Lorde marked the one-year anniversary of her album Virgin by releasing 49 demo versions of its songs along with a personal newsletter to fans.
The singer posted the material on a new “XRAYS” section of her website, which also includes photographs, notes and artwork from the period.
In the newsletter, Lorde explained that the idea came to her on Sunday night while putting away clothes. She described feeling the need to revisit the project after a period of quiet following its release.
She wrote about personal challenges during the album’s creation, including a breakup, an eating disorder and a diagnosis of PMDD. Lorde said she focused on singing to herself in the way she needed to be supported and gradually turned old stories into songs.
Lorde reflected on the album-making process, calling it an absurd act that requires self-absorption and belief. She noted that the work stays bad for a long time before any breakthrough occurs.
