From hidden tracks to global hits: the evolution of LP
In short: Before becoming a household name for the haunting anthem "Lost on You," LP was a hidden gem in 1990s indie rock. Their journey from a Brooklyn songwriter to a multi-platinum collaborator with icons like Rihanna reveals a masterclass in artistic persistence and identity.
LP's professional trajectory began far from the spotlight. In 1998, David Lowery of the band Cracker featured them on "Cinderella," a hidden track on the album Gentleman's Blues. This early exposure led to their debut album, Heart-Shaped Scar, in 2001. Despite touring and positive reviews for their second effort, Suburban Sprawl & Alcohol (2004), they struggled for widespread recognition until a pivotal moment at the South by Southwest conference in 2006 sparked a major label bidding war.
The path to success was non-linear. After leaving a contract with The Island Def Jam Music Group due to artistic differences, LP signed with independent SoBe Entertainment in 2007. This period served as a prolific songwriting era; they contributed to the Backstreet Boys' album Unbreakable and began writing for pop heavyweights like Heidi Montag and Rihanna. By 2010, their breakthrough arrived as co-writers for "Cheers (Drink to That)" on Rihanna's Loud and "Beautiful People" performed by Christina Aguilera.
LP eventually secured a major deal with Warner Bros. Records in 2011, leading to the live EP Into the Wild: Live at EastWest Studios and their first major-label album in 2012. They became the first female Martin Guitar ambassador that same year. Their commercial peak followed in late 2015 with the release of "Lost on You," a song written following a breakup with actress Tamzin Brown, which achieved significant success both as a single and through various media placements.
Beyond the music, LP's identity is central to their narrative. While they identify as gender-neutral and transitioned to they/them pronouns in 2021, they have also expressed comfort being viewed as a lesbian woman. Their personal life has been public, including relationships with Lauren Ruth Ward and Julieta Grajales. Today, they continue to balance high-profile fashion appearances, such as at Paris Fashion Week, with a career defined by diverse collaborations and independent artistic integrity.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: LP (singer)
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