Image credits - Rolling Stone
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Lana Del Rey, the iconic singer-songwriter known for her ethereal voice and evocative lyrics, is gearing up to release her much-anticipated country album, Lasso. Speaking to PEOPLE and Entertainment Weekly at the 2024 InStyle Imagemaker Awards in Los Angeles, the 39-year-old artist opened up about her creative process and the importance of delivering a quality project.
Del Rey made it clear that she is not in a rush to get the album out. “I think all the songs have been Americana, and I want to wait to see what the musical atmosphere feels like,” she said. Her ambition to produce a unified and genuine sound rather than just following trends is reflected in her methodical approach. “I don’t usually feel like I need a pause in the creation process, but if there’s a literal energetic pause that feels almost physical, then I have to wait,” she stated.
The singer emphasized her dedication to making sure her artistic vision is reflected on the record. “I love the songs I have, so I don’t want to turn it into something that’s half-cooked,” she said. “Even if it’s super stripped back, I want it to be what it was supposed to be.” Her admirers, who are excited for new songs but are prepared to wait for something exceptional, appreciate her commitment to quality.
In the meantime, Del Rey has provided a taste of her new direction with her recent collaborative single “Tough,” featuring Quavo. The song features a country-influenced guitar riff and explores themes rooted in Americana, including imagery of “old leather boots” and a “blue-collar, red-dirt attitude.” The accompanying music video captures the essence of country life, showcasing picturesque scenes of rural landscapes and farm homes.
Del Rey has hinted that Lasso will differ from her previous works, such as Tunnel, Blue Bannisters, and Chemtrails over the Country Club, which often contained deeply personal themes. “I want to explore more melodic songwriting,” she said, describing her new material as possibly leaning toward an “American Songbook style.”
The artist also recognized the state of country music today, pointing out its growing impact on the business. “I said, ‘Welcome Nashville to Hollywood and Hollywood, welcome to Nashville because the music business has gone country,'” she recalled, jokingly referencing the quiet that ensued after she presented Jack Antonoff with his award for best producer of the year. “Then the next week, we had three major artists announce big country albums.”
As Del Rey continues to work on Lasso, she remains focused on creating music that resonates with her artistic sensibilities. While there is no set release date yet, her fans can expect a carefully crafted album that reflects her growth as an artist. “They can be excited for all the other good stuff going on. We’ll get there. First things first!” she concluded, leaving her audience eagerly awaiting what’s to come.
With her characteristic blend of introspection and creativity, Lana Del Rey is poised to make a significant mark on the country genre, and her upcoming album promises to be worth the wait.