Format Digital download Genre Dance-pop
electropop Label 679
Atlantic | Recorded 2012 Length 3:41 | |
Released 7 December 2012 (2012-12-07) | ||
"How to Be a Heartbreaker" is a song by Welsh recording artist Marina and the Diamonds from the American version of her second studio album Electra Heart (2012). It was released on 7 December 2012 by 679 Artists and Atlantic Records as the third and final single from the record. 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.
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The song was covered by Dean Geyer and Lea Michele on the Glee episode "Feud".
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." Lyrically, she stated the song "basically involves four rules on how to be a heartbreaker. It's a guide for everyone!" Despite initially confirming to Digital Spy that "How to Be a Heartbreaker" would be released in the United Kingdom on 15 October 2012, 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.
Music video
On 19 September 2012, Diamandis announced on her Twitter page that the music video for "How to Be a Heartbreaker" would premiere online on 24 September. 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." The video premiered on 28 September 2012 on YouTube.
The video was directed by duo Marc & Ish and filmed in late August 2012. 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. Diamandis revealed to The Sun that she was highly involved in the video: "I had 100 percent creative control over this video. I was like 'OK, let's get six Calvin Klein models and put them in the shower and I'll stand in the middle in PVC'."
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. 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". 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.
Diamandis performed "How to Be a Heartbreaker" live on the season finale of Denmark's X Factor on 22 March 2013, along with "Primadonna".
- "How to Be a Heartbreaker" – 3:41
- "How to Be a Heartbreaker" (Kat Krazy Remix) – 3:34
- "How to Be a Heartbreaker" (Almighty Remix) – 5:37
- "How to Be a Heartbreaker" (Kitty Pryde Remix) – 3:00
- "How to Be a Heartbreaker" (Baunz Remix) – 7:27
- "How to Be a Heartbreaker" (Dada Life Remix) – 6:28
- "How to Be a Heartbreaker" (Dada Life Remix Radio Edit) – 3:16