Lana Del Rey released her new single, “White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter,” on Tuesday, Feb. 17. The song will appear on her upcoming album “Stove,” which fans expect to be released in the coming weeks. Students at Sacred Heart University are already reacting to the release and discussing Del Rey’s different sound.
“She had always talked about wanting to do a southern gothic, kind of country album, which I can definitely see in her new single,” said freshman Amelia Saladino, a Spectrum staff writer. “She’s trailing off into more of an Ethel Kane, gothic, moodier version of herself, which I’m really excited to see.”
According to Forbes, the single debuted on three Billboard charts and entered the top 10 in the Alternative Digital Song Sales ranking.
Junior William Heidelberger said Del Rey’s growth as an artist mirrors the experiences of many listeners her age.
“She’s super super influential among people our age because we’re in the stage where we’re starting our life and we don’t really know where to go. She demonstrates a good sense of courage and she shows us that it’s okay if you want to rebrand yourself and try different things,” said Heidelberger.
Students also pointed to the artistic vision of Del Rey’s music.
“She’s not afraid to put in sort of uncanny sounds or adding some kind of murkiness to the song to really make it feel like you’re in a real place with her,” said senior David Irizarry.
“Especially in this new song, it sounds like she’s whispering in your ear or saying it to you in conversation. I think it really creates this unique vibe. She’s really creating an experience when you listen to her,” said Irizarry.
Irizarry said her music builds a personal connection with her audience.
“It almost feels like I’m meeting with an old friend, and I feel like that’s how it should be with an artist that you listen to,” said Irizarry.
According to the Grammy Awards website, Del Rey has received 11 nominations during her career. Heidelberger said her style makes her stand out.
“I think that Del Rey as an artist has such a uniqueness about her that maybe makes her less popular for general audiences,” said Heidelberger.
“She just recently married so I think it’s going to be sort of exploring themes of this oncoming feeling of domestic life and everything that might bring for her. You can feel a little apprehension in the music, but then there’s also this flirtation,” said Irizarry.
single “White Feather Hawk Deer Hunter”.
Instagram, @honeymoon
Not all students are longtime listeners. Senior Dylan Dupre said he is less familiar with Del Rey’s music.
“I don’t really listen to Lana Del Rey. I like many different genres, I like one of her songs, ‘Young and Beautiful’, which I know from the ‘Great Gatsby’ movie. I enjoy it and will listen to it at times, but that’s the only song I know by her,” said Dupre.
Dupre said he may explore more of her music.
“I know people that rave about Lana Del Rey all the time,” said Dupre.
As anticipation builds the album, students continue discussing Del Rey’s new music and artistic direction.
“Music is experimentive, music isn’t conformity. Music is an art form that’s meant for people to step outside of the box and try new things. And I feel like Lana shows that through every piece of work she creates,” said Heidelberger.
