Flares of 2011: WATCH OUT 2012!!!!!!

Out of the nominees, Lana Del Rey is the most promising artist that soon will make 2012 her year. June 2011, Del Rey was signed with Stranger Records. To release her debut single "Video Games", in October 2011, she was signed with Interscope Records. While being interviewed by Rosie Swash of The Observer, Del Rey revealed, "I just put that song online a few months ago because it was my favourite. To be honest, it wasn't going to be the single but people have really responded to it. I get very sad when I play that song. I still cry sometimes when I sing it." Del Rey's song "Video Games" was featured for the first time on prime spot on The CW's TV-Series Ringer on September 28, 2011 propulsing Lana Del Rey into mainstream. Del Rey also promoted the album with performances in a number of live appearances, including for MTV Push, and at the Bowery Ballroom, where, according to Eliot Glazer of New York, "the polarizing indie hipstress brought her 'gangsta Nancy Sinatra' swagu." Matthew Perpetua of Rolling Stone commented that, despite Del Rey being nervous and anxious while performing her songs live, the singer "sang with considerable confidence, though her transitions from husky, come-hither sexuality to bratty, girlish petulance could be rather jarring." Del Rey also performed "Video Games" on Dutch television program De Wereld Draait Door, on British music television show Later... with Jools Holland, and on an intimate show at Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, California while creating her own music videos for several tracks such as "Blue Jeans" and "Off to the Races".

It was later reported that the singer would release her debut album under the labels in January 2012. During an interview with French TV show Taratata, Del Rey revealed that the album would be named Born to Die that is set to be released on January 27, 2012 in Ireland, January 30, 2012, in the UK, and on January 31, 2012 worldwide. The second single and title track "Born to Die" is set for release on January 22, 2012. The music video for it leaked on December 14, 2011, and was based on a concept created by the singer, while being directed by Yoann Lemoine. The music video received generally favorable reviews from contemporary critics.

And of course happy NEW YEAR!!!!!