Lady Gaga - New Applause Cover artwork (+ Artpop)

The new cover artwork for what will be the first single from the new album 'ARTPOP' by Lady Gaga has been released. The poignant image (shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin), sees Gaga's face positioned in between two pieces of white fabric; her face decorated with a mix of aqua, blue, yellow and turquoise paints. The song is set to be released on iTunes on the 19th August and subsequently will be the first day fans will be album to pre-order the ARTPOP album. This will set Gaga up nicely for her appearance on the 2013 MTV Music & Video Awards (VMA's) on August the 25th, where she will perform the new single. This will no doubt be a highlight of the evening and I'm sure eager eyed fans will not want to miss what is without a doubt going to be quite a spectacle. 

The upcoming single is said to reflect a more vulnerable side of Gaga which will please her fans who have yet to see this side of her. Following on from this, she has described this new venture as 'something more human, something more honest', however, the song itself (which was co wrote with DJ White Shadow) isn't sombre, in fact Gaga states that the song is 'full of happiness' and touches upon the idea of 'living for the applause' and the effect her fans, music and performing have on her. This is no more apparent in a statement where she cited her upcoming album as a fusion of 'electronic passion and fury' which 'mirrors Gaga's creative process'. Whether you're a fan of her past work or not, Gaga is most certainly back and it's sure to be an unmissable ride. I for one, am excited to see what Gaga and ARTPOP has in store for us over the next few months.