Lorde's latest move is a game-changer - unleashing 49 previously unheard demos from her chart-topping album 'Virgin' to mark its first anniversary. The New Zealand singer-songwriter has always pushed boundaries, but this is a bold new step into uncharted territory. And it's not just the music that's being shared; Lorde is also opening up about the intense personal struggles she faced during production.
As she revealed in a candid newsletter, Lorde has been diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that left her reeling. A friend's observation of her monthly depression was the catalyst for diagnosis, and it's clear that this experience had a profound impact on her songwriting process. She also spoke about her journey recovering from an eating disorder, which she described as 'brief but long gestating', during the same period. Her reflections include efforts to break free from calorie-counting apps and forcing herself to eat breakfast - simple yet significant steps towards healing.
The collection of demos, complete with notes and photographs from the album's creation, is now live on untitled.stream. Lorde has described them as 'true X-rays' of 'Virgin', saying they're 'realer, funnier, more revealing of crookedness and slant' than their polished counterparts. She credits this intense creative period as a 'total gift', despite the dark times that accompanied it - navigating a breakup, struggling with PMDD, and wrestling with her own demons.
Lorde also gives credit where credit is due, praising Charli XCX's album 'Brat' for being 'a weather system of fearlessness and fragility'. She cites Charli XCX as a source of inspiration, someone who helped her confront her issues and restore her faith in music. This admiration was evident when Lorde made a surprise appearance at Charli XCX's Kia Forum show last October to perform their collaboration.
'Virgin' itself received critical acclaim upon its release, with NME praising it as 'a vibrant combination of Lorde’s best qualities'. The publication noted how the album merged the emotional depth of 'Melodrama', the minimalist style of 'Pure Heroine', and the freedom of 'Solar Power', showcasing Lorde's willingness to be 'raw and exposing in a new way'.
Beyond her music, Lorde has shown her commitment to social causes, donating over $200,000 from merchandise sales to Minnesota immigrant funds since the album's release. UK fans can catch her live at All Points East 2026 in London, where she'll be headlining alongside PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson.
Source: NME