Lorde: Rebirth Through Music and Self-Discovery
Lorde’s Evolution as an Artist
Lorde, the New Zealand pop singer known for her ethereal voice and introspective lyrics, has always been a voice of vulnerability and authenticity in the music industry. Since her breakthrough in 2013 with the hit single “Royals,” Lorde has continually evolved, both musically and personally. As her career progresses, she reflects on her shifting relationship with gender, femininity, and her own identity—topics that have deeply influenced her recent work, including her latest single, “What Was That.”
Lorde’s evolution as an artist is marked by a continuous exploration of self. Her debut album, Pure Heroine, captured the angst and disillusionment of youth, while her sophomore album, Melodrama, examined heartbreak, emotional turmoil, and personal growth. With each new release, Lorde has peeled back the layers of her experiences, inviting her listeners into a raw and honest portrayal of her internal landscape. Now, as she enters what she describes as her “rebirth,” Lorde is more introspective than ever before, confronting themes of identity, femininity, and personal resilience through her music.
What Was That: A Song of Rebirth
Lorde’s new single, “What Was That,” is described by the artist as a crucial step in her personal and artistic rebirth. The song marks a shift in both her sound and her perspective. After a turbulent period in her personal life, Lorde emerged from it with a renewed sense of self. She explained that the song is about the moment when she found clarity after a chaotic phase in her life—where she finally realized who she was and what she wanted to express. The track is a blend of bold, upbeat melodies and deeply introspective lyrics, reflecting Lorde’s newfound confidence and self-assurance.
The process of creating “What Was That” was therapeutic for Lorde. “It was a song I had to write to move forward,” she said. The music captures the confusion, excitement, and energy of change, as Lorde uses her signature atmospheric sound to convey the complexities of her emotional journey. The song’s upbeat tempo contrasts with the vulnerability of its lyrics, a juxtaposition that captures the essence of Lorde’s personal and artistic transformation.
Exploring Gender and Femininity in Her Music
Throughout her career, Lorde has challenged conventional norms of femininity in pop music. She has always been vocal about her refusal to conform to traditional expectations of how women should present themselves in the industry. With “What Was That,” Lorde takes this exploration further, reflecting on her evolving relationship with gender and femininity. In the interview, she discusses how she has come to embrace a more fluid understanding of both concepts, moving away from societal pressures to define herself in a particular way.
For Lorde, femininity is no longer about meeting conventional standards of beauty or behavior. It’s about embracing complexity, power, and vulnerability. She explained that the song and its accompanying imagery are an expression of this evolution, one that’s rooted in her acceptance of herself and her place in the world. “What Was That” is a celebration of the strength and nuance that comes with embracing both sides of her identity. Lorde’s refusal to adhere to traditional definitions of femininity is a central theme throughout her body of work, and this track serves as another powerful assertion of her autonomy.
A Turbulent Personal Period Shaping Her Art
Lorde’s new phase of self-discovery and artistic growth follows a turbulent personal period that challenged her understanding of herself and her place in the world. In her recent reflections, she opened up about the emotional upheaval that preceded her rebirth. These experiences, while difficult, were integral to the creative process behind her new music. The turmoil she faced pushed her to reassess not only her personal life but also her artistry, leading to a more honest and fearless approach to her work.
The introspective nature of “What Was That” stems from this period of emotional transformation. In her interview, Lorde explained how this time of personal reckoning helped her unlock a new depth in her songwriting. The song’s lyrics reflect the confusion and emotional complexity of navigating turbulent experiences, while also conveying a sense of hope and resilience. Lorde’s ability to channel her struggles into music speaks to her strength as an artist, turning painful moments into anthems of personal growth and reinvention.
The Rebirth of Lorde: A New Chapter in Her Career
Lorde’s rebirth, as she calls it, represents a new chapter in her career. With “What Was That,” she has moved beyond the introspection of her earlier work to embrace a more liberated, confident version of herself. She sees this phase as one where she is no longer defined by the expectations of the music industry or societal norms. Instead, she is reclaiming her narrative, exploring her personal identity on her own terms, and offering her listeners a window into her journey.
This sense of liberation is reflected not only in the music but also in Lorde’s attitude toward her career. She’s no longer concerned with the pressure to conform to pop music’s rigid standards. Instead, she’s focused on creating work that is true to herself, regardless of how it may be perceived by the mainstream. As she puts it, her music is now about “making something real” and “honoring the complexity of who I am.” The authenticity that has always been at the core of Lorde’s music remains central to her creative vision, even as she steps into a new era.
The Future of Lorde’s Music
Looking ahead, Lorde is excited to explore new musical landscapes and continue her evolution as an artist. She has hinted at upcoming projects that will delve further into her themes of self-discovery, identity, and personal growth. While she remains tight-lipped about specific details, it’s clear that the “rebirth” she has undergone will influence not just “What Was That,” but also the next phase of her career. Fans can expect a deeper exploration of her evolving relationship with femininity, gender, and self-expression as she continues to make music that resonates with the complexities of the human experience.
In conclusion, Lorde’s new single, “What Was That,” marks a significant turning point in her career. It is not only a reflection of her personal transformation but also a bold statement about her autonomy as an artist. Through her music, she has embraced a more nuanced understanding of femininity and gender, while also coming to terms with her own identity. As Lorde continues to grow and evolve, her music will undoubtedly continue to inspire and resonate with listeners who are on their own journeys of self-discovery.