Lana Del Ray is one of the most unusual and interesting young artists emerging from the NYC scene. Disregarding genre, she mixes elements of pop and avant-garde, complex jazz chords with unexpected electronic flourishes, and narcotic blues with chilling lyrics that sharply contrast with the warm sound of her voice.

Even a casual listener to her new album immediately hears a formidable musical talent with an exquisite, captivating voice. The attentive listener notices much more. Kill Kill opens up a world that feels simultaneously dark but still hopeful, musically polished without losing the simple beauty and elegance of a well-written melody. Lana Del Ray captures a musical vibe that will appeal to fans of Cat Power, Amy Winehouse or Antony and the Johnsons, with colorings and shadings of Billie Holliday and Nina Simone mixed in. She adores Nirvana, The Beach Boys and Elvis Presley and cites them as major influences.

A recent resident of a New Jersey trailer park and long time lover of the great city of New York, Del Ray says about her new album, “Coney Island and America are the touchstones of these songs. I feel at home in Coney Island. I used to go there every day.” The collaboration between producer David Kahne (Paul McCartney, Regina Spektor, Sublime, Fishbone) and Grant succeeded in recreating the carnival organs and arcade sounds reminiscent of the musical experience of Coney Island while still referencing the dark underside that has always fascinated its visitors.

Before settling in New York, Lana Del Ray’s nomadic tendencies had her moving about from state to state and town to town, all the while listening, singing and developing her musical chops. She eventually landed in NYC, and, armed with her considerable talent and eclectic taste, began playing clubs around the city. This is usually a recipe for obscurity, but instead of disappearing into the throngs of pretty faces with pretty voices, she showed up with her guitar and blew the judges away at a songwriting contest, got invited onto some impressive shows with notable headliners The Blow, Mirah and Moby, posted some homemade music videos online and before long, had assembled a following that included everyone from teens on MySpace to major music industry heavyweights.
Lana Del Ray’s emergence from small town USA onto the stages of New York City and the ipods of the music industry may seem like a young girl’s fairy tale, but while you’re being dazzled by that pretty smile and glittering blond hair, remember - it’s her intricate songs and incredible voice that got her where she is now, ready for takeoff.

Lana Del Ray’s debut album is now available on iTunes.