Lorde Announces First Single in Four Years: ‘What Was That’
Lorde has officially announced her new single, What Was That, marking her return with original solo material since her 2021 album Solar Power. The track is set to be released in April 2025 through Universal Music New Zealand. The accompanying cover art, captured by photographer Talia Chetrit, features Lorde in a bright red t-shirt, staring directly at the camera with water or sweat dripping from her face, reflecting the song’s introspective and emotional tone .
Prior to the official announcement, Lorde teased the song by sharing a 15-second snippet on her newly launched TikTok account on April 9, 2025. The clip, filmed in Washington Square Park in New York City, showcased her walking and then running, with the unreleased track playing in the background. The snippet quickly garnered nearly 7 million views and over 1.2 million likes, indicating strong anticipation for her new music .
In the interim since Solar Power, Lorde has remained musically active through collaborations with Charli XCX on “Girl, So Confusing Featuring Lorde” and with Marlon Williams on “Kāhore He Manu E,” as well as a cover of “Take Me to the River” . Fans can look forward to What Was That, which is expected to offer a fresh and evolved sound from the artist.
