Lana Del Rey, the enigmatic and alluring musician known for her retro sound and mysterious persona, has captivated audiences worldwide. While many are familiar with her music, there are still some intriguing details about Del Rey that may surprise you. Here are five things you need to know about Lana Del Rey.
1. She was almost not called Lana Del Rey
Contrary to popular belief, Lana Del Rey’s real name is Lizzy Grant. However, she chose to adopt the stage name Lana Del Rey to accompany her music. Before settling on Lana Del Rey, she considered other names such as Sparkle Jump Rope Queen and May Jailer.
2. She studied metaphysics in college
Not only is Lana Del Rey a talented artist, but she also has an intellectual side. Del Rey pursued metaphysics during her time at Fordham University in New York. She was particularly interested in the intersection of technology and spirituality, delving into questions about the origins of humanity and the search for meaning.
3. She released an album under a different moniker
Before gaining fame as Lana Del Rey, she released an album titled Sirens under the moniker May Jailer. Although the album leaked online while Del Rey was promoting her breakthrough record Born to Die, it remains an important milestone as her first full-length album.
4. She has meaningful tattoos
Lana Del Rey is no stranger to body art, but her tattoos hold personal significance. One of her most sentimental tattoos is a cursive letter M on her hand, dedicated to her grandmother, Madeleine. Additionally, she has the words Paradise and Trust no one inked on her hands, reflecting her profound and introspective nature.
5. Her songs are inspired by her dark side
Lana Del Rey’s music often exudes a melancholic and introspective tone, earning her the reputation as a leading figure in the sadcore pop genre. Del Rey attributes her somber lyrics to her own dark side. She once shared in an interview with GQ that indulging in this dark side can be alluring initially but ultimately leads to a different way of life, one that she describes as a horrific experience.
Lana Del Rey has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the music industry with her unique blend of vintage-inspired sound and enigmatic persona. Her exploration of themes like darkness, spirituality, and personal transformation continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As we delve deeper into her music, let’s appreciate the intriguing layers that make Lana Del Rey so enigmatic and fascinating.