It feels like it’s been way too long since Lady Gaga did (or wore, or said, or … yeah) something outrageous.
Ever since the pop star canceled the remainder of her “Born This Way Ball” tour to have hip surgery in February, the Grammy-winning singer has kept things surprisingly – and uncharacteristically – low-key. From a new bare-faced look to relatively normal street attire (unless you count that gold wheelchair, anyway), it was beginning to feel as if Gaga’s meat-dress-wearing days were over.
In all reality, it seems she’s just been busy gearing up for the release of her highly anticipated CD, ARTPOP, which over the last few weeks has been generating the type of fun, if confusing, buzz that fans have waiting for.
So, what’s the deal with the CD? Here’s everything we know about it so far:
ARTPOP Officially Drops Nov. 11 …
On July 12, Gaga posted the album release date on her Facebook page, along with a statement clarifying the artist’s creative process. (Well, the post was actually more confusing than clarifying. Which, again, not that shocking.) In addition, fans will have access to an accompanying App that “combines music, art, fashion and technology.”
… But You Can Pre-Order It All on Aug. 19
Although the album and app’s original pre-order date was September 1, the pop star moved it up two weeks “due to public anticipation,” according to her Facebook page.
The First Single Will Be Called “Applause”
Also available on Aug. 19 will be the album’s first single, “Applause,” according to a tweet from Mother Monster herself on Sunday. Official artwork for the single, which was cowritten by her longtime collaborator DJ White Shadow, made its debut in Women’s Wear Daily Sunday afternoon and features a close-up of the 27-year-old’s face with paint smeared across it. (BTW: That nude photo you see, above, is apparently just an ARTPOP promo.)
A Music Video Has Already Been Recorded
According to MTV, Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin – who photographed the cover art for “Applause” – also shot a music video for the much-anticipated single last week in Los Angeles.
Gaga Will Perform Her New Single at the VMAs
Gaga is sure to get the crowd going when she performs “Applause” at the 2013 MTV Music Video Awards on Aug. 25. Gaga has never failed to entertain at the awards show (see: her meat dress; her bloody performance; and her cross-dressing alter ego), so expectations for this performance are understandably high (if a little feared).
More Collaborations Are On the Way
Among those said to have worked with Gaga on ARTPOP include her longtime collaborator Fernando Garibay and EDM maven Zedd. In May, Gaga was also photographed in the studio with famed songwriter Dallas Austin.
For more on Gaga’s ARTPOP, plus news about the Nov. 10 “artRave,” visit her official website.
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