Lorde Summer is Here

Is Lorde About to Own Summer 2024? the “What Was That?” Era Begins

Could a single song redefine an entire season? Lorde’s recent Coachella appearance with Charli XCX adn the release of her new track, “What Was That?”, are fueling speculation that a “Lorde Summer” is on the horizon. But what does that even *mean*, and how will it impact pop culture?

The Charli XCX Seal of Approval: Passing the summer Torch

Charli XCX, fresh off the heels of a accomplished “Brat Summer” in 2023, seemingly endorsed Lorde as the next artist to define the season. Her performance with Lorde at Coachella, featuring their song “Girl, So Confusing,” was more than just a collaboration; it was a symbolic passing of the torch.

Charli XCX’s strength lies in community building. She doesn’t just promote herself; she elevates other artists. Remember Julia Fox, Alex Consani, and The Dare? They all benefited from the “Brat Summer” spotlight. This collaborative spirit is what made “Brat Summer” so impactful, and it suggests that a “Lorde summer” wouldn’t be a solo act, but a movement.

Did you know? Charli XCX’s “Brat” album was heavily influenced by 90s rave culture and featured collaborations with numerous underground artists.

“What Was That?”: A Glimpse into Lorde’s New Era

Four years. That’s how long fans have been waiting for a new Lorde album. The release of “What Was That?” after a series of cryptic tiktok teasers has sent the internet into a frenzy. The song premiered in a guerilla-style performance in New York’s Washington Square Park, a move that perfectly encapsulates Lorde’s blend of artistry and rebellion.

the Washington Square Park performance was almost shut down by the police due to the overwhelming crowd. lorde, though, defied the authorities, dancing on a table amidst her fans.This raw, unfiltered energy is now immortalized in the official music video.

Expert Tip: Guerilla marketing tactics, like Lorde’s Washington Square Park performance, can generate significant buzz and create a sense of exclusivity, but they require careful planning and risk assessment.

The “Melodrama” Vibe Returns

Lorde’s previous album, “Solar Power,” was a departure from her earlier sound, dividing fans with its experimental nature. “What Was That?” signals a return to the emotional intensity and sonic landscapes of her critically acclaimed album, “Melodrama.”

The lyrics delve into the intoxicating memories of a failed romance, capturing the heady rush of infatuation. Let’s take a listen:

“MDMA in the back garden, blow our pupils up/ We kissed for hours straight, well, baby, what was that?/ I remember saying then, ‘This is the best cigarette of my life’/Well, I want you just like that.”

The song paints a vivid picture of a fleeting, intense connection, fueled by youthful abandon and a touch of recklessness.

Hedonism vs. Clean Living: The Summer’s Defining Conflict?

Lorde’s embrace of “rausch” culture – MDMA, cigarettes, and all – stands in stark contrast to the growing “clean-sober” trend.Is this a intentional provocation? Some TikTok users interpret it as a political statement, a rejection of conservative values in a world increasingly dominated by “Alpha-Males” and “Trad-Wives.”

This isn’t just about partying; it’s about reclaiming agency and rejecting societal expectations. For Gen Z, who are constantly bombarded with messages about self-optimization and productivity, embracing hedonism can be a form of rebellion.

quick Fact: The “Trad-Wife” (Traditional wife) aesthetic has gained traction on social media, promoting conservative gender roles and domesticity.

Decoding the Lorde Summer Aesthetic: Normcore with a Twist

So, what does a “Lorde Summer” *look* like? Forget the hyper-curated Instagram feeds and perfectly posed vacation photos. Think chiller vibes, oversized shirts, and wide-leg jeans. It’s a return to “normcore” – embracing simplicity and rejecting overt displays of wealth or status.

Imagine long hair, minimal makeup, and a slightly melancholic energy. A “Lorde Summer” means meeting a captivating stranger and never seeing them again. It’s about acknowledging the fleeting nature of connection and embracing the bittersweet beauty of impermanence.

It’s also about growing up.It’s not about replicating the all-night parties of your early twenties, but about finding a more conscious and lasting way to enjoy life’s pleasures. It’s about taking the best parts of that youthful freedom and integrating them into a more mature and self-aware existence.

Teenage dreams Revisited: Self-Awareness and Better Jeans

Think of it as a revival of teenage angst, but with better jeans and a stronger sense of self.While “Brat Summer” was about uninhibited freedom, “Lorde Summer” is about recognizing the consequences of those choices and making more informed decisions.It’s about finding a balance between indulgence and responsibility.

After the highly stylized “Barbie Summer,” “Brat Summer” and now perhaps “lorde Summer” represent our pop-cultural obsession with defining the season.We crave a unifying theme, a shared experience that allows us to collectively embrace the fleeting joy of summer.

The Summer Hit as a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Why this need to define the summer? It’s about channeling the energy and excitement of the season into a specific narrative. It’s about finding a framework within which to let loose and express ourselves.

Lorde is attempting to flip the script. Rather of a summer hit organically emerging from the collective feeling of the season, she’s trying to *dictate* the feeling of the summer through her music. The question is: can this strategy work in reverse? Can a song create the summer, rather than the summer creating the song?

Learn More in the FAQ

FAQ: Decoding the Lorde Summer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Normcore” fashion?

Normcore is a fashion trend characterized by deliberately unremarkable and average clothing choices.It’s about blending in rather than standing out, often featuring simple, cozy pieces like jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers.

What is the “Clean-Sober” trend?

The “Clean-Sober” trend is a growing movement that emphasizes sobriety and mindful consumption. It’s a reaction against the excesses of party culture and a focus on mental and physical well-being.

What is the significance of Charli XCX’s endorsement of Lorde?

Charli XCX’s endorsement carries significant weight because of her proven ability to create and define cultural moments. Her support suggests that Lorde has the potential to resonate with a wide audience and shape the summer’s narrative.

What are the key themes of “What Was That?”

“What Was That?” explores themes of fleeting romance, youthful abandon, and the bittersweet memories of intense experiences. It captures the feeling of being caught in a moment of pure, unadulterated emotion.

How does “Lorde Summer” differ from “Brat Summer”?

While “Brat Summer” was about uninhibited freedom and reckless abandon, “Lorde Summer” is about finding a balance between indulgence and responsibility. It’s about growing up and making more conscious choices while still embracing the joy of the moment.

Pros and Cons of Embracing a “Lorde Summer”

Pros:

• authenticity: Embracing a more authentic and less curated version of yourself.
• Emotional Depth: Allowing yourself to feel and process complex emotions.
• Community: Connecting with others who share similar values and experiences.
• Rebellion: Rejecting societal expectations and embracing individuality.

Cons:

• Potential for Disappointment: Setting unrealistic expectations for the summer.
• Risk of Over-Romanticizing: Glorifying unhealthy behaviors or relationships.
• Exclusion: Potentially alienating those who don’t identify with the aesthetic or lifestyle.

Ultimately, whether or not “Lorde Summer” becomes a reality depends on whether her music resonates with the collective consciousness. But one thing is certain: Lorde is poised to make a significant impact on the cultural landscape this summer.

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Decoding “Lorde Summer”: An Expert Weighs In on pop Culture’s Next Big Thing

Could Lorde define the summer of 2024? With the release of her new track,”What Was That?”,and a buzzed-about Coachella performance with Charli XCX,the internet is buzzing about a potential “Lorde Summer.” But what does this mean for pop culture,and how can we understand this emerging trend?

Here,Dr. Vivian Holloway, a cultural trends analyst and pop musicologist, unpacks what “Lorde Summer” is all about.

Time.news: Dr. Holloway, thanks for joining us. Let’s dive right in.Everyone’s talking about “Lorde Summer.” What’s the core concept?

Dr. Vivian Holloway: The idea behind “Lorde Summer” is that Lorde, thru her music and aesthetic, could very well define the cultural mood of the season. It’s not just about a hit song; it’s about a holistic vibe encompassing fashion,values,and shared experiences. Essentially, can an artist create the feeling of summer, rather than the summer creating the song?

Time.news: The article mentions Charli XCX passing the “torch,” so too speak. How significant is that endorsement?

Dr.Vivian Holloway: Charli XCX’s influence is undeniable. Her “Brat Summer” in 2023 was a prime example of how an artist can shape the cultural landscape. Charli is also great at community building and supporting other artists [[2]]. Her co-sign of Lorde suggests a collaborative, movement-based feel rather than a solo act. It signals to fans and the industry that Lorde has the potential to resonate deeply.

Time.news: Lorde’s new song, “What Was That?”, seems to be a key element. What are the main themes, and how do they contribute to this “Lorde Summer” concept?

Dr. vivian Holloway: the lyrics of “What Was That?” definitely set the tone. They evoke a sense of nostalgia, fleeting romance, and youthful intensity.It’s bittersweet, honest, and captures the magic of a moment in time. Sonically, it also signals a return to the more emotionally resonant sound of her earlier work, “Melodrama,” distinguishing it from her previous album’s more experimental approach.

Time.news: The article also discusses the contrast between “Lorde Summer’s” embrace of “rausch” culture and the growing “clean-sober” trend. What’s your take on that?

Dr. Vivian Holloway: That’s a really interesting tension. Lorde’s willingness to explore themes of hedonism, even if within the context of fleeting memories, can be seen as a subtle rebellion against the rising pressure for constant self-optimization, especially among Gen Z. It’s reclaiming agency and pushing back against societal expectations, which is something many find relatable.

Time.news: The “Lorde Summer” aesthetic is described as “normcore with a twist.” Can you elaborate?

Dr. Vivian Holloway: Think authenticity and down-to-earth style that emphasizes comfort and rejects overt displays of wealth or status. it echoes the “normcore” trend described as unremarkable and average clothing choices [[1]],but with a touch of melancholic,self-aware energy. It’s not about curated perfection; it’s about embracing the beauty of impermanence, so think oversized shirts, wide-leg jeans and a minimal makeup look.

Time.news: What are some potential pros and cons of embracing a “Lorde Summer”?

Dr. Vivian Holloway: On the positive side, embracing “Lorde Summer” can mean embracing authenticity, emotional depth, and a sense of community.It encourages rejecting superficiality and societal pressures. However, there’s also the potential for disappointment if expectations are unrealistic, the glorification of unhealthy behaviors, or excluding others who don’t align with the aesthetic.

Time.news: What’s your expert advice for our readers who want to navigate this potential “Lorde Summer”?

Dr.vivian Holloway: be mindful and self-aware! Enjoy the music, explore the aesthetic if it resonates with you, but don’t feel pressured to conform. The key is to find a balance between embracing the joy of the moment and making conscious choices. Every summer doesn’t have to fit into a preconceived theme.

Time.news: Dr. Holloway, thank you for your insights!

Dr. Vivian Holloway: My pleasure!