song was heavily sampled by American rapper Hoodie Allen for his debut single "You Are Not a Robot" (2010).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shampain</span> 2010 single by Marina and the Diamonds

"Shampain" is a song by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds from her debut studio album, The Family Jewels (2010). It was released on 11 October 2010 as the album's fifth and final single, only in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oh No! (Marina and the Diamonds song)</span> 2010 single by Marina and the Diamonds

"Oh No!" is a song by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, from her debut studio album, The Family Jewels (2010). It was released as the album's fourth single on 2 August 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radioactive (Marina and the Diamonds song)</span> 2011 promotional single by Marina and the Diamonds

"Radioactive" is a song by Welsh recording artist Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, from the deluxe version of her second studio album Electra Heart (2012). It was released on 23 September 2011 as the first promotional single from the record; it preceded the premiere of the official lead single "Primadonna" on 20 March 2012.

<i>Electra Heart</i> 2012 studio album by Marina and the Diamonds

Electra Heart is the second studio album by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds. It was released on 27 April 2012 by 679 Artists and Atlantic Records. Diamandis collaborated with producers including Liam Howe, Greg Kurstin, Dr. Luke, Diplo and Stargate during its recording, and subsequently transitioned from the new wave musical styles seen throughout her debut studio album, The Family Jewels (2010). Their efforts resulted in a concept album consisting of electropop and dance-pop music, a distinct departure from her earlier projects. Lyrically, the album discusses topics of love and identity. Diamandis created the title character "Electra Heart" to represent female archetypes in popular American culture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Primadonna (Marina and the Diamonds song)</span> 2012 single by Marina and the Diamonds

"Primadonna" is a song by Marina and the Diamonds, the stage name of Welsh singer-songwriter Marina Diamandis, from her second studio album, Electra Heart (2012). It was released on 20 March 2012 as the album's official lead single. It reached the top five in Austria, Ireland and New Zealand and the top twenty in the United Kingdom, Hungary and Switzerland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Power & Control</span> 2012 single by Marina and the Diamonds

"Power & Control" is a song by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, from her second studio album, Electra Heart (2012). It was released on 20 July 2012 by 679 Artists and Atlantic Records as the second single from the record. Diamandis collaborated with Swedish House Mafia member Steve Angello while writing the track, and enlisted Greg Kurstin to oversee its production. An electropop, power pop, and dance-pop track, "Power & Control" describes the struggle between romantic partners in achieving superiority in their relationship.

"Teen Idle" is a song by Welsh singer-songwriter Marina Diamandis, professionally known as Marina and formerly as Marina and the Diamonds. The ninth track on her second studio album, Electra Heart (2012), it was released on 27 April 2012 along with the whole record. While the production was handled by Liam Howe, the song was written solely by Diamandis. Too obscure to be released as a single, almost not even making to the final tracklist of the album, the track received a warm reception from her fanbase and grew to become a substantial song in Diamandis' discography, which is noted to define the Tumblr "sad girl" subculture and did influence later singers like Billie Eilish and Melanie Martinez. The song incorporates eerie downtempo music as the lyrics articulate problems with youth lifestyles and include metaphors for the issues such as the loss of virginity, eating disorders, and suicide. The ingenious title exudes the contrast between the absurdity of an idolized teenage dream media portrayal and adolescent depression. "Teen Idle" was the second non-single track from Marina's discography to be certified Gold in the United States, following a TikTok-revived sleeper hit, "Bubblegum Bitch".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Lonely Hearts Club Tour</span> 2012–13 concert tour by Marina and the Diamonds

The Lonely Hearts Club Tour was the second concert tour by Welsh singer-songwriter Marina Diamandis, formerly known as Marina and the Diamonds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electra Heart (song)</span> 2014 song by Betatraxx

"Electra Heart" is a song recorded and produced by American disc jockey Betatraxx. It features guest vocals from Welsh singer-songwriter Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, who co-wrote the track with him. Diamandis first used the song in a music video in August 2013, as part of a visual series created to promote her second studio album, Electra Heart (2012). The finalized version of "Electra Heart" was digitally distributed as a promotional single on May 5, 2014, through Pilot Records. A classical version and two remixes of the song, including one by Teddy Killerz, were released shortly after.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Froot (song)</span> 2014 single by Marina and the Diamonds

"Froot" is a song by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds. It was released for streaming on 10 October 2014, to coincide with the singer's birthday, and later received a full digital release as the lead single of her third studio album of the same name. Diamandis premiered the single on YouTube.

<i>Froot</i> 2015 album by Marina and the Diamonds

Froot is the third studio album by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis and her last under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds. It was originally scheduled to be released on 3 April 2015 by Neon Gold Records and Atlantic Records, although it was ultimately released on 13 March 2015 due to unauthorised Internet leaks. Written entirely by Diamandis, she collaborated with David Kosten for production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neon Nature Tour</span> 2015–16 concert tour by Marina

The Neon Nature Tour is the third concert tour by Welsh recording artist Marina in support of her third studio album, Froot (2015). The tour was officially announced three months after the release of the album, on 23 June 2015. The tour began on 12 October 2015, in Houston, Texas at the Revention Music Center and concluded on March 20, 2016, in Santiago, Chile, with a total of fifty-two shows over six months.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bubblegum Bitch</span> 2012 song by Marina and the Diamonds

"Bubblegum Bitch" is a song by Welsh singer-songwriter Marina Diamandis, professionally known as Marina and formerly as Marina and the Diamonds. An opening track on her second studio album, Electra Heart (2012), it was released on 27 April 2012 along with the record. While the production was handled by Rick Nowels and Dean Reird, the song was written by Diamandis and Nowels. Despite not having been released as a single, the song entered international charts after experiencing a resurgence on social media platform TikTok in early 2021, thanks to which it subsequently was certified gold in the United States in March and silver in the United Kingdom in September the same year.

<i>Love + Fear</i> 2019 studio album by Marina

Love + Fear is the fourth studio album by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis and her first under the mononym Marina. It was released in full on 26 April 2019 by Atlantic Records, though the album's first half was released on 4 April 2019 as a surprise. Diamandis took a hiatus after she concluded touring in support of her third studio album Froot (2015) with plans of retiring from music. However, she began working on a new record with several producers like Sam de Jong, Oscar Görres, Joel Little, Jack Patterson, Mark Ralph, James Flannigan, and Oscar Holter during its recording.

<i>Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land</i> 2021 studio album by Marina

Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land is the fifth studio album by Welsh singer-songwriter Marina and her last under a major label. The album was released on 11 June 2021 through Atlantic Records. She began writing music for the record in August 2019, five months after the release of her fourth studio album, Love + Fear (2019). The album was produced by Diamandis, Jennifer Decilveo and James Flannigan; the latter collaborated on her previous album. Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land is a pop, electropop, and dance-pop record that explores themes such as feminism, global warming, misogyny, heartbreak, and racism.

References

  1. 1 2 Corner, Lewis; Parker-Williams, Amie (3 July 2012). "Marina and the Diamonds talks new UK single 'How to Be a Heartbreaker'". Digital Spy . Retrieved 2 November 2017.
  2. ↑ Corner, Lewis (11 July 2012). "Marina and the Diamonds announces UK tour, confirms new single". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
  3. ↑ Diamandis, Marina [@MarinasDiamonds] (22 November 2012). "Touring my butt off in 'merica in Dec so UK HTBAH single release will now be in spring for UK diamonds. Ill keep you posted w/dates!" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 10 December 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2012– via Twitter.
  4. ↑ O'Mance, Brad (19 September 2012). "Marina's putting a new video online on Monday". Popjustice . Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  5. ↑ Michaels, Sean (25 September 2012). "Marina Diamandis too 'ugly' in new video, according to her US label". The Guardian . Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  6. ↑ "Marina and the Diamonds release new video following 'ugly' comments from label". NME . 28 September 2012. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
  7. ↑ Knight, David (3 October 2012). "Marina & The Diamonds '(How To Be A) Heartbreaker' by Marc & Ish – now signed to Love". Promo News. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
  8. ↑ Diamandis, Marina [@MarinasDiamonds] (29 August 2012). "BOYS..." (Tweet). Archived from the original on 10 January 2014. Retrieved 1 October 2012– via Twitter.
  9. ↑ "how to be a heartbreaker | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  10. ↑ "Marina announces new single: Her biggest songs revealed". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  11. 1 2 "British single certifications – Marina & the Diamonds – How to Be a Heartbreaker". British Phonographic Industry. 12 November 2021. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  12. 1 2 "Danish single certifications – Marina and the Diamonds – How to Be a Heartbreaker". IFPI Danmark.
  13. 1 2 "American single certifications – Marina & the Diamonds – How to Be a Heartbreaker". Recording Industry Association of America. 25 June 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  14. ↑ Gilvear, Kevin (2 July 2012). "Marina and the Diamonds – HMV Institute, Birmingham". The Digital Fix. Archived from the original on 9 September 2018. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
  15. ↑ Thanh (9 July 2012). "Marina and the Diamonds Performs "Primadonna" on Jimmy Kimmel Live". Elektra Records. Archived from the original on 22 January 2013. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  16. ↑ "Marina And The Diamonds YouTube Presents Acoustic Songs 15/08/2012". 16 August 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2012– via YouTube.
  17. ↑ Guha, Robin (23 March 2013). "This 'X Factor' Performance Proves Why 'SNL' Needs To Book Marina and the Diamonds". BuzzFeed . Archived from the original on 25 September 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  18. ↑ Rose, Josée (14 March 2013). "'Glee' Recap: Epic Musical Feuds". The Wall Street Journal . Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  19. ↑ "How to Be a Heartbreaker – EP by Marina and The Diamonds". iTunes Store . United Kingdom. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
  20. 1 2 "How to Be a Heartbreaker – EP by Marina and The Diamonds". iTunes Store. Ireland. Archived from the original on 19 April 2014. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
  21. 1 2 "How To Be a Heartbreaker Remixes – Single by Marina and The Diamonds". iTunes Store. Canada. 12 March 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  22. 1 2 "How To Be a Heartbreaker Remixes – Single by Marina and The Diamonds". iTunes Store. United States. 12 March 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  23. ↑ Marina — How to Be a Heartbreaker. TopHit. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
  24. ↑ "Marina and the Diamonds – How to Be a Heartbreaker". Tracklisten. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
  25. ↑ "Marina & the Diamonds: How to Be a Heartbreaker" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat.
  26. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 4 April 2013.
  27. ↑ "Chart Track: Week 50, 2012". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 14 December 2012.
  28. ↑ "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay New . Retrieved 30 March 2017.
  29. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
  30. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
  31. ↑ "Chart Search: Marina and the Diamonds". Billboard Chart Search. Retrieved 18 July 2019.
  32. ↑ "Top 40/M Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on 14 January 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  33. ↑ "FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB . January 2013. Archived from the original on 25 December 2012. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  34. ↑ "How To Be A Heartbreaker by Marina and the Diamonds". 7digital . United Kingdom. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.