Music, Mystery, and the Enigmatic Persona of Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey on Fame, Pain, and Joan Baez: A Candid Interview

The Road Inward

In a recent exclusive interview with MOJO, Lana Del Rey, the laureate of L.A. darkness, opens up about fame, pain, and her connection to folk legend Joan Baez. Del Rey’s latest album, “Chemtrails Over The Country Club,” marks a sunnier chapter in her controversial career. Despite the serenity she has found, wounds still burn and grievances rankle. Del Rey reflects on the perils of fame, the impact of the pandemic on her creative process, and her deep love for music and art.

Del Rey’s journey to fame has been a tumultuous one. Born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant in New York in 1985, Del Rey grew up in Lake Placid. While music was always present in her life, she never saw herself as a future singer. She faced challenges and stigma, with rumors circulating that she came from a wealthy background, which she vehemently denies. Del Rey emphasizes her humble roots, facing financial struggles with her family, and enduring the hardships of being labeled “white trash” during her time in boarding school.

The Long Road to Success

Del Rey’s path to success was not a direct one. She experienced setbacks and false starts before achieving recognition. She recorded music under different names, such as May Jailer and Lana Del Ray AKA Lizzy Grant, before finally finding her artistic identity as Lana Del Rey. It was only when she met her current manager, Ben Mawson, that her career gained momentum. Del Rey moved to London, leaving behind a difficult past, and began writing the songs that would launch her to stardom – “Video Games,” “Born To Die,” “Blue Jeans,” and “Ride.”

Her meteoric rise to fame was marred by tragedy when the news of Amy Winehouse’s death coincided with Del Rey’s first review. The immediate elation turned to sorrow, and Del Rey grappled with the pressures of fame and the scrutiny of the media. Over the years, she has been criticized and misunderstood, but she remains steadfast in her dedication to her music.

The Perils of Fame

In her interview with MOJO, Del Rey delves into the darker side of fame. She discusses the relentless criticism she has faced, especially in the early years of her career. She recalls interviews where she was mercilessly mocked and ridiculed, causing her to deflect questions about her personal life and focus on other topics, such as aerospace travel. Del Rey laments the way mental health was discussed at the time, highlighting the progress society has made in understanding and supporting individuals struggling with their mental well-being.

Del Rey opens up about the challenges of being a female artist in an industry that often overlooks authenticity. She believes she was dismissed and misunderstood, while others were praised for similar expressions of their sexuality. She addresses the controversy surrounding her comments about artists like Beyoncé, Cardi B, and Kehlani, explaining that her intention was never to single them out but to highlight the struggles she faced as an artist.

The Journey Within

For Del Rey, the completion of her latest album, “Chemtrails Over The Country Club,” was both a milestone and a realization. The album delves into themes of freedom, wanderlust, and the value of art. Del Rey acknowledges the influence of folk legends Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell on her music and reveals her deep admiration for their ability to create timeless songs. She covers Mitchell’s “For Free” and Baez’s “Diamonds And Rust” on the album, further solidifying her connection to these iconic artists.

Del Rey’s creative journey has not been without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her plans and separated her from her producer, Jack Antonoff, during the final stages of recording. Nevertheless, she persevered and poured her emotions and experiences into the album.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Del Rey expresses hope and a sense of something brewing within her. She acknowledges that her path to serenity is ongoing, but she remains committed to her art and to staying true to herself. Reflecting on her early days as a waitress and dreaming of what was to come, Del Rey finds solace in her writing and her ability to navigate the complexities of life. She hopes for a more peaceful awakening each day, free from the anxieties that fame can bring.

Del Rey concludes by asserting her place in the world of music and her belief that she has played a significant role in shaping the landscape for female singer-songwriters. She acknowledges the challenges that come with her position and the perception that she has been discredited in the past. However, she remains resolute in her authenticity and her commitment to speaking her truth.

In the end, Lana Del Rey’s journey is one of resilience, introspection, and unwavering dedication to her craft. Through fame’s perils and personal struggles, she continues to create music that resonates with her audience, cementing her status as a unique and enigmatic artist in the music industry.

This article originally appeared in MOJO 329.