Quick Read
- Lorde debuted her new single ‘What Was That’ at Washington Square Park in NYC.
- The event faced police intervention due to crowd safety concerns.
- Dev Hynes (Blood Orange) played the track via a portable speaker.
- Lorde later joined fans, dancing and thanking them for their support.
- The single officially releases on April 25, marking her first new music since 2021.
Lorde Debuts ‘What Was That’ at Washington Square Park
On the evening of April 22, Grammy-winning artist Lorde surprised fans in New York City by debuting her new single, ‘What Was That,’ at a pop-up event in Washington Square Park. The unannounced appearance was part of a unique promotional strategy for the song, which is set to officially release on April 25. Despite facing challenges, including police intervention, the event became a memorable moment for fans and highlighted Lorde’s ability to connect with her audience in unconventional ways.
How the Event Unfolded
Earlier in the day, Lorde teased the event through her fan text line, sending a cryptic message that read, “Meet me in the park Tonight 7pm -xx.” Fans quickly gathered at Washington Square Park, a historic location in Manhattan known for its artistic and cultural significance. By 7 p.m., the park was filled with hundreds of excited fans, many of whom had traveled significant distances to catch a glimpse of the singer and hear her new music.
However, just minutes before the event was set to begin, Lorde took to Instagram to announce that authorities had intervened. “Omg @thepark the cops are shutting us down,” she wrote in an Instagram story. “I am truly amazed by how many of you showed up!! But they’re telling me you gotta disperse … I’m so sorry.” The New York Police Department later confirmed that the gathering lacked the necessary permits for a live performance, citing crowd safety concerns as the reason for shutting it down.
A Creative Workaround
While some fans began to leave the park, many chose to stay, hopeful that the event might still proceed in some form. Their patience paid off. Around 8 p.m., Dev Hynes, also known as Blood Orange and a longtime collaborator of Lorde, arrived at the park with a portable speaker. Moments later, the sounds of ‘What Was That’ began playing, thrilling the remaining crowd. Fans danced, sang along, and recorded the moment, creating a viral sensation on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
At approximately 9:30 p.m., Lorde herself returned to the park. Dressed casually, she blended in with the crowd, dancing to the music and thanking fans for their unwavering support. Although she did not perform live, her presence and the impromptu nature of the event left a lasting impression on attendees.
The Song: ‘What Was That’
‘What Was That’ marks Lorde’s first new release since her 2021 album, Solar Power. Fans who attended the pop-up described the track as “dreamy,” “groovy,” and “classic Lorde with a twist.” Newly revealed lyrics include lines such as, “I’m missing you/And all the things we used to do/MDMA in the back garden, blow our pupils up/We kissed for hours straight but baby, what was that?” The song’s introspective and evocative lyrics continue Lorde’s tradition of blending personal storytelling with universal themes.
The single was first teased earlier this month through a snippet posted on TikTok, accompanied by a video of Lorde walking through Washington Square Park. This marked the beginning of a viral rollout strategy that culminated in the pop-up event. The choice of location—a site historically associated with artistic expression—underscored the singer’s commitment to breaking away from traditional music industry norms.
Fan Reactions and Industry Insights
Fans who attended the event expressed their admiration for Lorde’s efforts to connect with them, even in the face of logistical challenges. “Even though we didn’t get a performance, it was magical,” said Sarah Kim, 23, who traveled from New Jersey for the event. “She still showed up. She still made the night special. That’s why we love her.”
Music industry experts also weighed in on the significance of the event. “Lorde doesn’t do anything accidentally,” said music journalist Robert Daniels. “Her decision to cancel the official event for safety, but still find a way to engage with fans, shows how much she values the moment—and her audience. It’s rare to see an artist who can maintain mystique and authenticity at the same time.”
What’s Next for Lorde?
The pop-up event has sparked speculation about whether it was a one-time promotional stunt or the beginning of a series of similar appearances. Lorde has kept much of her new project under wraps, aside from a few cryptic TikTok clips and snippets of lyrics. Fans are eagerly awaiting the full release of ‘What Was That’ on April 25, as well as further details about her upcoming album.
As the music industry continues to evolve, artists like Lorde are finding innovative ways to engage with their audiences. The Washington Square Park event not only showcased her new music but also reinforced her reputation as an artist who values intimacy and spontaneity in her interactions with fans. Whether through planned performances or impromptu moments, Lorde continues to push the boundaries of what it means to connect with an audience in the digital age.