Ever since her passionate singles "Video Games" and "Blue Jeans" got Lana Del Rey buzzing this past summer, music journalists have gone to great lengths to try and figure her out—with inconclusive results. Lana popped up with a DIY aesthetic, then surprised everyone when it was revealed that she has the support of a major label machine in Interscope. Some love her because her music is awesome. Some hate her because they feel she's manufactured, Trojan Horse-ing her way into the scene.
You moved from Lake Placid to New York City seven years ago in search of a career in music. Now you have one. How did that happen?
Just going to open-mic nights and things like that. It was mostly in Brooklyn. It was a folk scene. When I was 19, I signed to an independent record label. I was the only act on their roster, and then that record was shelved. After that, I still wanted to sing, but I started focusing on being an active member of my community. It’s only in the last three months that I’ve had any attention.
You really came out of nowhere. Did you have a relationship with anyone at Interscope before your rise in popularity this summer?
No, I had never met anyone in that capacity. I had gone to record labels in London a year and a half ago and showed them my songs, but no one was interested. I hadn’t met any of the people that I’m signed to now. I know lots of people are wondering about the deal. [Laughs.]
Yeah, when I first heard “Video Games” in July, your record label was mentioned.
Well, I wrote that a few months ago with a composer called Justin Parker. I got a publicist a few weeks ago. I signed my deal a few weeks ago. I’ve had a very diligent manager for the last two years. In terms of assistance, I haven’t had a thing, which is OK. It’s nicer to have help.
Well, it’s worked out for you.
Yeah, you’d think so, but there’s definitely a backlash to it that I’m starting to see now. But it’s fine.
Anytime I talk to someone who’s facing backlash, it’s always “Whatever” or “Haters are going to hate.”
I don’t feel that way. I’m not that cool. I feel like I want to fucking kill myself. It’s miserable.
What bothers you about the criticism?
I’m just not interested. Music is secondary to me. I wish I could go back to normal. I’m a really quiet person. I always have been. It’s hard when you see a lot of things written about you. It’s not what I had in mind.
Yeah, there’s a lot of speculation about your lips.
I can tell that’s going to be a fucking problem. I didn’t sign up to be famous, I just wanted to sing. It’s so annoying, but what am I going to do?
Are your lips real?
I haven’t had anything done at all. Anyone who’s known me will tell you that. I’m sorry, but I was living in a trailer park for a few years. I didn’t even have enough money to buy Cocoa Puffs. It’s not like I crawled from under the bridge and got surgery. I’m quite pouty. [Laughs.] That’s just how I look when I sing.
How else has your life changed since your music took off?
It’s just been a lot of moving around, working with a lot of different producers trying to get the sound of the record right. I have like four songs that I think, sonically, are really good. The record’s written, but it’s not produced. I haven’t gotten to fix anything up yet. I’m still living between a million different places. But it’s nice not to be trying to survive on the street. [Laughs.] That’s good. I’m glad that I’m safe and not in any dangerous regions.
Where are these million different places?
I’ve been living in London off-and-on for the last year and a half. I started going over there to work with different producers. I never expected to end up there, but I’ve been spending a lot of time there. I go to Glasgow in Scotland and I go see my friends. That’s really fun, but there’s a lot of other things. My life hasn’t been about music for a long time now. There’s a different side of my life and I don’t really talk about it.
So, you’re 25? That’s what’s mostly out there.
Yeah, I’m 25.
Lana Del Rey's second single, "Blue Jeans." Available October 16, on iTunes.
