Karen O has built her career as an unpredictable force. From the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ explosive garage-rock beginnings to her eclectic solo ventures, she’s never taken the safe route. On Lux Prima, a collaboration with the ever-mysterious Danger Mouse, Karen O leans into lush soundscapes, 60s-inspired beats, and immersive storytelling.
“It was a small operation that ended up sounding huge,” she says of the record. “We were like two kids tinkering in a studio, just exploring and playing. Neither of us are traditional musicians, so we just followed our instincts.”
Danger Mouse’s cinematic influence is palpable throughout Lux Prima, which Karen describes as a “reverse soundtrack,” conjuring a film that doesn’t yet exist. Lead tracks like the expansive title song and the moody “Drown” feel like portals into another world. “Brian [Danger Mouse] was incredible at creating these textures,” she says. “The vocal effect on ‘Drown’ was his idea—it sounds like I’m underwater. It’s trippy as hell.”
Karen is no stranger to cinematic collaborations, having recently covered the Smashing Pumpkins’ “Bullet with Butterfly Wings” for the Amazon series Hanna. “They asked me to record it during Christmas week,” she laughs. “It was such an intense song to tackle, but hearing that Billy Corgan gave his blessing was surreal.”
Thematically, Lux Prima carries a strong undercurrent of feminine energy—a deliberate focus for Karen, who became a mother before embarking on the project. “I’ve grown a lot as an artist and a woman,” she says. “When I was younger, my impulses were raw and unfiltered. Now, I’m more intentional. This record is about strength and unity—it’s about celebrating women in a way that feels empowering.”
The record’s standout single, “Woman,” encapsulates this ethos. With its Phil Spector-inspired beat and anthemic message, it’s a song that feels both timeless and immediate. “I could have written ‘Woman’ at any point in my career,” she says. “It’s how I’ve always felt about celebrating the strength of women.”
Taking Lux Prima beyond the album, Karen and Danger Mouse created a one-of-a-kind art installation at the Marciano Art Foundation in Los Angeles. “It’s like a sound bath,” Karen explains. “You’re surrounded by speakers in a fully immersive environment. We mixed the music in this quadrophonic, deluxe sound, and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”
While Lux Prima marks an exciting chapter in Karen O’s solo journey, fans are still eager to know what’s next for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. “I haven’t given it much thought,” she admits. “The band feels like family—it’s a part of my DNA. When the time feels right, we’ll know.”
Karen reflects on how the band’s dynamics have evolved over the years: “We started as kids, but now we’re adults with families and other projects. It’s different, but the love and connection are still there.”
As Karen O continues to push boundaries, Lux Prima stands as a testament to her creative versatility and unyielding spirit. Whether she’s redefining the album format or taking listeners on a psychedelic sound journey, she’s always one step ahead.
“I just want to make something rad and new,” she says. “As long as I can keep doing that, I’m happy.”
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