Lana Del Rey - Case Study (Part One)

Star Analysis: Lana Del Rey Case Study Part One

Background Information
Elizabeth Woolridge Grant (Otherwise known as Lana Del Rey) was born of the 21st June 1985 in New York. When Elizabeth was just 15 years old her parents sent her to Kent School to help her assuage her dangerous attachment with alcohol. Elizabeth then graduated from Kent School and became accepted into the State University of New York at Geneseo. However, she made the decision not to go, and instead, went to live with her aunt and uncle in Long Island. Elizabeth spent her time on Long Island working as a waitress and being taught by her uncle how to play the guitar. Not long after learning how to play the guitar, Elizabeth wrote songs and went over the city performing in different nightclubs. When performing in these nightclubs Elizabeth did not go by the name of Lana Del Rey but instead went by the names “Lizzy Grant and the Phenomena” and “Sparkle Jump Rope Queen”.

The Following year Elizabeth was accepted – and decided to attend Fordham University. Elizabeth received a major in philosophy. During these years, due to her own previous problems with alcohol, Elizabeth volunteered at a homeless youth and drug outreach program in addition to painting and rebuilding houses on an Indian reserve site.
Elizabeth gave her first big performance at the Williamsburg Live Song writing Competition. During this competition she met Van Wilson a representative for 5 Point records (a record label). The next year (2007) Elizabeth signed a $10,000 contract with 5 point records even though she was still a senior at Fordham University. However, Elizabeth’s father bought the rights back from her record label because she felt that “nothing was happening” while she was with 5 point records. Elizabeth came up with the stage name “Lana Del Rey” as it reminded her “of the glamour of the seaside” and said “it sounded gorgeous coming off the tip of the tongue.” She was later persuaded by her managers and lawyers to stick with the name Lana Del Rey. I believe this was a great decision as it instantly gave Elizabeth an air of Star quality. The name is so unique, beautiful and glamorous which fits perfectly with her music and persona. Being so unique, it helps Elizabeth stand out as an artist and shows that she has something different to offer the music industry.
After pulling out of five point records, Elizabeth released her first music video on YouTube named “Video games” while being signed with a new record label; Stranger Records.  The video and song quickly became a huge success and put Elizabeth in the sights of Interscope records and Polydor. These record companies knew that they had to have Lana, and so immediately signed a contract with her, beginning work on her second studio album; Born to Die.