| Lana Del Rey |
Del Rey at a promotional event in Seattle |
| Background information |
| Birth name |
Elizabeth Woolridge Grant |
| Also known as |
Lizzy Grant
Lana Rey Del Mar
May Jailer |
| Born |
(1986-06-21) June 21, 1986 (age 26)[1]
New York City, New York, United States |
| Origin |
Lake Placid, New York, United States |
| Genres |
Indie pop,[2] adult alternative,[2] chamber pop,[3] sadcore[4] |
| Occupations |
Singer-songwriter, fashion model |
| Instruments |
Vocals, guitar[5] |
| Years active |
2007–present |
| Labels |
Interscope, Polydor, Stranger |
| Website |
lanadelrey.com |
Elizabeth Woolridge Grant[6] (born June 21, 1986), better known by her stage name Lana Del Rey, is an American singer-songwriter. Raised in upstate New York, Del Rey moved to New York City at age eighteen, where she attended college and began writing music and performing in clubs.
In 2008, Del Rey contracted with an independent label and recorded a self-titled debut album which was briefly available on iTunes in 2010; Del Rey ultimately bought back the rights to the album and it was withdrawn soon after.
In June 2011, she released the song "Video Games" on the Internet, accompanied by a self-made music video that went viral in the following months. The song was later released as a single in October, leading up to Del Rey's major-label debut album, Born to Die, which was released on January 31, 2012 through Interscope Records. Born to Die debuted at number one in seven countries, including the United Kingdom[7] and Australia. The album has spawned two worldwide top 10 hits: "Video Games" and "Born to Die".
Del Rey's music has been noted for its cinematic sound and its references to various aspects of pop culture, particularly that of 1950s and '60s Americana.[8] Del Rey has been described as a "self-styled gangsta Nancy Sinatra",[9] and cites Britney Spears,[10][11][12] Eminem,[13][10] and Antony and the Johnsons amongst her musical influences.[10]
Del Rey was born Elizabeth Grant in New York City and grew up in Lake Placid, New York.[14][15] When she was 14, she attended Kent School, a boarding school in Connecticut.[16][17] She has Scottish ancestry, and is the daughter of domain investor Rob Grant, who supported her in her early career as a singer.[18][19][20][21] Del Rey attended Fordham University in New York City, studying philosophy.[22]
At age 18, her uncle taught her how to play guitar, beginning with basic chords: "It was G, C, A, D minor, A minor and some diminished chord as well. Some trick, some shortcut," Del Rey recalled. "I realized I could probably write a million songs with those six chords, so I moved to New York and I took a couple of years to just write whatever I wanted."[5] She began performing in clubs while living in the city.
Her stage name was discussed in a Vogue interview, in which she said, "I wanted a name I could shape the music towards [...] I was going to Miami quite a lot at the time, speaking a lot of Spanish with my friends from Cuba – Lana Del Rey reminded us of the glamour of the seaside. It sounded gorgeous coming off the tip of the tongue."[23] The name is reportedly an amalgam of the actress Lana Turner, and the 1980's automobile Ford Del Rey. [24]
"I wanted to be part of a high-class scene of musicians. It was half-inspired because I didn't have many friends, and I was hoping that I would meet people and fall in love and start a community around me, the way they used to do in the '60s."[25]
Del Rey first released a three-track EP titled Kill Kill in October 2008 under the name Lizzy Grant, featuring the tracks "Kill Kill", "Yayo" and "Gramma (Blue Ribbon Sparkler Trailer Heaven)".[26]
[edit] 2010: Lana Del Ray A.K.A. Lizzy Grant
Del Rey later released her first full-length studio album titled Lana Del Ray A.K.A. Lizzy Grant [sic] in January 2010.[27] It was the singer's first professionally produced album, released under Lizzy Grant on an independent label with producer David Kahne.[28] Del Rey stated that "David asked to work with me only a day after he got my demo. He is known as a producer with a lot of integrity and who had an interest in making music that wasn't just pop."[29] Her father, Robert Grant, helped with the marketing of the album,[30] which was available for purchase on iTunes for a brief period before being withdrawn. According to David Kahne, who produced Grant, Grant bought the rights back from her label, 5 Points, as she wanted it out of circulation to "…stifle future opportunities to distribute it – an echo of rumors that the action was part of a calculated strategy."[31]
[edit] 2011–present: Born to Die
Later in June 2011, Del Rey was signed with Stranger Records,[32] to release her debut single "Video Games";[32] in October 2011, she signed a joint deal with Interscope Records and Polydor.[5][33][34][35] In October 2011, she won the Q award for "Next Big Thing". Del Rey's song "Video Games" was featured for the first time on The CW's TV-Series Ringer on September 27, 2011.[36] Del Rey also promoted the album in a number of live appearances, including a show at the Bowery Ballroom, where, according to Eliot Glazer of New York, "the polarizing indie hipstress brought her 'gangsta Nancy Sinatra' swagu."[37] Rolling Stone commented that, despite Del Rey being nervous and anxious while performing her songs live, she "sang with considerable confidence", although they noted that "her transitions ...could be rather jarring."[38] Del Rey also performed "Video Games" on Dutch television program De Wereld Draait Door,[39] on British music television show Later... with Jools Holland,[40] and on an intimate show at Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, California.[41]
Born to Die was released on January 27, 2012 in Ireland,[42] January 30, 2012, in the UK, and on January 31, 2012 worldwide.[43]
Del Rey performed two songs on Saturday Night Live on January 14, 2012 to a warm reception from the audience, but mixed reviews from critics and the general public. NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams called Del Rey's performance "one of the worst outings in SNL history". Del Rey's performance was defended by the evening's program guest host, actor Daniel Radcliffe, despite not having seen her performance.[44] He said in part: "It was unfortunate that people seemed to turn on her so quickly [...] I don't think [the performance] warranted anywhere near that reaction." Del Rey had earlier defended her spot on the program, saying: "I'm a good musician [...] I have been singing for a long time, and I think that [SNL creator] Lorne Michaels knows that [...] it's not a fluke decision."[45] On February 4, 2012, Kristen Wiig appeared on the Weekend Update segment on Saturday Night Live parodying Del Rey and poking fun at the backlash.
The second single and title track "Born to Die" was released on December 3, 2011.[46] The music video for it leaked on December 14, 2011,[47] and was based on a concept created by the singer, while being directed by Yoann Lemoine.[48]
In January 2012, Del Rey revealed that she recently bought back the rights to her 2010 album Lana Del Ray A.K.A. Lizzy Grant and will re-release it in the summer of 2012 under Interscope Records and Polydor.[49] Contrary to Grant's press statement, her previous label (5 Point Records), and producer David Kahne have both stated that she bought the rights to the album when she and the label parted company, due to the offer of a new deal, in April 2010.[50][51] On January 4, 2012, it was reported she had signed a deal with NEXT Model Management agency.[52] In May 2012, Del Rey confirmed the song "National Anthem" as the fourth single from her album Born to Die. [54] On May 30th, 2012, Del Rey's supposed debut album "Sirens" was leaked online under the name "May Jailer". The 15 track album includes the previously leaked song "A Star for Nick."
Music
She has been described as a "self-styled gangsta Nancy Sinatra",[9] Del Rey is known to write and produce most of her own material and covers genres from Hip-Hop and Indie. Having first been discovered from posting viral videos of herself singing on the internet she quickly grew a significant fan base. She has been noted for using her allure to the celebrity lifestyle as an inspiration in itself, whilst at the same time maintaining an aura of mystique, this has reflected in the melodies and vocals she produces. Her sound as well as her videography has been described as eccentric, over the top and at times wild. However Noah Levy, senior news editor at In Touch Weekly magazine noted that her dedication and talent is undeniable, quoted as saying "I think she cares about the art that she is creating. I don't think that is fake at all."[55]
Voice
Del Rey possesses a wide[56] contralto vocal range,[57][58][59][60] which has been described as unique, captivating and highly emotive,[60] being able to transcend from sounding high and girlish in her timbre, down to a low and jazzy sound with great ease, although both these areas of the voice can be conflicting in their sound and polarise opinion.[57]
When recording in the studio Del Rey is known for vocal multi layering, double tracking and overlays which has it has been noted is difficult for her to replicate within a live setting, especially with the lack of backing singers to fill out the original vocal style.[59].
Influences
Del Rey cites Britney Spears,[11][12] Elvis Presley, Antony and the Johnsons, Frank Sinatra [13] and Eminem amongst her musical influences. "[I really] just like the masters of every genre", she told BBC journalist Jo Whiley.[61]
- ^ "Interview: Lana Del Rey Talks Backlash, Plastic Surgery, and New Album". Complex. 2011-10. http://www.complex.com/music/2011/10/interview-lana-del-rey-talks-plastic-surgery-internet-backlash-and-new-album. Retrieved 2011-10-28.
- ^ a b "Lana Del Rey". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/lana-del-rey-p2487752. Retrieved January 27, 2012.
- ^ "Lana Del Rey: Born To Die". http://spectrumculture.com/2012/01/lana-del-rey-born-to-die.html/. ""“Video Games” and “Blue Jeans.” “Dark Paradise” hammers home the dark chamber-pop atmospherics""
- ^ Simon Price (2012-01-29). "Album: Lana Del Rey, Born to Die (Interscope) – Reviews – Music". London: The Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-lana-del-rey-born-to-die-interscope-6296383.html. Retrieved 2012-03-29.
- ^ a b c Savage, Mark (January 26, 2012). "Love, the law, and Lana Del Rey". BBC News. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16729651.
- ^ "College Yearbook". Yearbook. http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz3nzreECv1qewljyo1_500.jpg. Retrieved 25 January 2012.
- ^ Jones, Alan (2012-02-06). "Official Chart Analysis: Lana Del Rey album sells 117k, 43% digital". Music Week. http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1048405&c=1. Retrieved 2012-03-29.
- ^ Frere-Jones, Sasha (6 February 2012). "Lana Del Rey's Image on "Born to Die"". The New Yorker. http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/musical/2012/02/06/120206crmu_music_frerejones?currentPage=all. Retrieved 2012-04-17.
- ^ a b Lester, Paul (May 13, 2011). "New band of the day – No 1,022: Lana Del Rey". The Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/may/13/new-band-lana-del-ray.
- ^ a b c Michelson, Noah (August 8, 2011). "Look: Lana Del Rey's "Video Games"". Out. Joe Landry. http://www.out.com/entertainment/popnography/2011/08/first-look-lana-del-reys-video-games.html. Retrieved December 22, 2011.
- ^ a b Kaufman, Gil (2012-02-02). "Lana Del Rey 'Compelled' By Britney Spears". MTV. MTV Networks. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1678375/lana-del-rey-britney-spears.jhtml. Retrieved 2012-02-24.
- ^ a b Anitai, Tamar (2012-01-11). "Lana Del Rey Visits MTV, Talks Britney & Bruce, We All Collectively Fall In Love Even Harder (PHOTO)". MTV. MTV Networks. http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2012/01/11/lana-del-rey-mtv-britney-spears-bruce-springsteenphoto/. Retrieved 2012-02-24.
- ^ a b Sciarretto, Amy (2012-02-01). "‘I F—-ing Love Eminem’". popcrush. http://popcrush.com/lana-del-rey-love-eminem/.
- ^ "Introducing… Lana Del Rey". The Prophet Blog. 2011-07-04. http://www.theprophetblog.net/introducing-lana-del-rey. Retrieved 2011-09-27.
- ^ Dombal, Ryan (2011-08-30). "Rising: Lana Del Rey | Features". Pitchfork. http://pitchfork.com/features/rising/8657-lana-del-rey/. Retrieved 2011-09-27.
- ^ Cohen, Stefanie (January 22, 2012). "Who is Lana Del Rey and how did she become a sensation? Depends on who you ask.". NY Post. http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/music/rey_of_slight_LPAfmot5wzhGC2c1grSzZK/1. Retrieved 25 January 2012.
- ^ Swash, Rosie (Sunday 4 September 201). "One to watch: Lana Del Rey". The Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/sep/04/one-to-watch-lana-del-rey. Retrieved 29 October 2011.
- ^ "Rob Grant.com". Rob Grant.com. http://robgrant.com/. Retrieved 2012-01-22.
- ^ "The Domain Giant You Didn’t Know". april 2008. http://www.dnjournal.com/cover/2008/april-original.htm. Retrieved 15 November 2011.
- ^ "Hypnotic New Album from Domainer's Daughter Lana Del Rey (AKA Lizzy Grant) Now Available on iTunes". Dnjournal.com. 2011-09-10. http://www.dnjournal.com/archive/lowdown/2010/dailyposts/20100105.htm. Retrieved 2011-09-27.
- ^ Dombal, Ryan. "Rising: Lana Del Rey". Pitchfork. http://pitchfork.com/features/rising/8657-lana-del-rey/. Retrieved 25 January 2012.
- ^ Ritchie, Kevin. "Lana del Rey – Charisma, sensuous sounds and a viral video make the New York singer songwriter 2011’s hottest rising star". Now. Now Communications. http://www.nowtoronto.com/music/story.cfm?content=183939.
- ^ "Meet Lana Del Rey". Vogue Magazine. http://www.vogue.co.uk/blogs/the-culture-edit/2011/10/20/lana-del-rey-interview. Retrieved 25 January 2012.
- ^ "Ready for her close-up: Lana Del Rey". http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/beauty/news-features/TMG9254979/Ready-For-Her-Close-Up-Lana-Del-Rey.html. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
- ^ Simpson, Leah. "Lana Del Rey – hoped music industry would make her more friends". Digitalspy. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a362711/lana-del-rey-hoped-music-industry-would-make-her-more-friends.html.
- ^ "Kill Kill: Lizzy Grant: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/Kill/dp/B001L2AQW8. Retrieved 2012-01-22.
- ^ "Jessica Collier,: Interview: Lizzy Grant aka. Lana Del Rey releases EP". adirondack daily enterprise.com. January 28, 2010. http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/510931.html?nav=5050. Retrieved September 27, 2011.
- ^ "Lizzy Grant aka. Lana Del Rey releases album". http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/510931.html?nav=5050. Retrieved 2011-09-27.
- ^ "Original Sin: An Interview With Lana Del Rey". The Quietus. October 4, 2011. http://thequietus.com/articles/07106-lana-del-rey-interview. Retrieved December 3, 2011.
- ^ "Jessica Collier,: Interview: Lizzy Grant aka. Lana Del Rey releases EP". adirondack daily enterprise.com. January 28, 2010. http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/510931.html?nav=5050. Retrieved September 27, 2011.
- ^ "lana-del-rey-the-billboard-cover-story". January 13, 2012. http://www.billboard.com/features/lana-del-rey-the-billboard-cover-story-1005869152.story#/features/lana-del-rey-the-billboard-cover-story-1005869152.story. Retrieved January 25, 2012.
- ^ a b "Lana Del Rey signs to Stranger!". Stranger Records. June 30, 2011. http://strangerrecords.com/#section_01news_2011-06-30-lana_signed_to_stranger. Retrieved December 23, 2011.
- ^ Horowitz, Steven J.. "Lana Del Rey: The Billboard Cover Story". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/features/lana-del-rey-the-billboard-cover-story-1005869152.story#/features/lana-del-rey-the-billboard-cover-story-1005869152.story?page=2.
- ^ Halperin, Shirley (December 5, 2011). "Lana Del Rey to Release Interscope Debut January 2012". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. http://www.billboard.com/news/lana-del-rey-to-release-interscope-debut-1005609352.story. Retrieved December 23, 2011.
- ^ Swash, Rosie (September 4, 2011). "One to watch: Lana Del Rey". The Observer (London: Guardian News and Media). http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/sep/04/one-to-watch-lana-del-rey. Retrieved December 20, 2011.
- ^ "Lana Del Rey's 'Video Games' lands a prime spot on CW's 'Ringer' – Is she officially mainstream now?". Entertainment Weekly. 2011-09-28. http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/09/28/lana-del-rey-video-games-ringer/. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
- ^ Glazer, Eliot (December 6, 2011). "Watch Lana Del Rey Perform ‘Video Games’ Live at Bowery Ballroom". New York. New York Media, LLC. http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/12/lana-del-rey-performs-video-games-bowery-ballroom.html. Retrieved December 20, 2011.
- ^ Perpetua, Matthew (December 6, 2011). "Lana Del Rey Tries to Live Up to Her Glamorous Image at New York Show". Rolling Stone. Jann Wenner. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lana-del-rey-tries-to-live-up-to-her-glamorous-image-at-nyc-show-20111206. Retrieved December 20, 2011.
- ^ Idolator Staff (November 12, 2011). "Lana Del Rey Sings "Video Games" On Amsterdam’s ‘DWDD’". Idolator. http://idolator.com/6075912/lana-del-rey-sings-video-games-on-amsterdams-dwdd. Retrieved December 20, 2011.
- ^ Phillips, Amy (October 11, 2011). "Watch Lana Del Rey Perform "Video Games" on "Later With Jools Holland"". Pitchfork Media. http://pitchfork.com/news/44276-watch-lana-del-rey-perform-video-games-on-later-with-jools-holland/. Retrieved December 20, 2011.
- ^ "Lana Del Rey explains significance of 'Video Games' location Chateau Marmont". NME. December 13, 2011. http://www.nme.com/news/lana-del-rey/60960. Retrieved December 20, 2011.
- ^ "Born to Die by Lana Del Rey". iTunes Store. January 27, 2012. http://itunes.apple.com/ie/preorder/id487418281. Retrieved December 23, 2011.
- ^ Phillips, Amy. "New Lana Del Rey: "Born to Die"". Pitchfork Media. http://pitchfork.com/news/44795-new-lana-del-rey-born-to-die/. Retrieved December 7, 2011.
- ^ "Daniel Radcliffe: 'I didn't actually see Lana Del Rey's 'Saturday Night Live' performance' | News". Nme.Com. 2012-02-11. http://www.nme.com/news/lana-del-rey/61979. Retrieved 2012-03-29.
- ^ Posted 1/12/12 (2012-01-17). "Lana Del Rey's 'SNL' Performance Has Critics Howling – Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677389/lana-del-rey-snl.jhtml. Retrieved 2012-01-22.
- ^ "iTunes – Música – Born to Die – Single de Lana Del Rey". Itunes.apple.com. 2011-12-30. http://itunes.apple.com/br/album/born-to-die-single/id488596862. Retrieved 2012-03-29.
- ^ "Lana Del Rey's blood splattered 'Born To Die' video leaks online". NME. December 14, 2011. http://www.nme.com/news/lana-del-rey/60990. Retrieved December 16, 2011.
- ^ Murray, Robin (December 15, 2011). "Lana Del Rey – Born to Die: Official Video Drops". Clash Music. http://www.clashmusic.com/news/watch-lana-del-rey-born-to-die. Retrieved December 16, 2011.
- ^ "Lana Del Rey to release 'secret album'". BBC. January 27, 2012. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16729651. Retrieved 2012-01-27.
- ^ "Why Lana Del Rey's First Album Disappeared". MTV. http://read.mtvhive.com/2012/01/30/lana-del-rey-first-album-5-points-records-interview. Retrieved February 27, 20122.
- ^ "Why Lana Del Rey cover story". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/features/lana-del-rey-the-billboard-cover-story-1005869152.story#/features/lana-del-rey-the-billboard-cover-story-1005869152.story. Retrieved February 27, 2012.
- ^ "Lana Del Rey signs deal with Next Model Management agency". NME. January 4, 2012. http://www.nme.com/news/lana-del-rey/61249. Retrieved January 27, 2012.
- ^ "Lana Del Rey". http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a381139/lana-del-rey-confirms-new-single-national-anthem.
- ^ Harris, Paul (21 January 2012). "Lana Del Rey: The strange story of the star who rewrote her past". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/jan/21/lana-del-rey-pop. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
- ^ Cinquemani, Sal (25 January 2012). "Lana Del Rey Born To Die Review". Slant Magazine. http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/lana-del-rey-born-to-die/2720. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
- ^ a b Da Silva, Tom (18 February 2012). "Born to Try, but Sometimes Trying isn’t Good Enough". TheMike. http://www.readthemike.com/2012/02/18/born-to-try-but-sometimes-trying-isnt-good-enough/. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
- ^ Ethridge, Alexandria (31 January 2012). "Critics torn over Lana Del Ray's 'Born to Die'". Washington Square News. http://nyunews.com/arts/2012/01/31/31lana/. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
- ^ a b "Lana Del Rey Redeems Herself By Performing Entire LP Live". That Grape Juice. 22 April 2012. http://thatgrapejuice.net/2012/04/watch-lana-del-rey-redeems-performing-entire-lp-live/. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
- ^ a b Oei, Melody (23 February 2012). "Lana Del Rey – Born To Die, Review". MSN.com. http://entertainment.malaysia.msn.com/music/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5919180. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
- ^ Interview with Lana Del Rey by Jo Whiley. BBC Radio 2 (2 February 2012). [1]
- ^ "Arctic Monkeys, Noel Gallagher, The Vaccines, Lana Del Rey nominated for NME Awards 2012". nme.com. 30 January 2012. http://www.nme.com/news/arctic-monkeys/61733. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
- ^ Lane, Dan. "Lana Del Rey, Adele and Nero nominated for 2012 Ivor Novello Awards". The Official UK Charts Company. http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/lana-del-rey-adele-and-nero-nominated-for-2012-ivor-novello-awards-1346/. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
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Lana Del Rey
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| Persondata |
| Name |
Del Rey, Lana |
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American musician |
| Date of birth |
June 21, 1986 |
| Place of birth |
New York, United States |
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