Lana Del Rey is offering fans another glimpse into her highly anticipated tenth studio album, , with the announcement of a new single, “White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter,” slated for release on . The track, which Del Rey describes as her “favorite song” on the album and “the one I’ve been waiting for,” represents the latest step in a protracted and evolving creative process.
The journey to this album has been anything but straightforward. Initially announced as Lasso in late , the project underwent two title changes – first to The Right Person Will Stay, and finally settling on Stove – along with shifting release dates. Del Rey shared early singles “Henry, Come On” in , followed by “Bluebird” a week later, offering initial hints of a sonic shift.
“White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter” is a particularly meaningful release for Del Rey, as she revealed it was co-produced with Jack Antonoff and Drew Erickson, and that the team “finally found that magical chord that was missing.” The song is also a collaborative effort in a more personal sense, with contributions from her husband, Jeremy Dufrene, her sister Caroline “Chuck” Grant, and brother-in-law Jason Pickens. Del Rey emphasized the collaborative spirit, noting that the track incorporates “so many bits and phrases thrown in by other people.”
The production of the single wasn’t without its challenges. Del Rey shared that the accompanying music video, filmed internally, is still undergoing editing. “It takes hours and hours of editing and downloading and uploading and all that,” she explained, suggesting a meticulous approach to finalizing the visual component.
While a firm release date for Stove remains elusive, Del Rey provided a timeframe tied to the complexities of vinyl production. “Vinyl takes three months, so three months plus two weeks. It could be give or take, a little bit less than that,” she stated, indicating a potential release window sometime in the spring or early summer of . This reliance on vinyl production timelines reflects a broader industry trend, as artists increasingly prioritize the physical format alongside digital distribution.
The evolution of this album from Lasso to The Right Person Will Stay and ultimately Stove mirrors a period of creative exploration for Del Rey. The initial announcement of Lasso signaled a potential dive into country music, a direction she began to explore in when she recorded an entire album of country covers inspired by songs like “Ride” and “Video Games.” She further tested the waters in with covers of “Stand by Your Man,” “Unchained Melody,” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
“Henry, Come On,” the first single released under the The Right Person Will Stay moniker, was described as “the song that the album hinges on,” suggesting its pivotal role in establishing the album’s overall sound and thematic direction. The subsequent shift to Stove and the release of “White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter” indicate a continued refinement of that vision.
Del Rey’s willingness to share updates directly with fans via Instagram Story underscores a growing trend among artists to bypass traditional media channels and engage directly with their audience. This approach allows for a more personal and immediate connection, fostering a sense of intimacy and anticipation around new releases.
The delay and multiple rebrandings of this project haven’t dampened fan enthusiasm. The announcement of “White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter” quickly gained traction online, demonstrating the continued power of Del Rey’s fanbase and their eagerness for new music. The album’s eventual arrival will be a significant moment in her discography, marking a new chapter in her artistic evolution and a further exploration of her evolving relationship with the country music genre.
