Loren Heat returns in 2025 with their most powerful, spellbinding release to date, “Belladonna.” Coming hot on the heels of star-making sets at The Great Escape and BBC Introducing, Loren brings us a sleazy stomping anthem dripping in fearlessness and menace.
The kicky women, the poison lust, the beautiful wreck that can ruin you, that’s the wicked and lovely cocktail chanteuse Leaflitter Bellehomen throws at you in “Belladonna,” produced by the summer breeze gust of unfiltered Chad Rodgers, who must have peered into the tumultuous innards of a romantically embattled heart to sing these dizzyingly divine pop rants.
Embodying the unbothered flamboyance of Lady Gaga, the brazen energy of Dua Lipa, and the ghostly determination of Billie Eilish, Loren doesn’t just flirt with chao. They dance within its flames. From the electricity of the dance break to the brazen lyricism, you don’t so much ask for “Belladonna” but demand it. We caught up with Loren to discuss the toxic allure behind “Belladonna,” what it represents, and what the future holds for pop’s most beguiling new voice.
“Belladonna” feels like a powerful statement piece. What was the core inspiration behind the track?
Loren Heat: Cocky, confident women. That's the god’s honest truth. Shameful admission, but I love a power dynamic, and when a woman is more confident than I and is cocky, I think it instantly creates the dynamic… that and toxic women, but we don't speak about that ahahaha.
You’ve described “Belladonna” as your most potent release yet. What makes this single stand apart from your previous work, like “2009”?
I just think it stands so strong, it's such a fierce, hard-hitting song, and I think it shows off exactly who I am and what to expect from me right from the get-go.
There’s a seductive, fearless energy in this track. How did working with producer Chad Rodgers help bring that vision to life?
His lack of judgment. I could tell that man the most unhinged shit about my life and such, and he just listens and tries to match my energy. I think this song couldn't have come about if Chad hadn't sat and heard me waffle on about pining and lust in the most ludicrous way.
You channel artists like Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, and Billie Eilish. How do their influences show up in “Belladonna” while still keeping your signature northern edge?
You can hear all of them here and there, the darkness and confidence of Billie, the funk and fun of Dua Lipa, and the edge and sexiness of Gaga – they all show up. Keeping it northern, I’d honestly say the way it's straight to the point, like I’m not messing about with telling you exactly how I feel.
The title “Belladonna” itself is intriguing. What does it symbolize to you in the context of the song?
Oh, I love talking about this. "Belladonna," also known as Deadly Nightshade, is a poisonous flower that can cause a reaction even when touched. It's poison changes your nervous system, heart rate, etc., so it's this idea that the person who is ‘Belladonna’ is so beautiful and alluring, but as soon as you interact, that's it, you're gone. You can't even interact with this person without getting a little hurt. But if you decide to consume it, it'll kill you, this person will have you hooked, they'll control how you think and are, they'll speed your heart up, you're a goner, and it's by their hand, you're theirs.
You recently performed at The Great Escape and a BBC Introducing showcase. How have those live experiences shaped your current creative direction?
It’s allowed me to really find myself on stage and also experiment with crowd participation. I love it, I love talking to the crowd and getting them involved. However, arguably, it wasn't until TGE that this happened.
How do you want your listeners to feel when they hear “Belladonna” for the first time?
Taken aback, enticed. There are so many ways I want them to feel, but overall, I want them to feel sexy, it's such a sexy song. Feel confident, feel bold, go out and get what you want, flirt, be a little devil ahahaha, I think it’s fun. I want people to genuinely just feel confident and to have fun.
You’ve been building serious buzz across the blogosphere. How do you stay grounded while your star continues to rise?
I'm not sure, but I think the people around me help because they're brutal and will give me a wobble if I start to lose myself.
What was your favourite moment during the creation or recording process of “Belladonna”?
Hearing that little dance break for the first time, I didn't realise it was being added, so when I heard it, I got so giddy, I got chills. It's so much fun, and then when the song crashes back in… UGH! I loved hearing that.
Can fans expect “Belladonna” to be part of a larger project, maybe an EP or album, or is it a standalone anthem for now?
For now… It’s standalone, but let it be known, I’d love another EP, and I’d kill for the opportunity to make an album, and when I do, I will certainly fight for its place on it.
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