Indie alt-pop darling Lauran Hibberd is turning up the excitement with her latest release, the empowering queer anthem “Mary.” But that’s not all—Hibberd has also announced the release of her forthcoming sophomore full-length Girlfriend Material. Her new collection will arrive on March 22, 2024, via Virgin Music. With “Mary” as the herald of what’s to come, the anticipation reaches a fever pitch for Hibberd’s eagerly-awaited record.
“Mary” is a feel-good sensation that celebrates Hibberd’s personal journey as a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. With a masterful blend of candor and infectious energy, she crafts a tongue-in-cheek anthem that resonates with authenticity. Through the first verse, Hibberd paints a vivid image of her journey: “Looked like every other boy I’d fallen for so far/There was nothing wrong/He might have fit the mold/If she hadn’t come along I’d still be on my toes.” As the chorus kicks in: “Now this has never happened to me before/Where I ditched the guy for the girl next door/She leaned in and kissed me/I can’t say no,” the contagious melody offers a glimpse into Hibberd’s heart and into her queer experience. “Mary” is a fearless composition that rings with her genuine authenticity.
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“‘Mary’ is my favorite song I’ve ever written, it’s the soundtrack to a great day,” Hibberd shares of the new single. “YES, it’s a true story, and YES, everybody needs a ‘mary’ in their life. After having a particularly rough year, having this song in my back pocket became a breakthrough for me—like a crack in the curtain where the light slips in.”
“Welcome to ‘Girlfriend Material,’ here you will find the 12-stage instruction manual on how to make the perfect girlfriend in under an hour. Listen more than once to ensure perfection,” Hibberd explains of her new LP. “Making this record came oddly naturally; it felt like it was supposed to come out of me, and I’ve never felt so attached to a body of songs like this. I think I’m at a point in my life where I’ve started to really experience ‘life’, with going through losing a parent, having a life-altering breakup, living on my own for the first time, and exploring who the ‘f*vk’ I actually am. Everything I am right now is in this album. It’s the best thing I’ve ever made, and I’ve worked with some incredible people in the process. It’s definitely been the one thing that’s kept me going over the last year, and I hope it can do the same for other people. with love, Lauran Hibberd (100% girlfriend material).”
Kicking off in 2024, Hibberd will join Hobo Johnson for a brief tour across the UK. Check out their tour dates together below and secure tickets here.
Live Performances:
- Jan. 4—Birmingham, UK @ XOYO
- Jan 5—Manchester, UK @ New Century Hall
- Jan 6—Glasgow, UK @ SWG3 Warehouse
- Jan 9—Bristol, UK @ SWX
- Jan 10—Cardiff, UK @ Tramshed
- Jan 11—Brighton, UK @ Chalk
- Jan 12—London, UK @ Electric Ballroom