With her eagerly-awaited new album landing in the coming months, Orla Gartland has now returned to share the next cut lifted from her forthcoming full-length. The new single 'Late To The Party' sees her team up with Declan McKenna for the new release, and follows on from the previously shared efforts 'Little Chaos', 'The Hit', 'Kiss Ur Face Forever' and 'Mine' in previewing her sophomore LP 'Everybody Needs A Hero', which is out on the 4th October via New Friends.
Speaking about the new offering, she said, “‘Late To The Party’ is a big old bratty song about resenting the baggage that you inherit when you love someone and yearning for a time when we were all a blank slate. I wanted a song on the record that shifted in pace a lot, something fun and loud, something indulgent. I first wrote ‘Late To The Party’ over a couple of solo sittings in my studio, mumbling out the lyrics while playing drums. A few months later I sent the song to Declan - for me he is one of the absolute greats, a properly timeless artist & writer. We worked on the song remotely at first, sending stems back & forth and then jumped in the studio for a day to dismantle the song & put it all back together. Dec’s parts & energy added so much to the track for me and after months of revisiting it ‘Late To The Party’ was suddenly complete.”
The song's release follows the recent reveal of the full tracklist for 'Everybody Needs a Hero'. The album explores themes of personal growth, relationships, and identity within a postfeminist context. The album reflects on the concept of a 'hero' – someone admired, someone to rescue us, or someone we project our lesser traits onto as a way of coping with our shadow selves. Recorded between her London studio and Middle Farm Studios in Devon, Orla took a hands-on approach to the album’s creation, steering its direction from the writing stage through to mixing and mastering. She also collaborated with longtime partners Tom Stafford and Peter Miles, drawing on their expertise in both digital and analog production techniques to shape the sound of the album.
The tracklist is as follows:
- Both Can Be True
- Sound Of Letting Go
- Little Chaos
- Backseat Driver
- The Hit
- Simple
- Late To The Party feat. Declan McKenna
- Three Words Away
- Kiss UR Face Forever
- Who Am I?
- Mine
- Everybody Needs A Hero
'Late To The Party' follows the release of the album's previous singles, including 'Little Chaos', 'The Hit', 'Mine' and 'Kiss Ur Face Forever'. The album will be released on October 4th, 2024 via New Friends. Orla Gartland will be embarking on her first-ever North American headline tour later this year, and will also be playing an intimate album preview show in London on September 3rd. Tickets for the show are available at 10am BST on August 29th.
Orla Gartland's 'Everybody Needs A Hero' - Exploring A Postfeminist World
'Everybody Needs A Hero' explores the complexities of Orla's growth through her long-term relationship. The album explores the concept of a 'hero' from a postfeminist perspective, challenging traditional notions of heroism and exploring how we project our insecurities onto others. Orla's debut album, 'Woman On The Internet', was a critical success, reaching the Top 10 in the UK and the Top 3 in Ireland. The album was nominated for the RTÉ Choice Music Prize Irish Album of the Year 2021. With her sophomore album, Orla Gartland is poised to take her career to new heights. This is an album that will surely resonate with listeners for years to come.
Declan McKenna's Contribution
Declan McKenna's contribution to 'Late To The Party' is undeniable. His guitar playing and vocals add a fresh layer to the track, showcasing his versatility as a musician. Gartland describes McKenna as one of her favorite artists, highlighting his timeless talent. McKenna is a truly unique artist who is not afraid to experiment and push boundaries. His contributions to 'Late To The Party' are a testament to his artistry.
'Late To The Party' - A Fun and Bratty Track
'Late To The Party' is a fun and bratty track, showcasing Gartland's signature blend of pop, indie, and rock. The song is an exploration of the complexities of relationships and the baggage we carry with us. Gartland's lyrics are relatable and honest, while the music is infectious and upbeat. The song is a perfect preview of what to expect from 'Everybody Needs A Hero.' With its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, 'Late To The Party' is sure to be a fan favorite for years to come.
The Future is Bright for Orla Gartland
Orla Gartland is a rising star in the music industry. She is a talented songwriter, musician, and performer who is constantly pushing boundaries. Her music is relatable, honest, and upbeat, and she is sure to continue to release music that resonates with audiences around the world. 'Everybody Needs A Hero' is a testament to her talent and vision. With her upcoming tour and the release of her second album, the future is bright for Orla Gartland.
