Latest news with #Ultrasound
NZ Herald
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Listener's Songs of the Week: New tracks by Blood Orange featuring Lorde, Nine Inch Nails, David Byrne, and more
Lorde's choirmaster Dev Hynes, aka Blood Orange. Photo / Michael Lavine Reviews Mind Loaded by Blood Orange, featuring Caroline Polachek, Lorde & Mustafa UK producer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Blood Orange (Devonté Hynes) arranges himself quite a choir on this dreamy, airy, melancholy bit of chamber pop, driven by a gently arpeggiating piano before talking a harsh left-turn with a minute to go. It's one of two advance tracks from his first solo album since 2018, Essex Honey. The Lorde vocal cameos follow Hynes' cello, bass, synth, and guitar playing on the Virgin track Favourite Daughter and him being a support act on her forthcoming Ultrasound world tour. – Russell Baillie She Explains Things to Me By David Byrne, Ghost Train Orchestra Byrne's amusing ode to male befuddlement might be partly inspired by Rebecca Solnit's 2014 book Men Explain Things to Me which popularised the phrase 'mansplaining.' But it could also be read as a sweet love song from this spry 73-year-old's coming solo album, one that sounds like it will be fun to put on the gramophone right after Talking Heads' Remain in Light at my next rest home happy hour. – Russell Baillie As Alive as You Need Me to Be by Nine Inch Nails Welcome to a brief sub-section of this week's column devoted to bands you might have once seen at a Big Day Out (younger readers, ask an uncle). Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have had a dignified parallel career as creators of movie soundtracks since the BDO era, while Reznor has occasionally dusted off his old Nine Inch Nails band-brand. Here, under the NIN banner, they unleash the first song off the soundtrack to the new Tron film – Daft Punk did the last one – and the instantly anthemic As Alive as You Need Me to Be should have fans of Reznor's electro-goth-rock beginnings from his Pretty Hate Machine era wondering where the time has gone? – Russell Baillie My Mind is a Mountain by Deftones And now for your daily dose of angst-filled, shouty, head-crunching, decibel-abusing Californian metal from a band which played the BDO a couple of times. Claustrophobic consciousness metal? 'The storm remains and my heart's entrenched. Fate explores me now. Why do we bathe in this psyche?' It's a good, loudly delivered, question. – Graham Reid Desire by Georgia Knight Like a sensual trip-hopped Kate Bush, this steamy single from Melbourne-based expat Knight is a deep and smoky dive into interesting new territory. She tours with Folk Bitch Trio in September, and it'll be interesting to see how something like this slice of nightclub/noir art-pop plays out live. Meantime check it out. If it signals a new album let's hope she gets on with it. – Graham Reid Sundog by Babe Martin Babe Martin (Auckland's Zoe Larsen Cumming) possesses an extraordinary voice which here opens high and lonely then just keeps pushing upward as this confident piece becomes a swelling slice of something beyond folk and moves into evocative art music. If we judge people by the company they keep it's worth noting in her circle is Jazmine Mary, that's good company. Debut EP Not a Bee, but a Wasp coming soon. Definitely one to watch out for. – Graham Reid Give Into My Fears by Jamaica Moana As on previous singles Living Out West and Keep It Real, this Sydney-based, Samoan-Māori, queer artist – with links to the Hokianga and Waikato – keeps the backing stripped right back so her rap messages come through with clarity. It's about creating herself, assertion, the drive towards fame ('I've been doing this for years') and never compromising. She's convincing. Six-song debut EP Bud & Deni (named for her parents) out August 1. -- Graham Reid Death in the Family by The Sophs Who would have thought 'WEEZER-like' would become a thing? But here the LA-based alt-pop Sophs tap into a Weezerness with a song which is droll and disturbing ('I need a death in the family to turn my page') which cleaves a bit too close to Weezer to be totally satisfying. But the message of seeking redemption for past mistakes is interesting. Too soon to send flowers, and this only their second single (their previous Sweat was more convincing) so maybe that Next Big Thing description could go on hold for a while. – Graham Reid Time by Curtis Harding Vocally, American soul man Harding can deliver from the tradition of classic Motown and Stax artists (Temptations, Rufus Thomas, and other raw singers). But on this drum-driven single he initially dispenses with horns and backing vocals which means he immediately catches attention. When those other elements arrive there's tension and a sense of desperation which cleverly winds down into a moody second half. A crafted and quietly compelling notice of a new, as yet unscheduled, album. – Graham Reid Fine by Meg Washington, featuring Paul Kelly Seasoned Brisbane singer-songwriter Meg Washington ropes in wise elder Paul Kelly for a tight-harmony duet that runs a fine line between subdued country folk ballad and uplifting ode to surviving the storm. 'Everything's going to be fine,' they sing on a gentle song that snowballs into something Cohen-esque and hymn-like. Would suit a choir treatment which brings us to … – Russell Baillie Didn't It Rain by the New Zealand Youth Choir, Karen Grylls conductor We've always produced good choirs. It's not surprising – famously, more New Zealanders sing in choirs than play rugby. Our leading choirs, though, are much better than good. They proved it again recently during the NZ Youth Choir's Northern Hemisphere tour, where, under the stewardship of music director David Squire, they've won two major competitions. They took top honours at the Grand Prix of Nations at the European Choir Games in Denmark, and a few days later were named Choir of the World at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales. It's not the first time they've claimed the latter title – they won in 1999, too. It's from that competition that this recording of NZ composer David Hamilton's Didn't It Rain comes. Go Kiwi. – Richard Betts Dig Deep by Fat Freddy's Drop You could spend a long time looking for a track that showed what the late Chris Faiumu brought to Fat Freddy's Drop. This, from 2021's album Wairunga and accompanying concert film (see below) shows him effortlessly busy in the electronic engine room that he built and powered the band with. – Russell Baillie
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lorde Expands 2026 Australasian Tour With Extra Arena Dates
Lorde's Ultrasound world tour just got bigger. The New Zealand pop star has added second and final shows in Sydney and Melbourne for her 2026 Australian tour after overwhelming pre-sale demand, Frontier Touring announced Wednesday (July 17). The additional performances will take place on Feb. 19 at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena and Feb. 22 at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena. These new dates bring the Australasian leg of her Ultrasound world tour to eight shows, making it her largest run across Australia and New Zealand to date. More from Billboard Iconic Los Angeles Venue the Mayan Theater Announces Closure Billy Strings Goes Death Metal With Cryptopsy Collaboration Trailer Arrives For New Documentary, 'It's Never Over, Jeff Buckley' Lorde's return to Australia marks her first shows in the region since her Solar Power tour wrapped in 2023. The Ultrasound world tour supports her fourth studio album, Virgin, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and landed at No. 1 on the ARIA Albums Chart, Aotearoa Music Charts and the U.K.'s Official Albums Chart. Singles like 'What Was That,' 'Man of the Year' and 'Hammer' have continued her streak as one of pop's most thought-provoking voices. Globally, the Ultrasound tour has already sold out iconic venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, London's O2 Arena and AFAS Live in Amsterdam. Critics have praised Lorde's live performances for their 'raw intimacy' and 'sonic reinvention,' with Virgin drawing comparisons to her breakout album Pure Heroine for its poetic lyricism and minimalist production. 'It has been way too long since I have been down under and I am so excited to be touring Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane next February,' Lorde said in a statement. 'Australia has always had a special place in my heart, and I can't wait to hear what Virgin sounds like with an Aussie accent.' Since breaking out with Pure Heroine in 2013, Lorde has earned two Grammy Awards, more than 18 billion streams and 18 million albums sold worldwide. Her hits — from 'Royals' to 'Green Light' — have defined the past decade of pop, cementing her as one of music's most singular artists. Tickets for all dates go on sale to the general public Friday, July 18 at 2 p.m. local time. Pre-sale access for Frontier Members opens Thursday, July 17, while American Express Card Members can access an exclusive presale at The Australian and New Zealand leg begins Feb. 11 in Auckland and concludes Feb. 25 in Perth. All shows are all-ages. Fans are encouraged to buy tickets only through official outlets at LORDE 2026 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES:Feb. 11 – Spark Arena, Auckland, NZFeb. 13 – Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch, NZFeb. 16 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, QLDFeb. 18 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, NSWFeb. 19 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, NSW (NEW SHOW)Feb. 21 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, VICFeb. 22 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, VIC (NEW SHOW)Feb. 25 – RAC Arena, Perth, WA Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart Solve the daily Crossword
Economic Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Lorde announces 2026 arena tour in Australia; Know the dates, her family, and net worth
Kiwi pop sensation Lorde has officially announced Australian dates for her 'Ultrasound ' world tour, set to hit major arena venues in February 2026. The news comes after backlash from local fans when Australia was excluded from the original international schedule revealed in May. The Royals hitmaker will perform at Brisbane Entertainment Centre on February 16, Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena on February 18, Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on February 21, and Perth's RAC Arena on February 25. Adelaide, however, misses out again. The tour supports her fourth studio album, Virgin , which debuted at No. 1 in Australia last week. Demand for tickets is expected to be high, as nearly 95 percent of the US, UK, and European shows are already sold out. Ticket sales begin with an American Express presale on July 15 at 1 pm local time, followed by a Frontier Members presale on July 17 at 2 pm, and general public sales on July 18 at 2 pm. Lorde, born Ella Yelich-O'Connor, launched Virgin with a surprise set at Glastonbury and later stunned fans with an unannounced appearance at Mary's Underground nightclub in May. She danced with fans during a Lorde-themed party, an act that immediately went viral on social media. In a recent interview with the BBC, Lorde revealed she had battled a serious eating disorder during her Solar Power era in 2021, leading to a long period of creative block. 'This was a period where all I was thinking about was trying to weigh as little as possible,' she said. 'At the time, I was like, 'I need to stop doing this, because it's blocking all of my artistry.' Once that went away, it all started coming back.' The 28-year-old said she underwent psychedelic-assisted therapy using psilocybin and MDMA to treat her mental health and creative struggles. She has also opened up about exploring gender identity, telling Rolling Stone that while she identifies as a woman, 'some days I feel like a man.'Lorde's latest work has been praised for its honesty and experimentation, with Virgin tackling themes such as grief, femininity, and liberation. Her vulnerability has resonated with fans and critics alike, drawing comparisons to her influence on younger stars like Billie Eilish and Gracie openness about mental health, body image, and identity signals a deeper connection to her audience as she reclaims her place in global pop born Ella Yelich-O'Connor, comes from a tightly bonded, creatively inclined family of six. She is the second of four siblings and often credits her down-to-earth nature to her family's values and strong connections. Her elder sister, Jerry Yelich-O'Connor, is a lawyer who graduated from Auckland University and prefers to remain out of the limelight, though she's occasionally seen supporting Lorde at major events like the MTV Video Music younger sister, India 'Indy' Yelich-O'Connor, is an emerging singer-songwriter and poet based in New York. With two published poetry collections and a debut EP titled Threads, Indy is forging her creative path. The youngest sibling, Angelo Yelich-O'Connor, recently graduated in Chemical and Materials Engineering from Auckland University. A former model with Red 11 Management, he walked the runway at New Zealand Fashion Week before relocating to London to explore his creative interests. Lorde's estimated net worth stands at $18 million, largely amassed through her successful career as a singer-songwriter. From her breakout hit Royals to her critically acclaimed albums like Melodrama and Virgin, she has consistently topped charts and sold out international tours. In addition to music sales and streaming revenue, Lorde has boosted her earnings through selective brand partnerships and her official online merchandise store.
1News
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- 1News
Lorde announces two New Zealand shows
Lorde has confirmed she will play two shows in New Zealand next year as part of her Ultrasound world tour. Having just released her fourth studio album Virgin, the superstar has now confirmed she will play in Auckland and Christchurch in February next year, followed by four Australian dates. She will perform at Auckland's Spark Arena on February 11, followed by Christchurch's Wolfbrook Arena on February 13. Tickets go on sale next week via Frontier Touring. Virgin has reached number one in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, and reached number two in the charts in the US. ADVERTISEMENT Lorde has confirmed she will bring her Ultrasound world tour to New Zealand. (Source: Supplied) In May she hosted a listening party in a toilet block at the Auckland YMCA, having earlier teased the pop-up to fans. New Zealand was initially left off her world tour, but she teased potential shows to 1News at the Aotearoa Music Awards in May. The biggest night on the Kiwi music calendar is celebrating its 60th anniversary. (Source: 1News) "This is a good question but I would go off the fact I have never missed a New Zealand tour. You know? I think it's going to happen," she said at the time. Last month she surprised fans at the 2025 Glastonbury Festival by playing her new album in its entirety to a packed crowd on the Woodsies stage.
Economic Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
How to secure Lorde tour tickets early, pre-sale dates & access tips for 2025 Australia & NZ Tour
Synopsis Lorde is set to grace Australian and New Zealand stages in 2025 with her "Ultrasound" tour, promoting her upcoming album, Virgin. The tour includes performances in Auckland, Christchurch, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Tickets will be available to the general public on July 18, with presale opportunities for American Express cardholders and Frontier Touring members. Getty Images New Zealand singer/songwriter Lorde performs on the Woodsies stage during day three of Glastonbury festival 2025 at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 27, 2025 in Glastonbury, England. She will perform across four major Australian cities, as well as Auckland and Christchurch. After a long hiatus from Australian stages, New Zealand's Grammy-winning pop artist Lorde is officially returning with her 2025 "Ultrasound" tour, in support of her upcoming album Virgin. The singer-songwriter confirmed the news on Instagram this week, teasing fans with a stylised X-ray visual in line with the album's known for reshaping the pop landscape with her introspective lyrics and ethereal soundscapes, will perform across four major Australian cities, as well as Auckland and Christchurch. Also Read: Secret Sounds confirms extended Lewis Capaldi tour; check dates and how to book ticketsHere's everything you need to know about the tour, including dates, venues, and how to secure your tickets early. Auckland – Wednesday, 11 February – Spark Arena Christchurch – Friday, 13 February – Wolfbrook Arena Brisbane – Monday, 16 February – Brisbane Entertainment Centre Sydney – Wednesday, 18 February – Qudos Bank Arena Melbourne – Saturday, 21 February – Rod Laver Arena Perth – Wednesday, 25 February – Perth Arena General public tickets will be available via Frontier Touring starting Thursday, July 18, at 10:00 am AEST. There are two presale options available before the general release: American Express card members presale Starts: Tuesday, July 15 at 11:00 am AEST Only available to eligible American Express cardholders. Frontier Touring Members Presale Starts: Thursday, July 17 at 2:00 pm local time Expect high traffic — sign up early to avoid missing out. Lorde, born Ella Yelich-O'Connor in New Zealand, is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter who rose to global fame with her 2013 debut single 'Royals.' Known for her haunting vocals, introspective lyrics, and genre-defying sound, she quickly became a defining voice of alternative pop in the 2010s. Her albums Pure Heroine, Melodrama, and Solar Power reflect emotional depth and artistic evolution. Beyond music, Lorde is celebrated for her authenticity, minimalist aesthetic, and influence on a generation of artists. With her upcoming album Virgin , she embarks on a new creative chapter.
