Jump to content

Lady Gaga

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Ipsenaut (talk | contribs) at 10:06, 22 February 2009 (Corrected typo). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Lady Gaga

Stefani Germanotta[8][9][10] (born March 20, 1986),[3] best known by her stage name Lady GaGa, is an American singer-songwriter and musician. She was born in Yonkers, New York and grew up in Manhattan, where she attended private school at Convent of the Sacred Heart and later studied at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. At age 20, she began working for Interscope Records as a songwriter, penning songs for pop acts such as the Pussycat Dolls.[3] She has been influenced by glam rockers such as David Bowie and Queen as well as '80s pop singers such as Madonna and Michael Jackson.

In 2008, GaGa released her debut album, The Fame, which she explained was "about how anyone can feel famous".[2] To date, the album spawned the hit singles "Just Dance" and "Poker Face", the former of which was nominated for a Best Dance Recording Grammy Award.[11]

Early life

GaGa was born in Yonkers, New York to a internet entrepreneur father and a business partner mother, both are Italians.[12][13] As a child, she attended the private Catholic school Convent of the Sacred Heart.[14] Having learned piano by ear at the age of four, GaGa went on to write her first piano ballad at 13 and began performing at open mic nights by the age of 14.[2] At the age of seventeen, GaGa was one of twenty people in the world to have gained early admission to the New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied music.[2] She honed her writing skills by composing essays and analytical papers focusing on topics such as art, religion and socio-policital order.[15]

After moved out of her parent's house,[16] GaGa started hanging out downtown, performing in the Lower East Side club scene with bands Mackin Pulsifer and SGBand. Finding herself surrounded by singers who all wrote the same style of music, she decided to do something fresh and provocative in the rock 'n roll underground: pop music.[17] Her entrepreneur father was shocked when GaGa ran off to the Lower East Side to dabble in drugs and appear in burlesque shows at dive bars with drag queens and go-go dancers. "He couldn't look at me for a few months," she admits of her early experimentation. "I was in leather thongs, so it was hard for him — he just didn't understand."[14]

GaGa got her stage name when the music producer Rob Fusari compared her vocal style to that of Freddie Mercury and took the name 'GaGa' from the Queen song, "Radio Ga-Ga". It was Fusari that helped her to write some of her early hits, including "Disco Heaven", "Dirty Ice Cream" and "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich".[17]

Music career

2007: Career beginnings

File:GagaStarlight.jpg
GaGa and Lady Starlight at their weekly party New York Street Revival and Trash Dance.[18]

GaGa was originally signed to Def Jam when she was 19 years old; it happened after the record executive L. A. Reid heard of her singing down the hallway from his office.[19] However GaGa states Reid never met with her.[19] "I used to wait outside his office for hours, hoping he'd take meetings with me about my songs, but it never happened."[19] Reid dropped GaGa from the label after three months.[19]

She was spotted a couple of years later by the music executive Vincent Herbert and signed to Interscope in January 2008. Impressed by her ear for melody and knack for spotting a great hook, various acts — Akon’s Konvict label, as well as Fergie, Pussycat Dolls, Britney Spears and New Kids on the Block — have hired her as a songwriter.[14] GaGa also sparked the interest of fellow Interscope's Jimmy Iovine early 2007.[19] He offered her a label deal via Streamline/Interscope and partnered her with singer-songwriter Akon.[19]

It was Akon, who, upon hearing her sing a reference vocal for one of his tracks, recognised that GaGa also had vocal talent.[20] He ultimately convinced Jimmy Iovine to sign her to a joint deal with his own label, Kon Live Distribution.[19]

Having initially focused on avant-garde, electronic dance music, GaGa found her musical niche when she began to incorporate pop melodies and the vintage glam-rock of David Bowie and Queen into the mix.[5] "Queen and David Bowie were the key for me...I didn't know what to do until I discovered Bowie and Queen", GaGa says. "When I was playing the New York rock clubs, a lot of record labels thought I was too theatrical. Then, when I auditioned for stage musicals, the producers said I was too pop".[5]

It was through her affiliation with Akon that GaGa started to work on her own new material for her debut album with producer RedOne. Already having a solid selection of electro-glam, David Bowie-esque, Queen inspired songs, GaGa wanted to mix her retro dance beats with urban melodies, a pop chorus and still retain a rock 'n' roll edge. The first song they produced was a mash-up of Mötley Crüe's hit "Girls, Girls, Girls" and AC/DC's "T.N.T.".[17]

During this time, GaGa met the similarly named Lower East Side DJ, go-go dancer and performance artist Lady Starlight, who helped GaGa create her onstage fashions.[21] The pair collaborated on many projects such as "Lady GaGa and The Starlight Revue" – a low-fi tribute to 1970s variety acts which featured GaGa on synth, Starlight spinning beats, choreographed "go-go moves", shiny disco balls, and hairspray lit on fire and sprayed into the audience.[22]

In August 2007, GaGa and The Starlight Revue performed at Lollapalooza, where the Ladies entertained the crowd with their performance art piece. While walking around the concert grounds, GaGa received an indecent exposure citation from a bicycle cop for wearing "hot pants".[23]

2008–present: The Fame

See also: The Fame (album)

By 2008, GaGa had relocated to Los Angeles, working closely with her record label to finalize her debut album The Fame.[17] "The Fame is about how anyone can feel famous", she explains. "Pop culture is art. It doesn’t make you cool to hate pop culture, so I embraced it and you hear it all over The Fame. But, it’s a sharable fame. I want to invite you all to the party. I want people to feel a part of this lifestyle."[2] To this album, GaGa also stated she "married" a lot of different genres – "from Def Leppard drums and handclaps to metal drums on urban tracks".[19]

GaGa started to work with a collective called the "Haus of GaGa", who collaborate with their muse on clothing, stage sets and sounds. "In this industry, you get a lot of stylists and producers thrown at you, but this is my own creative team, modelled on Warhol’s Factory. Everyone is under 26 and we do everything together."[14]

The Fame received mostly positive reviews from critics, according to the music review aggregation of Metacritic, it has received an average score of 72 out of 100.[24] Times Online described the album as "a fantastic mix of Bowie-esque ballads, dramatic, Queen-inspired midtempo numbers and synth-based dance tracks that poke fun at celebrity-chasing rich kids".[14]

The album's lead single, "Just Dance", was released on April 8, 2008 and had reached number one in five countries.[25] One of those countries was the US, where "Just Dance" started to receive radio airplay in October, and hit number one in 2009, becoming GaGa's first US number-one single.[26] GaGa stated that her debut single is about "being totally wasted at a party [...] in that situation we never really want to stop the party so we just dance through it."[4] The second single, "Poker Face", was released on September 29, 2008 and has reached number one in seven countries – two more than the previous single.[27] Meanwhile, on the Billboard Hot 100, "Poker Face" peaked at number 12.[27]

GaGa performing in the New Kids on the Block tour.

The Fame was released in August in Canada, Australia and some European countries, peaking at number one in Canada and seven in Australia.[28][29] Afterward Haus of GaGa turned their focus further upon the US market with GaGa going on her first ever concert tour with fellow Interscope pop group, the reformed New Kids on the Block. GaGa started her stint with New Kids on the Block in Los Angeles on October 8, and continued through the end of November.[30] Collaborating with New Kids on the Block, GaGa is a featured guest on the song "Big Girl Now" from their new album, The Block.[31] On late October, Gaga released The Fame in the US, where it debuted at number 17 on the Billboard 200, with first week sales of 24,000 units,[32] and has thus far peaked at number 14.[33] It also debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Electronic Albums chart.[33]

On December 5, 2008, GaGa was added to the BBC Sound of 2009 longlist, which features the best rising music stars.[34] GaGa also has just been confirmed as the support act for Pussycat Dolls on their Europe and Oceania arena dates in January 2009 until May 2009.[35] The tour starts in Aberdeen, Scotland on January 18, and ends in Perth, Australia on May 30.[35] To celebrate the Season 2 launch of the hit show, Dirty Sexy Money, ABC has created a brand new, exclusive music video of the Gaga's similarly-titled song "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich". Directed by Melina, this pulse-pounding visual treat takes you inside the Darling mansion, where Gaga and friends are holding court.[36]

On January 12, 2009, GaGa announced she would embark on her first headlining tour, The Fame Ball Tour, which is sponsored by Dylan George Jeans.[37] The venture will run throughout the US and Canada.[37] GaGa has promised her fans that they can expect plenty of high drama from her upcoming performances, "I consider what I do to be more of an Andy Warhol concept: pop performance art, multimedia, fashion, technology, video, film. And it's all coming together, and it's going to be traveling museum show."[38]

On December 3, 2008, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences announced the nominees of the 51st Grammy Awards, which took place on February 8, 2009 and was held in the Staples Center. GaGa's "Just Dance" received a nomination for the Best Dance Recording, but lost for Daft Punk's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger".[11] On February 18, 2009, GaGa along with Brandon Flowers of rock band The Killers joined on stage with eletronic dance duo Pet Shop Boys at the 2009 BRIT Awards. Pet Shop Boys performed a medley of their hits when GaGa and Flowers joined for final number, the 1985 hit single "West End Girls".[39]

Other ventures

Philantrophy

On February 20, 2009, Huliq News reported that GaGa donated tickets and a meet and greet for any show on her Fame Ball tour in the US or Canada to raise money for Odyssey Charter School, and elementary school in Los Angeles affected by budget cuts—despite Governor Jim Gibbons of Nevada trying to claim her as an inspiration for educational budget cuts. Gibbons cited GaGa as his inspiration to propose "budget cuts" and "astronomical tuition increases" for higher education.[40] The Nevada Sagebrush reports the governor defended his decision, saying it was influenced by her.

"I heard a song on the radio and it just made so much sense for the times that we are in. "Poker Face" by international pop star, Lady GaGa. It's really catchy with some realistic undertones. I heard a song on the radio and it just made so much sense for the times that we are in."[40]

Bidding began February 17, 2009 on eBay for what is described as "a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet Lady GaGa while positively impacting children's educational needs." The auction, managed by Giving Engine Auction Management, closes February 26, 2009.[40][41]

Fashion

GaGa performing in the 2008 Energy 92.7 Anniversary Blast

GaGa states that she is "very in to fashion" and that it is "everything".[14][42] "When I'm writing music, I'm thinking about the clothes I want to wear on stage. It's all about everything altogether — performance art, pop performance art, fashion. For me, it's everything coming together and being a real story that will bring back the super-fan. I want to bring that back. I want the imagery to be so strong that fans will want to eat and taste and lick every part of us."[42] With Times Online, she stated that her love of fashion came from her mother, who was "always very well kept and beautiful."[13] GaGa has also said she channels Versace in everything she does and considers Donatella Versace as her muse in many ways.[14] "She’s iconic and powerful, yet people throw darts at her. She’s definitely provocative."[14] Melissa Magsaysay of Los Angeles Times reported that GaGa could be Donatella's doppelgänger.[43] Magsaysay stated "her aversion to wearing a top and bottom at the same time...swigging champagne and being fanned by oily men in Speedos [is] very Donatella-esque".[43]

Towards the end of 2008, similarities were made between the fashion sense of GaGa and American singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera—these similarities included styling, hair and make-up.[14] Aguilera later claimed she was "completely unaware of this person" and even "didn't know if it [GaGa] is a man or a woman".[14] Afterward GaGa released a statement where she welcomed the comparisons because the media attention had provided useful publicity.[44] "She's such a huge star and if anything I should send her flowers, because a lot of people in America didn't know who I was until that whole thing happened. It really put me on the map in a way."[45][44] However, she later added that doesn’t just want to be remembered for the "Christina Aguilera scandal" and that nobody can copy her because she can't be copied.[14][44]

Discography

Main article: Lady GaGa discography

Studio Albums

References

  1. ^ Chisling, Matthew (2008-09-08). "The Fame – Overview". Allmusic. Macrovision Corporation. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Bio". LadyGaga.com. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
  3. ^ a b c Jason Birchmeier. "Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved 2009-01-13.
  4. ^ a b Nick Levine (2008-12-31). "Ones To Watch In 2009: Lady GaGa". Digital Spy. Digital Spy.co.uk. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
  5. ^ a b c Adrian Thrills (2009-01-09). "Why the world is going gaga for electro-pop diva Stefani". Daily Mail. Mail Online. Retrieved 2009-01-12.
  6. ^ Powers, Nicole (July 23, 2008). "Lady Gaga :: The Fame". URB. URB.com. Retrieved February 20, 2009.
  7. ^ "Discography - Lady GaGa". Billboard. Billboard.com. Retrieved February 20, 2009.
  8. ^ "Lady GaGa: I don't have time for dating". Now Magazine. February 9, 2009. Retrieved February 20, 2009.
  9. ^ Cohen, Jonathan (January 8, 2009). "Lady GaGa dances to top of U.S. singles chart". Reuters.com. Retrieved 2009-01-27.
  10. ^ Edwards, Mark (January 18, 2009). "Lady Gaga: The Fame". Sunday Times. Retrieved 2009-01-27.
  11. ^ a b "The 51st Annual Grammy Awards Nominations List". The Recording Academy. Retrieved 2009-01-02.
  12. ^ Bronson, Fred (January 8, 2008). "Chart Beat: Lady GaGa, Luis Fonsi, Taylor Swift, 'Purple Rain'". Billboard. Billboard.com. Retrieved February 19, 2009.
  13. ^ a b Warrington, Ruby (February 22, 2009). "Lady Gaga: ready for her close-up". Sunday Times. Times Online. Retrieved February 22, 2009.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Lady GaGa: the future of pop?". Sunday Times. Times Online. 2008-12-14. Retrieved 2009-02-06.
  15. ^ Florino, Rick (2009-01-30). "Interview: Lady GaGa". ARTISTdirect. ARTISTdirect, Inc. Retrieved 2009-02-18.
  16. ^ Webjockey Spiceboyedgar. "Lady Gaga". Riffin'. Retrieved 2009-02-21. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  17. ^ a b c d "Lady GaGa". Contactmusic.com. Retrieved February 20, 2009.
  18. ^ Hobart, Erika (2008-11-18). "Lady GaGa: Some Like it Pop". Seattle Weekly. Retrieved 2009-01-10.
  19. ^ a b c d e f g h Concepcion, Mariel (2008-09-12). "Lady Gaga". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 2009-01-02.
  20. ^ Cowing, Emma (January 20, 2009). "Lady GaGa: Totally Ga-Ga". The Scotsman. Retrieved February 20, 2009.
  21. ^ Marianna Chambard (May 2008). "Lady GaGa interview: Lady Starlight". Bay Area Music bams.cc. Retrieved 2009-02-04. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  22. ^ Lady GaGa. Kia Who’s Next? Exclusive Interview (Critical Eye). Yahoo!. Retrieved 2009-01-03. {{cite AV media}}: Unknown parameter |year2= ignored (help)
  23. ^ D'Souza, Nandini (2007). "Going GaGa for Lady Gaga". W. Retrieved 2009-01-03. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  24. ^ "The Fame". Metacritic. Retrieved 2009-01-09.
  25. ^ "Lady Gaga and Colby O'Donis - Just Dance". aCharts.us. Retrieved 2009-01-07.
  26. ^ "Artist Chart History - Lady GaGa". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
  27. ^ a b "Lady Gaga - Poker Face". aCharts.us. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
  28. ^ John Williams. "Lady GaGa's 'Fame' rises to No. 1". Canadian Online Explorer. Canoe. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  29. ^ "Lady Gaga - The Fame". aCharts.us. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
  30. ^ "International Pop Star Lady Gaga Set to Tour With New Kids on the Block". Reuters. 2008-10-03. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
  31. ^ "Big Girl Now (featuring Lady Gaga)". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2009-12-08.
  32. ^ "AC/DC Fends Off High Debuts To Remain No. 1". Billboard. Nielsen Company. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
  33. ^ a b "Artist Chart History - Lady GaGa". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
  34. ^ "BBC Sound of 2009: Lady GaGa". BBC. 2008-12-05. Retrieved 2009-01-09.
  35. ^ a b "Lady Gaga: Tour & Events". Interscope. Retrieved 2009-12-08.
  36. ^ "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich - Music Video". Apple.com. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2009-12-08.
  37. ^ a b IGA (2009-01-13). ""The Fame Ball" U.S. Tour!". Interscope. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  38. ^ "Lady GaGa Announces Dates For "The Fame Ball" Tour". Universal Music Group. Universal Music. 2009-01-12. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  39. ^ BBC News (February 20, 2009). "Pet Shop Boys to compose ballet". Retrieved 2009-02-20.
  40. ^ a b c Empress (February 20, 2009). "Lady GaGa Auction of Tickets, Meet&Greet Benefits Charter School". Huliq News. Retrieved February 21, 2009.
  41. ^ odysseycharterschool (February 17, 2009). "eBay View About Me for odysseycharterschool". eBay. Retrieved February 21, 2009.
  42. ^ a b Chris Harris (2008-12-09). "Lady GaGa Brings Her Artistic Vision Of Pop Music To New Album -- And A New Kids Song". MTV. MTV.com. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
  43. ^ a b Melissa Magsaysay (2009-01-29). "Is Lady Gaga Donatella Versace's doppelganger?". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2009-01-30.
  44. ^ a b c Daily Mail Reporter (2009-02-03). "So who copied who? Lookalikes Lady GaGa and Christina Aguilera embroiled in style row". Daily Mail. Retrieved 2009-02-06.
  45. ^ "GaGa: I'm thankful for Christina". OK!. 2008-12-31. Retrieved 2009-01-08. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lady GaGa.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lady_Gaga&oldid=272463365"