Lorde Debuts New Single “What Was That” in Washington Square Park
Surprise Performance Announcement
On the evening of April 22, 2023, Lorde surprised fans with a pop-up performance in New York’s iconic Washington Square Park. The singer revealed her upcoming single, “What Was That,” captivating a crowd that gathered after she sent out a message via her fan text line, inviting them to meet her at the park for a special event.
Performance Amidst Park Rangers
As the clock struck 7 p.m. EDT, Lorde took to her Instagram story to share that local park rangers and police had shut down the event. Despite the setback, she expressed her amazement at the turnout, apologizing to fans in attendance. “I am truly amazed by how many of you showed up!!! But they’re telling me you gotta disperse … I’m so sorry,” her message read.
Crowd Resilience and Special Guest
Despite the initial disruption, many fans chose to linger in the park. Notably, Blood Orange’s Devonté Hynes arrived with a rolling speaker, blasting “What Was That” and gathering the crowd to follow him. After much anticipation, Lorde finally appeared after 9 p.m., expressing her gratitude to the fans before launching into her new song.
Lyric Reveal and Song Themes
During her performance, Lorde shared new lyrics from “What Was That,” which reflect themes of nostalgia and youthful experiences. The lyrics include:
“I’m missing you/And all the things we used to do/MDMA in the back garden, blow our pupils up/We kissed for hours straight but baby, what was that?/I remember saying then/This is the best cigarette of my life/Well I want you just like that.”
Recent Collaborations and Teasers
Lorde had previously teased “What Was That” with a snippet shared on TikTok, showcasing her walking around Washington Square Park. Her recent appearances also include a cameo during Charli XCX’s set at Coachella and a collaboration with New Zealand artist Marlon Williams. Her last studio album, “Solar Power,” was released in 2021.
Conclusion
Lorde’s impromptu performance of “What Was That” not only delighted fans but also showcased her ability to connect with her audience in unique ways. As anticipation builds for her forthcoming album, it’s clear that Lorde continues to captivate with her artistry and willingness to engage directly with her fanbase.
FAQs
When did Lorde debut her new single “What Was That”?
Lorde debuted her new single on April 22, 2023, at Washington Square Park in New York City.
What were the circumstances surrounding the performance?
The performance was initially shut down by park rangers and police, but many fans stayed until Lorde arrived later that evening.
What themes are present in the lyrics of “What Was That”?
The lyrics reflect themes of nostalgia, youthful experiences, and reflections on past relationships.
Has Lorde released any new music recently?
Yes, Lorde recently teased “What Was That” and made appearances at events like Coachella, indicating new music is on the horizon.
