Lorde Discusses How Her New Album 'Virgin' Reflects Her Evolving Gender Identity and Masculine Inspirations

Lorde's Musical Evolution: Embracing Masculinity and Broadening Gender

Renowned singer-songwriter Lorde has recently opened up about the inspirations behind her upcoming album, Virgin. In a revealing conversation with artist Martine Syms for Document Journal, she shared how this new work reflects a personal journey of "coming into [her] masculinity" and experiencing her "gender broadening a little bit." This exploration of identity and self-discovery has played a significant role in the creation of her latest musical endeavors.

After a four-year hiatus from releasing solo music, Lorde, whose real name is Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, made a return with "What Was That," the first track of her new musical chapter. Lorde explains that this period marked a personal rebirth for her, following a tumultuous phase in her life. She described a return to New York from London, where she faced significant changes, including becoming single and confronting personal challenges related to her body and gender identity.

"Just being back in my house and feeling this big wave of grief, I kept thinking, 'What was all of that?' It was a mix of experiences, from a long-term relationship to the global pandemic, and the sacrifices made for my career," Lorde shared. "There was so much mystery and pain, and through it, I felt my gender broadening."

The Inspiration Behind 'Virgin'

The creative process for Virgin was influenced by more than just personal experiences. Lorde explained how external inspirations, such as literature and serendipitous encounters, contributed to her work. A pivotal moment occurred during a walk through New York's East Village, where she found inspiration in an advertisement asking, "Do you have the stones?" Initially perplexed by the phrase, she later interpreted it as a challenge to have courage and confidence—qualities she felt resonated with her burgeoning sense of masculinity.

This phrase, "Do you have the stones?" became a significant mantra during the creation of Virgin. It was a question she and her producers would pose to one another when faced with creative decisions that were daunting yet pivotal. This phrase even made its way into the lyrics and became a symbolic touchstone, cemented further by Lorde having it embroidered on a hat.

Her creative process involved reading extensively, particularly works by queer authors and literature that delves into themes about the body. This helped shape the thematic foundation of Virgin, which Lorde describes as an open exploration of femininity and spirituality, intertwined with a raw and androgynous expression.

Release and Artistry of 'Virgin'

Lorde announced that Virgin, her fourth album, is set to release on June 27. In communication with her fans, she expressed her intent to create a work that is a testament to her feminine and masculine sides—a "document that reflects [her] femininity: raw, primal, innocent, elegant, openhearted, spiritual, masc." Lorde candidly admitted feeling both proud and scared of this album, acknowledging the vulnerability involved in such a deeply personal release.

The album's artwork is equally evocative, featuring an icy blue x-ray image of a pelvis, which fans speculate is Lorde's. This imagery, with elements like a belt buckle and a birth control device, adds layers of symbolism around themes of gender and identity.

In further exploration of the album’s themes, Lorde shared insights on social media about the meaning behind the title Virgin. She shared an intriguing etymology of the word, describing how it historically represented strength and independence, rather than inexperience. Lorde also highlighted interpretations that link the word to androgyny, combining elements of both masculinity and femininity—themes that resonate strongly throughout her new work.

The anticipation surrounding Virgin is growing, as fans eagerly await the full album. "What Was That," the lead single, is already available and is setting the stage for a transformative artistic expression from Lorde.

As Lorde continues to navigate her evolving artistic and personal identity, this new album promises to be a profound reflection of her journey. Join the conversation and share your thoughts below, and remember to keep it respectful and open-hearted.