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Lorde Unveils New Single “What Was That” in Surprise Washington Square Park Performance
In an unexpected afternoon appearance, Lorde showcased her upcoming single “What Was That” on Tuesday, April 22, at Washington Square Park in New York City. The artist performed on a makeshift wooden platform situated in the center of the park’s inactive fountain, serenading fans with the new track accompanied by a small speaker setup.
Earlier in the day, Lorde had hinted at the event by sending a message through her fan text line, inviting followers to meet her at the park at 7 p.m. However, as the time approached, she updated her Instagram story to inform attendees that local law enforcement and park rangers had intervened. Her message expressed her amazement at the crowd’s turnout, stating, “I am truly amazed by how many of you showed up!!!” She urged the fans to disperse, expressing her apologies for the disruption.
Despite the warning, many fans chose to remain at the park. The atmosphere shifted when Blood Orange’s Dev Hynes arrived, driving away from the scene with a portable speaker blasting “What Was That.” This energized the crowd further as they awaited Lorde’s arrival. Finally, around 9 p.m., Lorde appeared, expressing her gratitude towards the fans before launching into her performance. Among the newly shared lyrics were lines reminiscing about past moments and experiences, reflecting a nostalgic tone around themes of love and memory.
Lorde first teased the song by sharing a brief clip on TikTok, where she was seen walking through Washington Square Park. In recent weeks, the artist has been in the public eye not only for her music but also for her presence at Charli XCX’s set during Coachella, alongside collaborations with fellow New Zealand musician Marlon Williams. Her last studio album, Solar Power, was released in 2021, and fans eagerly await her new work.
For those interested in contemporary music scene developments, Charli XCX’s latest track featuring Lorde, titled “Girl, so confusing,” made it to No. 9 on the list of “The 100 Best Songs of 2024.”
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pitchfork.com