This past summer, pop artist Lorde released her heavily anticipated album Virgin, her first album in four years. It consists of 11 songs dealing with subjects of gender, feminine experiences, autonomy, and body image. While the term “virgin” is typically associated with purity culture, Lorde interpreted this word to be empowering for women. She believes that a virgin represents a strong and independent woman unaffected by society’s standards.
Before the album was released, sales for the Ultrasound World Tour began. Thousands of fans scrambled for presale codes and waited in virtual queues to purchase tickets. If you happen to be one of those lucky fans attending the Ultrasound World Tour, there are some things you should know.
The Outfit
Virgin has a very distinct aesthetic you should match. The album cover is an X-ray of Lorde’s pelvis with a zipper, belt buckle, and an IUD. The light blue X-rays have become the signature color of this tour. You could really lean into this space by painting or cutting an X-ray of ribs onto a light blue t-shirt.
The color silver and shiny metals have also become a big part of this tour. Silver bangles, metal hair clips, duct tape, and chains hanging from jean pockets are common sights at a Lorde concert. But if you end up procrastinating on your tour outfit, don’t stress. In this musical era, Lorde is dressing very masculine, so grab your baggiest jeans and oversized button-up for the perfect last-minute outfit.
The Venue
Before you attend your concert, make sure to check your venue’s website. Look for things like bag policy and parking. Also, know which door to enter through and how to get to your seat.
Make sure to plan how you’re going to get to the venue. Are you driving, taking an Uber, or relying on public transportation? No matter what, make sure to leave yourself extra time. You do not want to be an hour late and find all the merchandise sold out.
The Openers
Obviously, you’re going to this tour because you love Lorde’s music, but her openers are very talented as well. Blood Orange and The Japanese House are the openers for the U.S. leg of Ultrasound. The first opener is The Japanese House, or Amber Mary Bain. She makes indie-pop music with guitar, synthesizer, and keyboard sounds. Her biggest hits are “Saw You In A Dream” and “Touching Yourself,” with over 54 million streams on Spotify.
The second opener is Blood Orange, or Devonté Hynes. Like The Japanese House, he makes indie or alternative music. He plays guitar, bass, synths, piano, and drums. His biggest hits are “Mind Loaded,” “Charcoal Baby,” and “Champagne Coast,” which you’ve probably heard on TikTok.
The experience
Expect to walk out of the venue changed after Lorde’s two-hour set.
Ultrasound is a complete experience with strobe lights, a live band, unique dancers, and an extremely loud crowd. Be on the lookout for Lorde’s famous ombre rainbow water bottle she brings out mid-concert. Be ready for a gut-wrenching speech before she sings “Liability” that will make you feel a special connection with every fan at the concert. Be ready for Lorde to weave her way through the crowd in a light-up jacket during “David,” making you feel extremely jealous over everyone who got floor tickets. Be ready to be dancing and jumping on your feet to every song.
Expect to shed some nostalgic tears during the closing song, “Ribs.” Take many pictures and videos, but remember to be present. Concerts are meant to be heard and felt firsthand. Let Lorde take you through her life and the feelings she had.
Cherish every moment because when it ends, you’re going to miss it.
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