Okay y’all know we had to dedicate most of this week’s newsletter to Lorde because ICYMI our fav finally dropped a new single 😭🙏. That’s basically all you’ll find here today, although we do realize today was a massive day for new music (Meg, Doja, Gaga and Kylie, Jessie Ware, MARINA, Clairo, etc. etc. etc… sorry lads, it’s been four long years without our queen). But as an added treat, Hannah has some thoughts about Loki to share with you too. Enjoy!

<3

Daysia and Hannah

This Week's Fixations

What’s taking up our brain space this week?

Daysia: Everything is Lorde, besties. I absolutely love “Solar Power”; I think it’s a major departure sonically and thematically from Melodrama, but it’s still very much Lorde! Sunny, optimistic, and a little bit of bravado (in the earnest sense, as opposed to the insecure kind described in her early, early song “Bravado”)—I can only imagine what the rest of the album sounds like. It’s definitely in line with the lowkey, acoustic pop rollouts we’ve seen more recently (à la Billie’s leading single “Your Power” or some cuts off SOUR), but Lorde is bringing the posi vibes just in time for beach season. And don’t get me started on those Clairo and Phoebe Bridgers backing vocals (damn, boygenius looks different here). Angelic! I wish I could hear a song with the three of them equally featured, but considering Lorde returned the favor on Clairo’s new single… do I sense a collab soon? Would be Very Interesting, indeed.

The video for the single is now officially tied for my favorite beautiful-beach-cult-vibe music video (sharing a spot with “Watermelon Sugar,” of course).

Now, I present: my interpretation of Genius lyrical annotations (I'm not sure if this link will work, but this is an experiment).

Hannah: This is one of the best days because we finally have new Lorde! I’m super intrigued by what direction Solar Power the album will take. “Solar Power” is a certified beach bop that I will enjoy blasting until we get the full album (fingers crossed that is soon). While I first learned about “Solar Power” on Twitter, I was delighted to see an email from Lorde herself in my inbox to introduce the album. If you aren’t already subscribed to Lorde’s mailing list I highly recommend you sign up. The emails always sound super personal and often offer insight into what is happening in Lorde’s world. Like for example, the iconic email that included the news about her dog passing away causing her to take a break from writing the album. Since Lorde isn’t super active on social media, the emails offer a rare glimpse into her world and being the talented lyricist that she is, they are extremely well-written. I can’t help but feel like one of her best friends, which working in marketing I know is the entire point but it’s super effective. Aside from this newsletter (obviously), I think the emails are the best way to get trustworthy Lorde news.

Also as promised I do have some thoughts about Loki! It’s no secret that I’m a huge Marvel fan and that Loki is one of my favorite characters in the MCU. I’m so excited that he is getting his own series and based on the first episode I think he’s getting the story he deserves. I feel like Marvel is still trying to figure out how TV shows work but the first episode of Loki made me curious to see how the story develops. Also, Owen Wilson is in it and the back-and-forth between him and Tom Hiddleston is delightful. The direction the series is taking is to shift Loki from villain to anti-hero but I have always seen him that way. I think what’s different is the show is trying to get Loki to see himself that way. The first episode is part interrogation, part self-reflection and strips away some of the bravado that we have previously seen in Loki. Stay tuned because I’m sure I will have more thoughts as the weeks go on (and yes, I still have to finish Falcon and the Winter Soldier, it’s just painful).

Has Lorde Dropped a new album?

No, but if you’ve made it this far, you already know the single is out!!!

Listen to Lorde’s sunny new single, right in time for summer, “Solar Power.”

Too Many Tabs

For Vulture, Allison P. Davis profiled Zola herself, A’Ziah King, ahead of her eponymous movie.

For Insider, Moises Mendez II interviewed slain singer Christina Grimmie’s friends and family about her legacy and impact in honor of the fifth anniversary of her death.

For Bustle, Hunter Harris talked to the elusive Lori Harvey about her new skincare brand, dating the Sexiest Man Alive, equestrian dreams, childhood, privacy, and so so much more.

Plus… Liam Payne broke off his engagement with Maya Henry (thank God), Mark Ronson is going to be Meryl Streep’s son-in-law, Lin Manuel Miranda is directing a film adaptation of TICK, TICK… BOOM! so we’ll see how that goes, and a Chris Rock x Nicole Kidman Actors on Actors interview???