Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor, known professionally as Lorde, is a New Zealand singer-songwriter born on November 7, 1996, in Takapuna, a suburb of Auckland.
Raised in Auckland’s North Shore suburbs of Devonport and Bayswater, she emerged as a global music sensation in her teens with a distinctive style that blends introspective lyricism with unconventional pop sounds.
Her music, often exploring themes of youth, identity, and societal critique, resonates with a wide audience, earning her critical acclaim and commercial success.
Lorde’s artistic journey began early, influenced by her poet mother, Sonja Yelich, who encouraged her to engage with diverse literary genres, and her father, Vic O’Connor, a civil engineer with a love for music.
Siblings
Lorde has three siblings who have each carved their own paths while maintaining close familial ties.
Her older sister, Jerry Yelich-O’Connor, born in 1994, is the eldest sibling.
A lawyer by profession, Jerry graduated from Auckland University in May 2017 and has often been seen supporting Lorde at high-profile events, such as the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards, where she famously took a selfie with Taylor Swift.
Jerry’s low-key presence contrasts with Lorde’s public persona, but their bond is evident in family moments shared on social media.
India Yelich-O’Connor, known as Indy, is Lorde’s younger sister, born in 1998.
An emerging singer-songwriter, Indy has followed in Lorde’s musical footsteps, releasing her debut single “Threads” in September 2022 and her EP Threads in February 2023.
Based in New York, Indy has also published two poetry collections, Sticky Notes (2018) and Dudette (2022), and cites influences like Bon Iver and Kacey Musgraves.
She describes Lorde as a supportive sister and “great with advice,” though she emphasizes forging her own creative identity.
The youngest sibling, Angelo Yelich-O’Connor, was born on November 7, 2001, sharing Lorde’s birthday.
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A recent graduate of Auckland University with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Chemical and Materials Engineering, Angelo has ventured into modeling, signing with Red 11 Model Management and appearing at New Zealand Fashion Week in August 2023.
His move to London in 2024 signals new ambitions, and Lorde’s surprise visit to Auckland for his graduation underscores their close relationship.
Career
Lorde’s career began with a spark of talent spotted at a school performance, leading to her signing with Universal Music Group (UMG) in 2009 at age 12.
Collaborating with producer Joel Little, she released her debut EP, The Love Club EP, in 2012 via SoundCloud, followed by a commercial release in 2013.
The EP’s lead single, “Royals,” became a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and making her the youngest solo artist to reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 since 1987.
Her debut album, Pure Heroine (2013), captured the suburban teenage experience with critical and commercial success, selling 1.33 million copies by 2014.
Lorde’s sophomore album, Melodrama (2017), produced with Jack Antonoff, explored heartbreak and self-discovery, debuting atop the Billboard 200 and earning a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year.
Her third album, Solar Power (2021), ventured into indie folk and psychedelic styles, polarizing critics but reaching number one in Australia and New Zealand.
Beyond her solo work, Lorde curated the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014) and co-wrote songs for artists like Broods and Bleachers.
Accolades
Lorde has won two Grammy Awards: Best Pop Solo Performance and Song of the Year for “Royals” at the 2014 ceremony.
Her work has also earned her two Brit Awards, including International Female Solo Artist in 2014 and 2018.
In her home country, she has secured ten New Zealand Music Awards, reflecting her dominance in the local scene.
Lorde’s nomination for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song for “Yellow Flicker Beat” from The Hunger Games soundtrack further highlights her versatility.
Her albums have garnered critical acclaim, with Melodrama ranking on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” and Pitchfork’s “Greatest Albums of the 2010s.”
Additionally, she appeared on Time’s list of the most influential teenagers in 2013 and 2014 and was included in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2014.
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