INTERVIEW: Lora on her new single 'strings': "I can’t be the person I need to be without learning to be vulnerable."

Australian indie pop singer LORA creates music that she calls ‘melancholic bangers.’ Since first appearing in 2020, she has built up an impressive portfolio of tracks, which have an indie, DIY aesthetic at their core but bring multiple different genres into the mix, including electronica, pop, trance, rock and shoe gaze.

She recently released the single ‘string’, which takes her down a mellow, dreamy, lush swirling soundscape of electronic sounds and beats. Every element of the song takes on an otherworldly, fuzzy feel while at the same time remaining crystal clear. It is a gorgeous listen that transports you to a place of bliss.

“This song is inspired by how I've built my walls so high that anyone who tries to get close and intimate with me really has to break me down brick by brick to even get a glimpse,” LORA says.

‘string’ and previous single ‘drive’ will feature on LORA’s upcoming third EP walls which is due to be released in June 2023. Featuring five tracks, LORA says the theme of the EP is “trusting yourself enough to be vulnerable”

LORA’s first two EPs have accumulated close to 3 million global streams, with 2022’s adulting receiving support from Triple J and BBC Radio 1. Her music is always full of the feels and instantly finds a place deep in your soul and this latest era in her music is shaping up to be pure brilliance. We recently caught up with LORA to chat more about ‘string’ and her upcoming new music.

Hi LORA! Thank you for taking the time to chat today. How is everything in your world right now?
It’s pretty good, just went on tour with ioakim and Friends of Friends. I’ve got new music coming out which is always exciting yet completely terrifying. Things are rolling along and i feel like I'm learning a lot at the moment.

You have just released your new single ‘string’ which is absolutely beautiful. Can you talk me through the inspiration behind this song?
At the time of writing this song, I felt like I didn't know how to be vulnerable or how to process emotions (still learning how). This song was sort of directed towards myself, saying that I can’t be the person I need to be without learning to be vulnerable. I was feeling lost to put it simply.

It has this really lush, dreamy, floaty feel to it which fits the introspective nature of the lyrics. Was there a particular soundscape you were aiming for when you started recording, or did it come about more organically?
Not really, I was kind of just playing with ideas at home and just came up with the general idea for the song on the guitar and just added some drums and vocals. Then took it to my producer Joe Mason who just took it to the next level.

Do you have any plans for a music video/visualiser for ‘string’ and if so can you tell us a little about the creative process behind that?
I dont actually, I've got the EP coming out which will have visuals alongside it.

Speaking of that EP, ’string’ and your previous single ‘drive’ will feature on your upcoming second EP walls. What can we expect to hear on the EP?
You can expect a more vulnerable side. I really tried to be honest with what I was saying in relation to the way I was feeling and I believe that I was able to do that. I’m really proud of myself for it.

If we take everything back to the beginning, what role did music play in your childhood?
I always loved listening to music, it was one of my favourite things but I don’t think music really came into play for me truly until I was 13 and started singing lessons. I just fell in love with it and it made me want to pick up the guitar so I learnt that, wrote my first song and then just ran with it.

Who were the artists that inspired you onto your musical path?
I listened to so much music growing up I couldn’t give you a detailed answer of who I listened to the most at every age. But I’d say the artist that really impacted me the most to go down my musical path was Amy Winehouse. ‘Valerie’ was the first song I ever sang that I felt comfortable to sing and make my own. My love and admiration for Amy's writing and vocal abilities just inspired me and how every performance was unique.

You have been releasing music now since 2020, how do you feel you have changed, or matured, as an artist over the past three years?
I feel like I've become more confident is so many ways. I used to make my producer leave the room for vocal takes because I was too shy to sing in front of him. I’m also not afraid to say ideas and have my opinion on my music, I’ll try things that might not work and try things that do work. Also just improving as a writer and, figuring out what I want to say and putting that in place. I feel like I've come a very long way.

The music industry has never been a particularly welcoming or safe space for female artists, mainly because it has been run by older, straight, white men for decades. What are your thoughts on gender (in)equality and sexism in music?
I think it’s been really nice to see some really cool female and non binary artists coming out and just being themselves. I feel like authenticity is so valued in today’s society that it encourages people to be who they are and they are able to stand strong in the values and opinions and its changed the way people see women in the industry.

‘string' is out now followed by walls in June, what else do you have planned for 2023?
More shows incoming and more writing to be done! I can’t wait to see how the rest of the year goes!

‘string’ is out now. You can download and stream here.
To keep up with all things LORA you can follow her on Instagram and TikTok.