When I was 17 my days were torn between fretting over A levels; shamelessly trying to get into pubs; and counting down the days until I turned 18, and could therefore officially be classed as an adult. But for New Zealand born pop starlet Lorde, the 17th year of her existence has seen her scoop not one but two gold trophies at the 56th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, making the world promptly sit up and take notice of the talented teen.
Ella Maria Lani Yelich-O’Connor, better known as Lorde, was born and raised in Devonport, Auckland, and signed to Universal at the tender age of 13. Influenced by the eclectic sounds of Fleetwood Mac, Etta James, and The Smiths, and encouraged to put pen to paper by poet mother Sonja Yelich, she began working with influential songwriters just a year later. Lorde was on her way.
The name Lorde stemmed from the singers deep rooted fascination for aristocracy and all things royal.
In March last year, Lorde released her first EP ‘The Love Club’ alongside debut single Royals, which saw her hit the top spot on both the New Zealand album and singles chart, respectively. By August, Royals had reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for an incredible nine consecutive weeks, making her the first New Zealander solo act to top the acclaimed US chart. Lorde had arrived!
So now two weeks post Grammy’s, whats next for the charismatic Kiwi, with her enviable curls and undeniable raw talent? With youth firmly on her side, it seems that the world is well and truly her oyster. I just hope that fame and all the undesirable connotations that follow in its wake don’t distract Lorde from doing what she so clearly does best. It is rare to see such unabated originality in someone so young and in my eyes she is exactly what the music industry has been crying out for. Take that crown and own it Lorde, you deserve it, just don’t lose yourself in the limelight.
By Jenna Jones