The Rich Whores (previously known as Lizzy Grant and the Phenomena) was an alternative rock band created by Lana Del Rey in 2007 that disbanded in 2009, speculatively due to Del Rey going solo with the releases of Lana Del Ray.
Background[]
Lizzy Grant and the Phenomena is generally said to have been formed in January 2007. That month, Del Rey put The Phenomena of Lizzy Grant to CD and recorded part of a collection of songs with the band known as the Studio 356 Sessions. The members of the band at this time are unknown, as Del Rey's first mention of any band came in March 2007, when she updated the "Band Members" section of her Myspace profile to "TAGS & TIM".[1]
By July of that year, Del Rey had created a Myspace page for The Rich Whores, and updated the "Band Members" section of her personal page to include Arthur Lynn on guitars, Aaron Brooks on drums, Drew Martelli and Tim on bass, and Tags on percussion.[2] By September, Del Rey was signed to 5 Points Records but continued to perform with the band. By January 2008, Del Rey removed the "Band Members" section from her Myspace profile, but continued to promote the band's solo Myspace profile until July.[3] The next month, Del Rey began to promote her first official solo release, Kill Kill.
The band continued to support Del Rey's solo career as Lizzy Grant until 2009. By this time, the band had a different configuration.
Performances[]
The band was formed by Lizzy Grant (who later became known as Lana Del Rey) and some friends during her time in New York. They performed at local bars and venues, mostly playing covers of classic rock songs.
The band performed at various venues in New York and recorded some songs at Timmy Hefner's studio in Brooklyn. Their music was a mix of rock, blues, and country with dark, soulful lyrics.
Members[]
This is the list of members per Lizzy Grant's MySpace profile.
- Lana Del Rey — Vocalist
- Arthur Lynn — Guitar
- Aaron Brooks — Drums
- Tim — Bass Guitar
- Adamo "Tags" Taglia — Percussion
Other members[]
Songs[]
As Lizzy Grant and the Phenomena[]
- "Disco"
- "For K, Pt. 2"
- "Get Drunk"
- "Let My Hair Down"
- "Oh Say Can You See"
- "Raise Me Up (Mississippi South)"
As The Rich Whores[]
- "Me & My Boyfriend"
- "For K, Pt. 2"
- "Trees"
- "Disco"
- "Brite Lites"
- "Yayo"
Live performances[]
| Date | Venue | City | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 29, 2007 | Pianos | New York City | With Steven Mertens. |
| June 14, 2007 | Union Pool | Brooklyn | Singing with Bryan Dunn. |
| July 9, 2007 | The Cutting Room | New York City | |
| September 25, 2007 | Nublu | ||
| September 4, 2008 | The Mercury Lounge | Manhattan | The band's reunion. |
| October 24, 2008 | The Living Room | New York City | CMJ showcase. |
| November 19, 2008 | Bar Matchless | Brooklyn | |
| December 2, 2008 | The National Underground | New York City | |
| December 16, 2008 | The Living Room | ||
| January 14, 2009 | The National Underground | Manhattan | |
| February 3, 2009 | Grocery | ||
| June 8, 2009 | The Slipper Room | As part of The Variety Box. | |
| August 20, 2009 | Mexicali Live | Teaneck | |
| October 22, 2009 | Canal Room | New York City | CMJ Music Marathon. The last known performance. |