Lorde is back with a new single, “What Was That,” marking her first solo release since her 2021 third studio album, Solar Power. But this is no beachside epiphany. Co-written with Jim-E Stack and produced alongside Stack and Dan Nigro, the track emerges out of a period of physical and emotional upheaval in late 2023 — prompted in part by stopping birth control and experiencing what she called a “deep breakup.” Out of that chaos came something new: the sound of her rebirth.

The Kiwi singer first teased the single through a series of breadcrumbs: cryptic social media posts, voice notes, and audio snippets. Just days after making a surprise Coachella appearance during Charli xcx’s set to perform “Girl, so confusing,” Lorde dropped a voice note via WhatsApp, teasing: “I just wanted to say hi because everything is about to change.” Charli herself helped stir excitement, declaring “Lorde summer 2025!” to the crowd. Shortly after, Lorde confirmed the single and unveiled its cover art, shot by Talia Chetrit.

“What Was That” received its live debut Tuesday night at Washington Square Park in New York City, where Lorde played the track for an eager crowd. A few hours earlier, she had sent a text to fans: “Meet me in the park Tonight 7pm – x x.” Though local police quickly shut down the gathering due to crowd control concerns, Lorde returned later that evening to finish what she started. Footage from the moment is now woven into the official music video.

In the video, Lorde wanders through the streets of New York City wearing a white long-sleeve tee, chain necklaces, AirPods Max, and baggy jeans. At one point, she climbs from a sewer and emerges in Washington Square Park, symbolically surfacing after a long emotional descent. The song explores the lingering ache of a broken relationship. Territory she’s no stranger to, particularly in her critically acclaimed sophomore album, Melodrama.

“What Was That” sets the stage for Lorde’s forthcoming fourth studio album — and signals the start of what fans are already calling Lorde Summer. Watch the video below.