In the ever-evolving landscape of pop music, new talents emerge like shooting stars, and one such luminary is Bella Latham, better known as Baby Queen. With her unique blend of introspective lyrics, catchy melodies, and unapologetic authenticity, Baby Queen has carved out a niche for herself in the music industry. Over the past few years, she has captivated audiences and critics alike, leaving an indelible mark on the world of pop. Let's take a closer look at her journey from a South African teenager with demo CDs to a promising pop sensation.
Baby Queen's musical journey began at a young age when she discovered her songwriting abilities at just 11 or 12. Hailing from South Africa, she arrived in London in 2015 armed with approximately 40 demo CDs filled with songs she had penned during her teenage years. This initial effort laid the foundation for what would become a promising career in music.
in 2017, following a breakup, Baby Queen channeled her emotions into her music. The result was "Raw Thoughts," the first song penned for the Baby Queen project. This emotionally charged track not only showcased her songwriting prowess but also served as a cathartic outlet for her personal experiences.
The year 2020 brought a global pandemic that changed the world as we knew it. As lockdowns became the new normal, Baby Queen faced challenges like many artists. However, instead of succumbing to the circumstances, she used the time to her advantage. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, she left her job at Rough Trade and signed with Polydor Records, a pivotal moment in her career.
On November 11, 2020, Baby Queen released her debut EP, "Medicine," marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. The EP featured a collection of tracks that showcased her ability to blend poignant lyrics with infectious pop melodies. Notable tracks included "Buzzkill," "Pretty Girl Lie," "Want Me," and "Online Dating."
What set "Medicine" apart was the unique circumstances of its production. Due to lockdown restrictions, much of the EP's creation happened remotely. Baby Queen co-wrote "Pretty Girl Lie" with her producer over Zoom in 2020, a testament to her adaptability and creativity during challenging times.
Each track from "Medicine" was accompanied by both an official music video and a lyric video, engaging fans visually and emotionally. Baby Queen's connection with her fans, affectionately known as the "Baby Kingdom," became evident as she shared her music and experiences.
During the promotion of "Medicine," Baby Queen also treated her fans to covers of songs by artists like The Magnetic Fields, Taylor Swift, and Phoebe Bridgers on her YouTube channel. Additionally, she released a cover of the classic Christmas carol "Santa Baby" in December 2020, adding her own unique twist to the holiday season.
In September 2021, Baby Queen released her debut mixtape, "The Yearbook." This collection of songs delved deeper into her personal experiences, featuring tracks like "Raw Thoughts," "These Drugs," "Dover Beach," "American Dream" (featuring May-a), and "You Shaped Hole." Each single received its own music video, showcasing Baby Queen's storytelling through visuals.
In the following years, Baby Queen continued to release captivating music. In November 2021, she released "Wannabe" along with a captivating music video. "Colours of You" followed in April 2022, serving as a promotional piece for the Netflix series "Heartstopper."
Additional singles, "Nobody Really Cares" and "LAZY," were shared on social media and during live performances. The latter even found its way into The Sims 4, sung in Simlish.
As of September 2023, Baby Queen is gearing up for the release of her debut album, "Quarter Life Crisis." The album promises to be a significant moment in her career, with singles like "Dream Girl," "We Can Be Anything," "All the Things," and the title track "Quarter Life Crisis" setting the stage for what's to come. Though the release date has been pushed back to November 10, 2023, anticipation is building, and fans can't wait to experience the next chapter of Baby Queen's musical journey.
In a genre often characterized by fleeting trends and superficiality, Baby Queen stands out as a refreshing and authentic artist. Her willingness to share her vulnerabilities and experiences through her music has resonated with a growing fan base, making her a rising star to watch. With each release, she continues to redefine the boundaries of pop music, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and our hearts.
