Ladyhawke: The Synth-Pop Powerhouse
Ladyhawke is the stage name of Pip Brown, a New Zealand-born singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who crafts infectious, guitar-driven synth-pop. Her self-titled debut album was a major commercial success, achieving platinum certification in her home country and reaching the Top 20 on the UK Albums Chart.
Early career
Born in 1979 in Masterton, New Zealand, Pip Brown began playing guitar as a teenager and moved to Wellington to pursue music. Her early career involved playing in punk bands before she relocated to Melbourne, Australia, and later to London, where she adopted the Ladyhawke moniker inspired by the 1985 fantasy film.
Breakthrough
Ladyhawke's breakthrough arrived in 2008 with the release of her self-titled debut album on Modular Recordings. Propelled by a string of hit singles, the album was a critical and commercial smash, earning the ARIA Award for Best Breakthrough Artist and going platinum in New Zealand and gold in Australia.
Key tracks
My Delirium — This anthemic single became her biggest hit, peaking at number two in New Zealand and breaking into the UK Top 40.
Paris Is Burning — The lead single from her debut introduced her signature blend of 80s-inspired synths and rock guitar riffs.
Back of the Van — A fan favorite that perfectly encapsulates the nostalgic, driving energy of her early sound.
Magic — A key track from her 2016 album "Wild Things," showcasing a brighter, more guitar-centric evolution in her music.
Following her debut's success, Ladyhawke released the albums "Anxiety" in 2012 and "Wild Things" in 2016, the latter seeing her take full production control. She has collaborated with artists like Nick Littlemore of Empire of the Sun and contributed to the soundtrack for the video game "Life Is Strange: True Colors." After a hiatus, she returned with new music in 2021, signing to the label Amusic and releasing the EPs "Mixed Emotions" and "Time Flies."
Fans of Ladyhawke's brand of catchy, retro-tinged indie pop should also explore The Naked And Famous, another New Zealand act known for soaring synth-pop anthems. La Roux shares a clear affinity for crisp, 80s-inspired synth production and strong vocal melodies. The driving guitar pop of The Jealous Girlfriends also resonates with Ladyhawke's earlier rock-infused style.
Ladyhawke's vibrant synth-pop anthems are a staple on alternative and indie rock radio stations across our network. Her tracks, from the classic "My Delirium" to her newer releases, frequently feature on playlists dedicated to guitar-pop and 80s-influenced modern rock, keeping her sound in constant rotation for dedicated fans and new listeners alike.
You can hear the dynamic music of Ladyhawke on various radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to onairium.com to discover stations that regularly play her hits and deep cuts, immersing you in her world of nostalgic yet fresh synth-pop.
