Buzzcut Season

Last updated

"Buzzcut Season"
Lorde - Buzzcut Season.png
Promotional single by Lorde
from the album Pure Heroine
Released23 September 2013
RecordedGolden Age Studios (Auckland)
Genre Electropop
Length4:06
Label UMG
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Joel Little
  • Ella Yelich-O'Connor
Audio video
"Buzzcut Season" on YouTube

"Buzzcut Season" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, taken from her debut studio album, Pure Heroine (2013). It was released on 23 September 2013 by Universal Music Group (UMG) as a promotional single from the album. Written by Lorde and Joel Little, "Buzzcut Season" is an electropop song that features elements from tropical music and discusses the "ridiculousness of modern life." [1]

Contents

Upon its release, "Buzzcut Season" was met with positive reviews from music critics, who praised its production and Lorde's vocal delivery on the track. The song reached number twenty-nine on the US Billboard Hot Rock Songs and number thirty-eight on the ARIA Streaming Tracks. Lorde performed "Buzzcut Season" during a number of shows, including the Late Show with David Letterman .

Background and composition

Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg
"Buzzcut Season"
A 24-second sample of "Buzzcut Season", featuring xylophone instrumentation
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Buzzcut Season" was written by Lorde (credited under her birth-name Ella Yelich-O'Connor) and Joel Little, and was produced and mixed by Little. [2] Similar to other songs from the album Pure Heroine, [3] "Buzzcut Season" was recorded at Golden Age Studios in Auckland. [2] On 23 September 2013, the track was released as a digital download promotional single on iTunes Stores by Universal Music New Zealand. [4]

"Buzzcut Season" is an electropop [5] song that draws inspirations from tropical music, [6] and features percussion snaps and xylophone in its instrumentation. [6] Lyrically, the song talks about the "ridiculousness of modern life." [1] Sammy Maine from the website Drowned in Sound commented that the song was a "heartbreaking comment on our war-driven way of life." [7] She pointed out the lyrics "Explosions on TV and all the girls with heads inside a dream" against M.I.A.'s pop-reggae musical style. [7] Gaby Whitehill from Gigwise website called the song a "melancholy affair" and praised the "epic piano laden beat combined with the 16-year-old's haunting vocals." [8]

Reception and promotion

Jason Lipshutz from Billboard praised the song's production and Lorde's vocal delivery. [9] Writer Michelle Pitiris for Vulture chose "Buzzcut Season" as a highlight from Pure Heroine and compared its sound to French electronic duo Air. [10] Idolator editor Mike Wass labelled it "another twinkling postcard from the streets of Auckland" but felt that it failed to "capture the attention" like "400 Lux" or "Tennis Court", two other songs from the album. [11] "Buzzcut Season" spent five weeks on the Australian ARIA Streaming Tracks chart, peaking at number thirty-eight. [12] It also reached number 29 on the US Hot Rock Songs. [13] In New Zealand, "Buzzcut Season" peaked at number 18 on the New Zealand National Singles chart, which lists the best-performing singles by New Zealand artists in the country. [14]

On 3 October 2013, the singer held a concert at the Warsaw Venue in Brooklyn and performed the song among other tracks from the album. [15] On 12 October 2013, Lorde performed "Buzzcut Season" in Studio Q of CBC. [16] On 13 November 2013, Lorde performed several songs from Pure Heroine during the Late Show with David Letterman to promote the album, including "Buzzcut Season". [17] According to Rolling Stone , the "sparkly-dressed" and "big-haired" singer performed only backed by a drummer and a keyboard player. [18]

Singers Troye Sivan and Lauv reference the title of the song on their track "I'm So Tired..." (2019). [19] Sivan stated in an interview with Paper that he and Lauv decided to include "Buzzcut Season" into the song's lyrics after having a discussion in his backyard about melancholic songs that uplifted the pair's emotions. [20]

Track listing

Digital download [4]
  1. "Buzzcut Season" – 4:06

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [23] Platinum1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lorde</span> New Zealand singer and songwriter (born 1996)

Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, known professionally as Lorde, is a New Zealand singer and songwriter. She is known for her unconventional musical styles and introspective songwriting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Troye Sivan</span> Australian singer (born 1995)

Troye Sivan Mellet is an Australian singer-songwriter and actor. After gaining popularity as a singer on YouTube and in Australian talent competitions, Sivan signed with EMI Australia in 2013 and released his third EP, TRXYE (2014), which peaked at number five on the US Billboard 200. Its lead single, "Happy Little Pill", reached the top 10 on Australian music charts. In 2015, he released his fourth extended play, Wild, followed by his debut studio album, Blue Neighbourhood. The album's lead single, "Youth", became Sivan's first single to enter the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 23.

<i>The Love Club EP</i> 2012 EP by Lorde

The Love Club EP is the debut extended play (EP) by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde. At the age of 12, she was discovered by Universal Music Group scout Scott MacLachlan, and began writing songs. In December 2011, MacLachlan paired Lorde with producer Joel Little, and within three weeks, the pair had co-written and produced all five songs on the EP. In November 2012, Lorde self-released the EP for free download via SoundCloud. On 8 March 2013 the record was commercially released by Universal Music Group and Virgin Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royals (Lorde song)</span> 2013 single by Lorde

"Royals" is the debut single by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, included in her debut extended play (EP) The Love Club EP (2012) and debut studio album Pure Heroine (2013). Lorde wrote the song with producer Joel Little. "Royals" is a minimalist art pop and electropop song with influences of hip hop, R&B, and indie pop. The track's lyrics express disapproval of the sumptuous lifestyle presented in songs and music videos by pop and hip-hop-influenced artists, making them appear like modern-day royalty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tennis Court (song)</span> 2013 single by Lorde

"Tennis Court" is a song recorded by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde. She co-wrote the song with Joel Little, with production handled by the latter. Universal Music Group (UMG) released the song as the second single from her debut studio album Pure Heroine (2013) in Australia and New Zealand on 7 June 2013. On the same day, the label released an extended play (EP) of the same name containing three additional tracks throughout Europe. It combines alternative pop, art pop, and downtempo music over hip hop beats, minimalist synthesisers, and an electronic pulse. Inspired by Lorde's fresh insights into the music industry, the lyrics address her newfound fame and nostalgia for Auckland.

<i>Pure Heroine</i> 2013 studio album by Lorde

Pure Heroine is the debut studio album by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde. It was released on 27 September 2013 by Universal, Lava, and Republic Records. After several unsuccessful sessions with songwriters, Lorde was paired with Joel Little by A&R representative Scott Maclachlan, who assisted with the album's production. Recording took place at Golden Age Studios in Auckland. Pure Heroine has been described as an electronica, electropop, and dream pop album with minimalist production, deep bass and programmed beats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Team (Lorde song)</span> 2013 single by Lorde

"Team" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, taken from her debut studio album, Pure Heroine (2013). The song was released on 13 September 2013 as the album's third single in Australia and New Zealand by Universal Music New Zealand, and the second in the United States and the United Kingdom by Lava and Republic Records. The track was written by Lorde and Joel Little and produced by Little, with additional production from Lorde herself. "Team" is a hybrid of alternative pop and electro hop featuring synthesiser, bass and snare drum instrumentation over a handclap-based beat. Lyrically, the track is a tribute to her friends and country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lorde discography</span>

New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde has released three studio albums, four extended plays, 11 singles and nine music videos. At the age of 13, she was signed to Universal Music Group (UMG) and started to write music. In November 2012, when she was 16 years old, she self-released The Love Club EP via SoundCloud. It was released for sale by UMG in March 2013; a song from the EP, "Royals", topped numerous single charts internationally, including the US Billboard Hot 100. The track sold over 10 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling singles of all-time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glory and Gore</span> 2014 single by Lorde

"Glory and Gore" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde from her debut studio album, Pure Heroine (2013). The song was released on 11 March 2014 as the album's fourth and final single by Lava Records and Republic Records. The track was written by Lorde and its producer, Joel Little. "Glory and Gore" is an electropop song influenced by chillwave and hip hop music. It speaks about modern society's fascination with violence and celebrity culture, comparing these to gladiators.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ribs (song)</span> 2013 promotional single by Lorde

"Ribs" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, from her debut studio album Pure Heroine (2013). Universal Music Group (UMG) released it as a promotional single on 30 September 2013. Written and produced by Lorde and Joel Little, "Ribs" is an electronica and electropop song discussing Lorde's stress over ageing.

"Bravado" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, originally included on her debut EP The Love Club EP. It was later featured on her Tennis Court EP and the extended version of her debut album Pure Heroine (2013). The song was written by Lorde and Joel Little and was produced by the latter. The track was released as a single on 6 September 2013, via iTunes Stores, in a number of European countries and India. Characterised as a chamber pop and electropop song, "Bravado" addresses Lorde's introverted nature and the need to feign confidence in the music industry. The single was well received by music critics and peaked at number five on the New Zealand Artist Singles chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No Better</span> 2013 promotional single by Lorde

"No Better" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, taken from the extended version of her debut studio album Pure Heroine (2013). The track was released on 13 December 2013 by Universal Music Group as a promotional tool for the album. "No Better" is an electropop and trip hop ballad with elements of hip hop, in which Lorde discusses an infatuation. Music critics opined that the single has similar musical style to songs from Pure Heroine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yellow Flicker Beat</span> 2014 single by Lorde

"Yellow Flicker Beat" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde released on 29 September 2014 as the lead single from the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 by Republic Records. Written by Lorde and Joel Little and produced by Little and Paul Epworth, it is as an art pop and electropop song with minimal synthesisers, drums, and vocal samples in its production. Music critics compared its instrumentation style to the singer's work on her 2013 debut album Pure Heroine. The track's lyrics refer to the rise of Katniss Everdeen, the heroine of The Hunger Games (2008–2010) young adult dystopian novel trilogy.

<i>Blue Neighbourhood</i> 2015 studio album by Troye Sivan

Blue Neighbourhood is the debut studio album by Australian singer Troye Sivan. It was released internationally on 4 December 2015 via EMI Music Australia and Capitol Records. The album is preceded by Sivan's fourth extended play Wild, which served as a 6-song opening installment to Blue Neighbourhood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Troye Sivan discography</span> List of musical works by the Australian singer

Australian singer Troye Sivan has released three studio albums, five extended plays, one remix album, one video album, twenty-three singles, and ten promotional singles. On 15 August 2014, Sivan released his first major-label EP, titled TRXYE, which peaked at number five on the US Billboard 200. The lead single from the EP, "Happy Little Pill", reached number 10 on the Australian singles chart. On 4 September 2015, Sivan released his second major-label EP, Wild. His debut studio album, Blue Neighbourhood, was released on 4 December 2015. Its first single, "Youth", became Sivan's first single to enter the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at 23 and earned him his first number-one on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. His second studio album Bloom (2018) reached number three in Australia and number four on the Billboard 200 chart. Its lead single "My My My!" became Sivan's second number-one on the Dance Club Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lauv</span> American singer, songwriter, and record producer (born 1994)

Ari Staprans Leff, known professionally as Lauv, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer best known for his breakout hit "I Like Me Better"; included on his compilation album I Met You When I Was 18 , which was released in 2018. His debut album, How I'm Feeling, was released on March 6, 2020, and debuted at number 16 on the US Billboard 200. Lauv has also written songs for other artists such as "Boys" by Charli XCX and "No Promises" by Cheat Codes and Demi Lovato.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pure Heroine Tour</span> 2013–2014 concert tour by Lorde

The Pure Heroine Tour was the inaugural concert tour by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, in support of her debut studio album, Pure Heroine (2013). Her first performance was at the Splendour in the Grass music festival as a last-minute replacement for Frank Ocean. Before the tour, Lorde performed at small nightclubs and bars around New Zealand and Australia. North American shows were announced in August 2013, followed by a series of dates in Oceania. Dates in Europe and South America soon followed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm So Tired...</span> 2019 song by Lauv and Troye Sivan

"I'm So Tired..." is a song recorded by American singer Lauv and Australian singer-songwriter Troye Sivan. It was released on January 24, 2019, and was later featured as the lead single on Lauv's debut album, How I'm Feeling. The song reached number eight on the UK Singles Chart, becoming both artists' first top 10 there. It also reached the top 5 in Ireland, top 10 in New Zealand, and the top 15 in Australia.

<i>How Im Feeling</i> 2020 studio album by Lauv

How I'm Feeling is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Lauv. It was released on March 6, 2020, by AWAL. The album was supported by eleven singles, with three featuring artists such as Australian singer Troye Sivan, English singer Anne Marie, and American pop band LANY, with the single with Sivan peaking at number eighty one on the Billboard Hot 100. Upon release, new tracks featured collaborations with Canadian singer Alessia Cara, Mexican singer Sofía Reyes and South Korean boy band BTS. How I'm Feeling received mixed to positive reviews from music critics.

References

  1. 1 2 Farrier, David (27 September 2013). "Pure Heroine: Track-by-track Review". 3News. Archived from the original on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  2. 1 2 Pure Heroine (inlay cover). Lorde. Universal Music Group. 2013.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  3. ↑ Jenkin, Lydia (19 September 2013). "Joel Little: Doing the Lorde's work". New Zealand Herald . Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  4. 1 2 "Buzzcut Season – Single". Singapore: iTunes Store. Archived from the original on 9 October 2013. Retrieved 30 September 2013.
  5. ↑ "Lorde, 'Pure Heroine': Track-By-Track Review". Billboard. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  6. 1 2 Cospey, Robert (22 October 2013). "Lorde: 'Pure Heroine' album review: 'A startlingly confident debut'". Digital Spy . Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  7. 1 2 Maine, Sammy (24 October 2013). "Album Review: Lorde – Pure Heroine". Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  8. ↑ Whitehill, Gaby (27 September 2013). "Lorde new track 'Buzzcut Season' from Pure Heroine". Gigwise . Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  9. ↑ Lipshutz, Jason. "Lorde: 'Pure Heroine' Track-By-Track Review". Billboard. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  10. ↑ Pitiris, Michelle (1 October 2013). "Album Review: Lorde – 'Pure Heroine'". Vulture Australia. Archived from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  11. ↑ Wass, Mike (30 September 2013). "Lorde's 'Pure Heroine': Album Review". Idolator . Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  12. 1 2 "The ARIA Report" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. 4 December 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 November 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  13. 1 2 "Lorde: Chart history". Billboard. Archived from the original on 30 June 2017. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  14. 1 2 "Top 20 New Zealand Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  15. ↑ Kamer, Foster (4 October 2013). "Live Review: Lorde Brings Brooklyn More Than a Chart-Topper". Complex . Retrieved 2 January 2014.
  16. ↑ "Lorde performs "Buzzcut Season" in Studio Q". Canadian Broadcasting Company. 12 October 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  17. ↑ Weinstein, Max (13 November 2013). "Lorde Turns Heads With Her 'Letterman' Performance". Vibe . Retrieved 2 January 2014.
  18. ↑ Grow, Kory (13 November 2013). "Lorde Is Blissful During Six-Song 'Live on Letterman' Set". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  19. ↑ Daly, Rhian (24 January 2019). "Listen to Lauv and Troye Sivan's Lorde and Coldplay-referencing collaboration 'I'm So Tired…'". NME. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
  20. ↑ Goldfine, Jael (7 February 2019). "Troye Sivan and Lauv on Their New Anti-Love Song". Paper. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
  21. ↑ Lane, Daniel (12 November 2013). "Lorde knocks OneRepublic off the top of the Official Streaming Chart". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 12 January 2014.
  22. ↑ "Hot Rock Songs: Year End 2014". Billboard . Retrieved 21 December 2014.
  23. ↑ "American single certifications – Lorde – Buzzcut Season". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved 6 December 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.