Gracing our covers this month are a trifecta of pop powerhouses redefining ‘the game’ on their own terms (if said terms are Brilliant Music 100% Of The Time, Please). The quite frankly iconic Lauren Mayberry steps out from behind the synths and strobes of CHVRCHES to deliver an upcoming solo debut that crackles with raw emotion, pop smarts and theatrical flair. It’s a bold new chapter, our in-depth chat revealing the creative freedom she’s found in going it alone.
Joining Lauren is irrepressible creative powerhouse Orla Gartland, whose second album ‘Everybody Needs A Hero’ sees her embracing her quirks and crafting soaring indie-pop anthems with new-found confidence. With two five-star Dork approved records now under her belt, plus a massively fun album with her mates as FIZZ, she’s quite probably one of the best currently in The Game TM.
Rounding out our cover stars is Jordana, whose fourth album ‘Lively Premonition’ is a kaleidoscopic journey through heartbreak, humour, and classic pop sounds. We dig into how she’s pushing her songwriting to new heights while rediscovering the joy in creation, as she drops a late contender for those previously referenced lists.
But wait, there’s more! There’s always more, right? We’ve got Bastille’s Dan Smith taking a solo detour into storytelling and history with his ‘&’ project, mxmtoon navigating the liminal spaces of young adulthood, and Soccer Mommy returning to her roots with the achingly beautiful ‘Evergreen’.
For those craving something with more bite, Amyl & The Sniffers are back to blow the doors off with ‘Cartoon Darkness’ - an album that proves punk is alive, kicking, and has plenty to say about the state of the world. Plus, Nieve Ella is building up some serious momentum as she delivers an EP that firmly sets out her stall for a huge 2025. (Ganni) top stuff.
You can order the new issue of Dork now, and it’ll dispatch before the 11th November 2024.