Lorde’s much anticipated new single, “What Was That,” now has an official music video. This is her first original solo release since 2021’s Solar Power. Due to enigmatic social media posts, voice notes, and audio snippets, fans of the New Zealand pop superstar have been waiting a long time for the single.
A Surprise Live Performance
What Was That debuted live in a distinctive manner prior to the release of the music video. Lorde shocked fans on Tuesday night by performing spontaneously at Washington Square Park in New York. The pop artist sent out a bulk text message inviting her followers to join her at the park after playing the song on a little speaker. However, due to the overwhelming crowd size, local police and park rangers had to shut down the event. Footage from the gathering was later incorporated into the music video.
What Was That – The Making of the Song
Lorde co-wrote What Was That with Jim-E Stack, who also co-produced the track alongside Daniel Nigro. The song features contributions from Jim-E Stack on drums, keyboards, synthesizers, and engineering, while Daniel Nigro adds bass, electric guitar, and piano. Andrew Aged from Inc. No World also contributed electric guitar, creating a layered and dynamic sound.
The track is a departure from the mellow vibes of Solar Power, signaling a new creative direction for the artist. Fans have already begun analyzing the lyrics, with many pointing out the introspective and emotive nature of Lorde’s writing.
The Images: Inspiration and Art Direction
Photographer Talia Chetrit, who also designed the song’s cover art, photographed the video. It takes inspiration from Lorde’s recent live performance’s themes of spontaneity and liberation. The video, which combines urban and more abstract themes, graphically captures the spirit of the song “What Was That,” which evokes feelings of both nostalgia and fresh starts
Lorde’s Journey Considering that solar energy
Since the release of Solar Power, Lorde has kept a low profile, yet she has made a number of significant appearances in the music business. She contributed to a cover of Take Me to the River for the 2024 A24 tribute album to Talking Heads and gave a live performance with MUNA in New York in 2023. Lorde’s new remix of Girl, So Confusing with Charli XCX increased the excitement around her return to the music business.
As Lorde keeps experimenting with her sound and creativity, fans have been waiting for more from her; What Was That is just the latest example of her growth as a performer.
Source: Pitch Fork