Lorde’s Cover Art for New Single “What Was That” with Talia Chetrit

New Zealand-born singer-songwriter Lorde has announced the release of her new single “What Was That,” accompanied by a captivating cover artwork featuring American photographer Talia Chetrit’s work. The song marks Lorde’s first original solo release since her 2021 album Solar Power.

The cover art, shared on social media, features a close-up image of Lorde’s face seemingly drenched in sweat. This haunting portrayal is characteristic of Chetrit’s experimental and provocative approach to photography, which often obscures the faces of her subjects to explore identity and perception.

Chetrit, based in New York, has gained recognition for her technical precision in capturing intimate moments. Her work is included in the collections of prominent museums such as the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Chetrit’s career, solidifying her position as a rising star in the photography world.

This is not the first time Lorde has turned to a contemporary artist for her cover artwork. For her 2017 album Melodrama, she worked with Brooklyn-based painter Sam McKinniss, who created an intimate portrait of the singer. The painting set the tone for an album speculated to be inspired by Lorde’s personal experiences.