Lorde asks Kiwis to vote in election

WELLINGTON: After delaying work on her third album due to the death of her family dog, New Zealand artist Lorde could be set to release a new album in the not too distant future.

Lorde has teased fans with the promise of a new album if they head to the polls and vote in the October 17 election.

The 23yearold, born Ella Marija Lani YelichO’Connor, is an infrequent user of social media but took to Instagram yesterday to ask fellow New Zealanders to vote.

‘‘Hey. Are u from New Zealand? I am,’’ the Instastory began.

‘‘If you’re 18+ it’s time to VOTE! ‘‘We know we live in a special place. And adding all of our voices to the conversation, speaking up for communities or organisations that mean something to us — that’s what helps keep it that way.’’

Lorde, who has not released new music in three years, then hinted at the promise of a third album.

‘‘Do it for our beautiful country

❛ If you’re 18+ it’s time to VOTE! We know we live in a special place. And adding all of our voices to the conversation,

speaking up for communities or organisations that mean something to us — that’s what helps keep it that way

Lorde

and me.

‘‘And next year I’ll give you something special in return.’’

Lorde did not offer her political preferences, but last year she and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern were seen having a private dinner in Auckland.

The artist has New Zealand’s most popular Instagram account, with 6.6 million followers.

Best known for her debut single

Royals, Lorde has released two albums to date.

She released Pure Heroine in 2013 at the age of just 16, then Melodrama in 2017.

In November, she wrote a note to fans asking for patience as her third album had been delayed due to the death of her dog, Pearl, who ‘‘brought an immeasurable amount of joy and purpose into my world’’. — AAP