English
Lana del Rey is the latest pop phenomenon. A stunning beauty with a a contralto register voice full of sensuality, along with great lip surgery and the retro style of a movie actress of the 50´s, Lana del Rey comes straight out of an erotic fantasy of detectives and criminals in New York . This young singer was born on June 21 in NYC 26 years ago, and lived her early years in Lake Placid. After she returned to the Big Apple to study at Fordham University, Lana started to sing in clubs and bars in New York, particularly in the “hipster” neighborhood of Williamsburg inBrooklyn. Her voice certainly captivated many and led her to gain popularity and even sign with an independent label of which she was the only artist. Unfortunately, the label disappeared before editing her songs.
Before being Lana del Rey, and the controversial lip operation, Lana used the name Lizzy Grant, and released an EP called “Kill, Kill” in 2008. Since then she outlined her particular style, as well as her videos, a mix of kitsch romantic and unconnected images with her singing in the background and appearing indiscreetly and sensually to the rhythm of the music. It would take four years for Lizzy to become Lana , and captivate the attention of a transnational label, Interscope, which released her first LP, “Born to Die”, on 31 January this year. “Born to Die” is an album that captivates and entertains but leaves us with some doubts, especially at production level, which at times feels reminiscent of the best “femme pop” , but at others lowers the singer into mainstream with electronic beats and arrangements that could be part of an album of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Rihanna. We are sure that Interscope does not intend to lose money with this gem, or at least squeeze her until no more money comes out of her. The most intimate songs on the album are definitely “Video Games”, “Blue Jeans”, “Dark Paradise” and “Million Dollar Man”.
Now its time to sit back and watch carefully what will be of this new pop diva, abducted from indie music scene and the streets of what used to be dangerous Brooklyn. Perhaps the mistake of Lana del Rey is to be so artificially authentic and fragile at the same time, just like a “starlet” of old Hollywood, willing to put her hands into the fire and be burned up by a life of glamor. Perhaps that fragility imposes her main attraction. And you can not sing songs about heartbreaking without breaking your heart in the way.
For more on Lana del Rey visit her official website: http://www.lanadelrey.com/
Alexa Ray
Get apartments in New york and discover its ever-evolving indie music scene. Nobody knows, but maybe in your next visit to this great city, in some small bar or concert, you can listen to that voice that will be the next big thing.
