Singer Lorde says collaborating with Charli XCX gave her more confidence to explore her vulnerabilities with her new music. The singer-songwriter from New Zealand is gearing up to release her fourth album, Virgin, this summer, and the first single, What Was That, shot straight into the UK top 10. Lorde tells BBC Radio 1's Jack Saunders it's taken a lot of work to get the album to this point: "I never thought it would come out," she says. "I wrote this from the perspective of, 'well I could never say that'," the singer, real name Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, says. "It was just sort of an exercise in saying everything I needed to say about a whole lot of different stuff and I put off dealing with that. "I was like, that's for future Ella to deal with." Then came a message from Charli XCX, inviting her to collaborate on her track girl, so confusing from her acclaimed album Brat. In the remix, Lorde opens up about struggling with an eating disorder and comparing herself to the singer-songwriter from Essex. "Brat coming out really gave me a kick," says Lorde. "Meeting her in that place of rugged vulnerability and people responding really well to that, I was kind of like, 'OK cool - this is a good thing to be doing'. "I really suffer from this thing of not feeling my own power... and the remix just started me up and I was like, 'no no, people are listening and they care and your words carry real weight'." Aside from its multiple awards, Brat also became a cultural phenomenon when it was released. It featured inthe US presidential election campaignand the Collins Dictionary, which crowned itword of the year. Lorde performed the remix during Charli's Coachella set in California last month, with Charli even suggesting "Lorde summer 2025" could follow 2024's Brat summer. Lorde says Brat also inspired her to refine what she wanted to say with her first new music in four years. "It forced me to further define what I was doing because Charli had so masterfully defined everything about Brat," she says. "And it's so amazing when a peer throws the gauntlet down like that. We've gotta pick it up and I've spoken to a lot of peers who all had the same feeling." Lorde's lead single, What Was That, was officially released last week after being teased on TikTok, debuting in the UK Top 10. Lorde says it gives a flavour of her upcoming album, where she's tried to reconnect with her younger self. "I really went into it like, 'just make something for you, just make something you think is cool'," she says. "It's not unlike how I was making music as a 15-year-old, just trying to impress myself. "What Was That was the first song from this album that I wrote and was like, 'OK, I know where to go with this'," she says, describing the track as "Lorde canon" and "recognisably me". "It's funny to be 12 years into your career and for people to have an understanding of your tropes and what you do." The singer says she "wanted to lock people back in" to her sound after her last album, 2021's Solar Power, which she says was "a very different flavour for me". "It's about going to the core of who I am in the purest way possible, stripping away anything unnecessary." Listen to Newsbeatliveat 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen backhere.
Lorde: 'Working with Charli XCX kicked me into opening up'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Lorde Discusses Confidence Boost from Collaboration with Charli XCX Ahead of New Album Release"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Lorde, the New Zealand singer-songwriter, has expressed that her collaboration with Charli XCX has significantly boosted her confidence in exploring her vulnerabilities through her music. As she prepares for the release of her fourth album, titled Virgin, this summer, she reflects on the journey that led her to this point. The album's lead single, What Was That, has already made a strong impression by debuting in the UK Top 10. In a conversation with BBC Radio 1's Jack Saunders, Lorde shared her initial hesitations about releasing new music, stating, "I never thought it would come out." The process of writing the album was cathartic for her, as she approached it from the perspective of confronting her fears and expressing sentiments she had previously avoided. The turning point came when Charli XCX reached out to her for a remix of the track girl, so confusing from her acclaimed album Brat. This experience prompted Lorde to open up about her struggles with an eating disorder, marking a significant moment of vulnerability in her artistry.
The impact of Charli XCX's work, particularly with her album Brat, inspired Lorde to refine her own musical direction and to embrace her authenticity. Lorde noted that the cultural phenomenon surrounding Brat, which included its recognition in the US presidential election campaign and being named the Collins Dictionary word of the year, served as a challenge for her. She acknowledged how Charli's boldness in expressing her own vulnerabilities encouraged her to recognize the power of her own voice. Lorde's new single, What Was That, represents a return to her roots, as she aimed to create music that resonates with her younger self. She described it as a representation of her essence, aiming to strip away unnecessary elements and connect with her audience in a more genuine way. As she embarks on this new chapter, Lorde hopes to re-engage her listeners after the distinct sound of her previous album, Solar Power, and looks forward to sharing more of her personal journey through her upcoming music.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights Lorde's reflections on her musical journey and the impact of collaborating with Charli XCX. As she prepares for the release of her fourth album, "Virgin," Lorde discusses the personal growth and confidence she gained through this partnership. It sheds light on the struggles of vulnerability in the music industry and the importance of artistic collaboration.
Purpose of the Publication
The intent behind this article seems to be to promote Lorde's upcoming album and to emphasize the transformative power of collaboration in the creative process. By showcasing her confidence boost from working with Charli XCX, the article aims to resonate with fans who appreciate authenticity and emotional depth in music.
Public Perception
The narrative crafted in this article is likely to generate a positive perception of both Lorde and Charli XCX. By focusing on themes of vulnerability, mental health, and personal empowerment, the piece aligns with contemporary social movements that advocate for openness and support in discussing mental health issues.
Hidden Agendas
While the article primarily focuses on Lorde's artistic journey and collaboration, there may be an underlying agenda to strengthen the connection between fans and artists by promoting a message of empathy and shared experiences. There is no overt indication of information being concealed, but the emphasis on emotional narratives could be a strategy to enhance marketability.
Manipulative Elements
The article does not appear to be overtly manipulative, but it does utilize emotionally charged language and relatable themes to engage readers. The focus on vulnerability and personal struggles may evoke sympathy and support for Lorde, which could enhance her public image and sales for her upcoming album.
Truthfulness of the Content
The content appears to be truthful, as it includes direct quotes from Lorde and references to her collaboration with Charli XCX. The details about her new album and its reception seem accurate and align with current events in the music industry.
Cultural Context
This article captures a moment in popular culture where artists are increasingly encouraged to express their vulnerabilities. By aligning with this trend, Lorde's narrative becomes part of a larger cultural conversation about mental health and the importance of authenticity in artistry.
Community Support
The themes of vulnerability and empowerment resonate particularly with younger audiences who prioritize mental health awareness and seek authentic connections with artists. The article is likely to appeal to fans of both Lorde and Charli XCX, as well as those who appreciate pop music that addresses personal struggles.
Market Impact
While the article may not have a direct impact on stock markets, the success of Lorde's album could influence music industry trends and sales. The music market, particularly for artists focused on mental health themes, may see increased interest from investors looking to capitalize on these emerging narratives.
Global Balance of Power
Although this article does not directly address global power dynamics, it reflects a cultural shift where artists use their platforms to discuss personal issues, potentially influencing societal perceptions and conversations around mental health.
Potential Use of AI
It is possible that AI tools were used in drafting this article, particularly in analyzing trends in music and generating engaging content. The tone and structure could suggest assistance from AI models designed for content creation, although the core narrative remains grounded in Lorde's authentic voice.
The analysis indicates that the article is credible and effectively engages with contemporary cultural issues. The themes of vulnerability and artistic collaboration are timely and relevant, making the article a valuable contribution to ongoing discussions in the music industry.