Lorde, the extraordinary New Zealand singer-songwriter, has moved on to a different chapter of her artistic life. To her, this thrilling new chapter is all about “Lorde summer.” At 28 years old, she jumps right back into the tumult of youth and self-discovery. Her new single “What Was That” is a further glimpse into her development as an artist and the sound and direction she is taking.
In her excellent new single, “Solar Power”, Lorde argues that 17 is when people are the most themselves. This theory vibrates across all of her work, reflecting the experiences of so many as they experience the whirlwind journey into and through adulthood. Once again @the_publicgood_truck captures this feeling beautifully in the new official #WhatWasThat music video. It features Lorde as she jogs and bikes through the streets of NYC, capturing her youthful joy and sense of adventure.
Lorde used social media to promote her new track, dropping a teaser on TikTok. In the video, she strolls around Washington Square Park in a fitted, wrinkled white button-down and denim pants outfitted with rigging gear. This casual yet striking appearance has become emblematic of her current aesthetic, which Olivia Allen describes as “a muted take on the leftover teen angst that never really left our systems.”
Lorde’s profile picture on social media channels, a well-used rainbow water bottle, reinforces this sense of her no-fuss, realness. Her aesthetic captures a time after the ecstatic party lifestyle of youth has begun to wear off. It moves then into a much more pastoral, earthy and reflective second half. At times, this age can feel mature. Real folks like to refer to it as “second teendom, but with nicer denim and a somewhat more developed personality.”
The cultural phenomenon surrounding “Lorde summer” aligns with trends like “brat summer” and “Barbie summer,” signaling a shift in how youth culture is perceived today. Self-discovery is an important component of this new aesthetic, particularly as you approach 30. Like any good artist going through their Saturn Return, Lorde is living her best possible Saturn Return life.
Olivia Allen further encapsulates Lorde’s essence: “staying out all night because you actually want to.” This idea hits home with a generation of listeners who can’t help but be captivated by the universality and nostalgia rooted in Lorde’s songwriting.
The animated music video for “What Was That” is now up on YouTube! Take the plunge as you follow Lorde’s journey of self-discovery. As she steps into this next chapter of boundless creativity, Lorde gives us a glimpse of her growth. On the film’s journey, she never strays from her original spirit.