Lorde’s Journey to Self-Discovery
Lorde, whose real name is Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor, has been open about her struggles with an eating disorder and how it affected her creativity. In an interview with Jack Saunders of Radio 1, Lorde shared that at the beginning of 2023, she wasn’t in a great place, feeling disconnected from her creativity. She revealed that her eating disorder had taken over her life, with everything she thought about revolving around food and weight.
Finding Creativity Again
However, after a period of recovery, Lorde’s creativity began to flourish once more. Her new album, Virgin, which debuted at number one in the UK, is her most personal work yet. Lorde found the process of writing the album to be challenging but ultimately rewarding. She had to be brave and vulnerable, tackling tough topics like body image, relationships, and gender identity.
The Challenge of Writing Pop Songs
Lorde notes that writing pop songs can be tricky, as you don’t have time to "faff about" and must cut to the strongest parts of a story. This forces you to be concise and not create filler content. She had to rewrite some songs to be brave enough to express her true feelings.
Exploring Gender Identity
Lorde has been exploring her gender identity, feeling "so caught and so tightly wound up in this kind of femininity." She started to question the expectations placed on her, wanting to break free from traditional feminine norms. Her journey has been ongoing, and she hasn’t "landed somewhere" in terms of defining her gender identity, but it has "really, really changed things" for her. She feels more expansive and larger, with a different definition of beauty.
Performing Live
Lorde debuted her new album with a surprise set at Glastonbury, which was a thrilling experience for her. She hadn’t been on stage for years and felt like "a bag of nerves" after her performance. The album has been well-received, and Lorde is grateful for the opportunity to share her music with her fans.
Help and Support
If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, help and support are available. You can find more information and resources through the BBC Action Line.
Listen to Newsbeat
You can listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 pm and 5:45 pm on weekdays, or catch up on previous episodes. Lorde’s story is a testament to the power of creativity and self-discovery, and her music continues to inspire and uplift her fans.
