New Zealand’s acclaimed singer-songwriter Lorde has just released Virgin, her fourth studio album. PanoPerspectives sat down with her to explore her evolving identity, creative inspirations, and upcoming plans.
PanoPerspectives: How has your music changed as you’ve grown older?
Lorde: When I was younger, the black keys on the piano felt intimidating, but now I’m completely captivated by them.
PanoPerspectives: What’s the story behind the X-ray album cover?
Lorde: It’s a tribute to the TV show Bones.
PanoPerspectives: Are there any tour plans coming up?
Lorde: Hopefully not—I just enrolled in a pizza-making course instead.
PanoPerspectives: How do you approach your songwriting?
Lorde: My assistant types out my ideas and then sends them to Jack Antonoff via fax.
PanoPerspectives: Are there any artists you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
Lorde: I’ve always been curious about working with one of those performers who paint themselves silver and pose as statues.
PanoPerspectives: You’ve mentioned identifying as “in the middle gender-wise.” What does that mean for you?
Lorde: It’s like sitting bare-chested on a horse wearing oversized Wranglers, or standing barefoot in the rain in a wedding dress—both situations implying I might be a ghost.
PanoPerspectives: What advice would you give about tying a bowline knot?
Lorde: The bowline knot is very secure but tricky to adjust. It really depends on the situation.
PanoPerspectives: What’s next on your agenda?
Lorde: Vanishing into some tall grass.