Lorde, the acclaimed New Zealand singer-songwriter, took to the streets of New York City to unveil her new single, "What Was That," in an impromptu performance that attracted a massive crowd at Washington Square Park on April 22, 2025. This surprise event, which she announced via social media, marks a significant moment in her career as it signals the beginning of a new musical era for the artist, who has been largely absent from the music scene since her last album, "Solar Power," was released in 2021.
As fans gathered in anticipation, the atmosphere was electric. Lorde had sent a text message to her followers earlier that day, inviting them to meet her in the park at 7 PM. The message, shared through her official channels, read, "Meet me in the park tonight, at 7 PM." However, the turnout was far greater than she had anticipated, leading to a situation that required police intervention.
By the time Lorde arrived, approximately two hours late, the park was filled with enthusiastic fans, some even climbing trees for a better view. Unfortunately, local authorities had already begun dispersing the crowd due to the lack of permits for the gathering. According to a police spokesman, officers were called to the scene after reports of an unauthorized event. "To hold a concert in a New York City park, you need sound and space permits," the spokesman stated. "This individual did not have either. The organizers were informed and left the location."
Despite the police's efforts, many fans remained hopeful and continued to sing along to Lorde's previous hits while waiting. Around 9 PM, Dev Hynes, known for his work as Blood Orange and a potential collaborator on Lorde's upcoming album, arrived with a portable sound system and played "What Was That" for the crowd. This unexpected performance kept the spirit alive until Lorde finally made her entrance.
When she did appear, Lorde climbed onto an improvised stage atop the park's famous fountain, where she expressed her gratitude to the remaining fans and performed her new track. Dressed casually in jeans and a bikini under a white shirt, she danced and sang, captivating the audience with the poignant lyrics of her song. The lyrics reflect themes of nostalgia and longing, with lines like, "Since I was seventeen, I gave you everything / Now, we wake from a dream / Well, baby, what was that?"
Following the performance, Lorde took to her Instagram Stories to share her thoughts on the overwhelming turnout. She posted, "Guys, the police are closing the park! I'm shocked by how many of you showed up! But they’re telling me you need to disperse… I'm really sorry!" This candid moment highlighted her appreciation for her fans and the unexpected nature of the event.
The release of "What Was That" is particularly significant as it marks Lorde's first single in four years, following a creative hiatus. The song will officially be available on streaming platforms starting midnight on April 25, 2025, or 1 AM in Brazil. This new track is set to be featured on her fourth studio album, details of which are still under wraps.
Two weeks prior to this public performance, Lorde had teased the release of "What Was That" with a TikTok video that quickly garnered over three million likes. In the video, she walks through Washington Square Park while listening to a snippet of the song, hinting at the new direction her music is taking. She also revealed the cover art for the single on Instagram, building anticipation among her fans.
Fans have expressed their excitement about Lorde's return, especially considering her previous works, which include the critically acclaimed albums "Pure Heroine" and "Melodrama." Known for her introspective and often melancholic lyrics, Lorde's music has resonated with many, and her latest single is expected to continue that trend.
In the lead-up to the release, Lorde has been engaging with her audience in a more direct manner, opting for personal messages over traditional newsletters. This change in communication style reflects a more intimate connection with her fans, as she shares her thoughts and feelings about the upcoming changes in her career.
As the music world eagerly awaits the full release of "What Was That," it is clear that Lorde's return is not just about a new song; it signifies the beginning of a new chapter in her artistic journey. The unexpected street performance has rekindled excitement among her followers, proving that her connection with them remains as strong as ever.
With the release just around the corner, fans are left wondering what else Lorde has in store for them. Will this new era bring more surprises? Only time will tell, but for now, the anticipation is palpable as her followers prepare to embrace her latest musical offerings.
