At the age of 16, Lorde went #1 across the world. She was catapulted from the suburbs of Auckland to the Grammy's stage, winning Song of the Year. 

12 years and four albums later, she's continued to defy expectations as a pop artist and is one of the most gifted songwriters of our time. This is an episode of Take 5 that was filmed for the TV series, but this podcast is an extended edit - capturing even more stories, insight, and sounds. It's an incredible conversation with one of the most thoughtful people I've met. 

Lorde has been going through a massive period of change. A chrysalis, taking new form. So I worked up a Take 5 theme to draw that out. And from Lucinda Williams to Westerman to something very close to home, hearing her speak about the craft of song is a rare treat.

Lorde's song choices:

• Lucinda Williams – 'Fruits of My Labor'
• Bronski Beat – 'Smalltown Boy'
• Nina Simone – 'Suzanne'
• Westerman – 'Confirmation'
• Charli xcx & Lorde – 'Girl, so confusing featuring lorde'

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:49 Lorde's Early Influences and First Song Choice

02:03 SONG 1: Lucinda Williams – 'Fruits of My Labor'

02:33 Lucinda Williams' Impact on Lorde

09:30 Lorde's Childhood and Musical Beginnings

12:56 The Mystery of Songwriting

14:02 SONG 2: Bronski Beat – 'Smalltown Boy'

18:55 Writing songs about life experiences

21:05 Reflecting on the huge success of 'Royals', The Love Club EP and being world famous at 16

24:10 Reflecting on Teenage Years and Womanhood

28:22 Lorde's Relationship with Her Parents

30:18 SONG 3: Nina Simone – 'Suzanne'

30:27 Nina Simone's Transformative Cover of 'Suzanne'

31:16 Leonard Cohen's Inspiration and Poetic Imagery

32:12 Nina Simone's Unique Interpretation

35:39 Exploring Gender and Identity in Music

36:36 Relationship break-up and personal transformation

39:47 SONG 4: Westerman – 'Confirmation'

42:01 The Creative Process Behind 'Virgin'

44:55 Physical reactions to music

46:15 SONG 5: Charli xcx & Lorde – 'Girl, so confusing featuring lorde'

46:44 Charli xcx releasing 'Girl, so confusing' about Lorde

48:04 Lorde's verse and working it out in the remix

49:08 Articulating the complexity of female friendships

54:02 Lorde reflecting on her friendship with Charli xcx

55:22 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Watch Take 5 on ABC iview:

https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe