WITH early years IU dreamed of a career in the entertainment industry and even started taking courses acting. But soon after finishing primary school The girl's family's financial situation deteriorated sharply, and she had to move to Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province. Throughout the year Ji Eun and her younger brother lived separately from their parents in a small room with their grandmother and cousins.
During high school IU discovered her talent for singing. After successful participation in school competition singers, the girl wanted to start professional career. While searching for a suitable music label, she managed to fail more than twenty auditions and encountered a fake talent agency. Before coming to LOEN Entertainment in 2007 Ji Eun trained at Good Entertainment with other upcoming singers: Uee, Yubin, Heo Ga Yoon and Jun Hyo Seong. After signing a contract with LOEN IU mentally prepared for many years of training and debut as part of a girl group, but ten months later the girl was able to debut solo. Before debut Ji Eun got a stage name " IU", derived from the phrase " I and You"(I and You) What Symbolizes" the power that unites people through music".
Start musical career affected the girl’s school attendance and grades. After graduation Dongduk Girls" High School in 2011 IU did not continue further studies, deciding to focus on her singing activity.
2008-2009: Beginning of career
September 18, 2008 IU debuted on the music show stage" M! Countdown"with single" Lost Child", later included in the debut mini-album Lost and Found. The mini-album was presented on September 24 and won an award in the category " Rookie of the month"from Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in November 2008. However, the release was not commercially successful. As she later admitted IU in one of the interviews: " My first album failed, but I'm grateful for that. If I had become successful immediately after debut, I would not have met such wonderful people surrounding me at the present time, and would not have felt the taste of today's popularity".
On April 23, 2009, the singer presented her first full-length album, Growing Up, with the title track "Boo". Promotions began the next day with an appearance on KBS2's music show "Music Bank". Song " Boo"became the complete opposite" strong" And " dark"ballad composition" Lost Child"Everything from the dance choreography to the stage costumes and hairstyle demonstrated the singer's youth and prettiness, having undergone " strategic"transformation. Despite the positive response from the audience, the fifteen-year-old girl later said that she felt rather awkward in the new image.
At the end of 2009 IU released her second mini-album IU...IM. The singer began her promotion with the title track "Marshmallow" on November 13. " Marshmallow"was called a "sugar" song, which became a mixture of rock and roll of the 1960s and French pop. In 2013, the girl appeared in one of the episodes of the entertainment program "Happy Together", where, describing the performances of past years, she admitted in his hatred of girly stage clothes and fashionable hairstyles.
In addition to the albums released in 2009, he recorded two soundtracks for the MBC television series “Strike Love” and “Queen Seon Duk”. Besides IU took part in the recording of albums by such artists as Mighty Mouth and Three Views. As her popularity grew, the singer was increasingly invited to variety shows, including “Star Golden Bell,” “Kim Jung Eun’s Chocolate,” and “Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook.” And performing acoustic covers of songs famous pop groups Girls' Generation - "Gee", Super Junior - "Sorry, Sorry" and Big Bang - "Lies" contributed to the growth in the number of fans. At the end of 2009 IU made her first appearance as a TV presenter, hosting a weekly music show on Gom TV.
2010-2011: Rising popularity and acting debut
June 3, 2010 IU presented the composition "Nagging", recorded together with Lim Seulong. The single, which debuted at number twelfth on the Gaon Digital Chart, managed to top the chart a week later. Pop ballad" Nagging"was created by the author Kim Eana and composer Lee Min Soo, and later acted as the soundtrack for the second season of the reality show "We Got Married". The composition gained great popularity, becoming a winner on the music shows "Inkigayo" and " Music Bank".
Soon after the successful duet work IU released the soundtrack "Because I"m a Woman" for the historical drama MBC“Route No. 1 / Road Number One”, and later took part in the recording of the composition “It’s You”, included in the album Sung Si Kyung - The First.
Real's third mini album was released on December 9, 2010. Produced by Jo Yeong Cheol and Choi Gap Won Real debuted at number four on the chart Gaon. The title track "Good Day" was once again created by Kim Eana And Lee Min Soo, who later took part in the creation of albums more than once IU.
To be closer to her fans, the singer became one of the regular participants in the entertainment show "Heroines", aired from July 18, 2010 to May 1, 2011. In parallel with this IU auditioned for a role in the drama “Dream High,” which was filmed from December 2010 to February 2011. The singer also released the single “Someday,” which became the soundtrack to the series.
On February 16, 2011, the girl presented an addition to the album Real- Real+, which included three new compositions. The title track "Only I Didn't Know" was created by Yoon Sang and Kim Eana. The ballad that she herself IU described it as something dark", "sad" And " nostalgic", was similar to the singer’s previous works and was most consistent with her personal musical preferences. Song " Only I Didn't Know"was a commercial success, reaching number one on the chart since its release. Gaon.
On March 10, 2011, the girl performed at the opening of her first solo concert British singer Corinne Bailey Rae in Seoul. Bailey, which is an example for IU, said: " It's incredible that despite such a young age, IU's voice sounds so soulful". From March 2011 to July 2013 Ji Eun was the host of a music show" Inkigayo"Together with Lee Joon and No Min Woo, the singer starred in two K.Will music videos for his mini-album My Heart Beating. In May 2011 IU recorded her first song own composition"Hold My Hand", which later became the soundtrack to the drama "The Greatest Love". Since this was her first attempt at creating a song not just for herself, but at the request of the drama producers, the singer had to make efforts to ensure that the song matched the style of the series.
Between May and July 2011 Ji Eun took part in the show “Kiss and Cry”, appearing as a star ice-skating contestant. Parallel IU appeared on "Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend", but due to her busy schedule, she left the show after taping one episode. In an interview, the girl admitted that singing, acting and entertainment are equally difficult, but appearing in shows exhausts her the most.
The second full-length album Last Fantasy was presented on November 29, 2011 in two versions - regular and in the form of a special story book. Korea JoongAng Daily described Last Fantasy as an album suitable for listeners of all musical tastes. And Billboard noted " cinematic feel"from the album, the tone of which is set already with the first track "Secret". The release was produced by Jo Yeong Сheol, with whom IU already worked on a previously released album Real. Last Fantasy included tracks recorded with Yoon Sang, Lee Juck and Ra.D. The title track "You and I" became the best-selling single of 2012.
Not long before graduation Last Fantasy IU signed a contract with EMI Music Japan (now part of Universal Music Japan) to promote her work in the Japanese market. On December 14, 2011, the singer presented her first Japanese mini-album I□U.
2012: Japanese debut and first solo concert tour
When is the promotion Last Fantasy V Korea was coming to an end IU began preparations for her debut in Japan. On January 24, 2012, she performed in front of four thousand fans on the stage of Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo. She performed six songs, including the debut track " Lost Child"and Japanese version" Good Day"accompanied by a live orchestra and her own acoustic guitar. After the performance, two singles were re-released at once" Good Day" And " You and I", lyrics for translation into Japanese had to be modified. In support of their Japanese releases IU held a series of mini-concerts called "IU Friendship Showcase - Spring 2012" in five cities Japan: Tokyo, Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka.
On June 2, 2012, the singer’s first solo concert tour, “Real Fantasy,” started. The girl performed in six cities South Korea, starting the tour with two shows in Seoul and then visiting Ulsan, Jeonju, Suwon, Busan and Daegu. September 23 IU returned to Seoul with two final concerts. Invited guests on the tour were: Ra.D, Im Seulong and Lee Seung Gi.
Due to preparations for the concert tour, the singer had to abandon the active promotion of her fifth mini-album Spring of a Twenty Year Old, presented on May 11, 2012. The release of the album, which included the title track "Peach" of her own composition, was timed to celebrate the girl's twentieth birthday. Instead of a 4-5 minute music video for the album, the singer posted a 26 minute one documentary, which was filmed in Venice And Burano.
September 17, 2012 IU returned to Japan with a new concert program called "IU Friendship Special Concert - Autumn 2012". The invited guest was the group Sunny Hill.
On December 29, 2012, the singer appeared as an MC on SBS's annual music show Gayo Daejeon. Its co-hosts were Suzy and actor Jung Gyu Woon.
2013: Acting and Modern Times
2013 has started for IU from receiving the leading female role in the television series “You are the best, Lee Soon Shin! / Lee Soon Shin is the Best”. The fifty-episode family drama aired on KBS2 from March 9 to August 25. The singer's partner on the set was actor Jo Jung Suk, with whom the joint soundtrack "Beautiful Song" was subsequently recorded.
At the same time IU presented her second Japanese mini-album Can You Hear Me? , consisting of original Japanese rather than re-released Korean compositions. The next Japanese single was "Monday Afternoon", released on September 11.
October 8, 2013 IU returned to the Korean scene with her third full-length album Modern Times. The release became " a big step forward from the origins of youth K-pop"and demonstrated" more mature and sophisticated style"than the singer's previous works. The girl had a hand in creating two compositions out of the thirteen tracks included in the album, the style of which varied from swing to jazz, bossa nova, Latin pop and folk genres.
During the second week of promotion Modern Times IU got the main one female role in the romantic comedy "Beautiful Man". The series was broadcast from November 20, 2013 to January 9, 2014 on the channel KBS2.
In support of the promotion Modern Times the singer spent three solo concerts: November 23 and 24 at Kyung Hee University's Peace Hall, Seoul, and December 1 at KBS Hall, Busan. Moreover, in 2014 IU presented Modern Times at a show in Hong Kong.
Re-released version Modern Times- Modern Times - Epilogue was released on December 20, 2013, including two additional tracks, "Friday" and "Pastel Crayon". Originally a composition of my own composition" Friday"should have entered Modern Times, but it was later decided to release it as the title track of the re-released version of the album.
2014: A Flower Bookmark
May 16, 2014 IU presented her sixth mini-album, A Flower Bookmark, which became her first official cover album. It included seven compositions based on songs from the 1980s and 90s and included a mixture of musical genres: ballad, dance music, folk and rock. The release received positive feedback from listeners, like most previously released ones. IU covers.
From May 22 to June 1 in Sogang University's Mary Hall the singer held a series of mini-concerts for a limited number of listeners. During performances IU played the keyboard for the first time and presented songs from the album A Flower Bookmark in a new arrangement. Invited guests were Kim Jong Hyun, Jung Yong Hwa, Hwang Kwanghee, Kim Bum Soo, Im Seulong, Jo Jong Suk, Ha Dong Kyun and Akdong Musician. The singer donated all funds received from the events to a fund to help those affected by the ferry tragedy.
”, which sank into my soul so much that I wanted to get to know its performer, the owner of an androgynous appearance and breathtaking curls, better. Like many others, I didn’t immediately understand whether it was a man or a woman singing, but this only piqued my interest.
Europe became acquainted with the LP only with the release of the song “Lost on you”, although its popularity in America came already in 2012, after the release of “Into The Wild”
Those who heard the LP at least once were captivated by the beauty of her voice, her whistle (which she demonstrates in many songs), her lyrics filled with deep meaning and personal experiences, her energy, and even her style of dressing. Not to mention the mesmerizing ukulele playing!
The LP has an attractive charm that, despite the singer's pronounced androgynous appearance, indicates great sensuality. Interested, we collected some information about LP, and are happy to share our findings with you. After the first few videos, the question of “is LP a guy or a girl” disappeared by itself. Her charming smile left no reason for doubt.
The nickname LP comes from real name singers (Laura Pergolizzi). Yes, she has Italian roots. She has been using this pseudonym for a very long time, since the time when, after graduating high school LP moved from the New York suburbs.
Laura has a talent for getting right into your soul, just try listening to acoustic versions of her performances.
Laura did not have the opportunity to tell her mother about her unconventional sexual views.
And dad thought for a long time that this was just a teenage hobby and only recently realized that this was not so. But in any case, I never received criticism or negativity from my parents. I still don't receive it.
LP began her career as a songwriter. Her collection includes songs for Rihanna and Christina Aguilera.
Beautiful People ( Beautiful people) was written for Christina Aguilera in collaboration with Nicole Scherzinger at her country house in the mountains. She was damn calm and lounging in bed, and I was working on a fluffy rug nearby and thinking: “Well, that’s strange. How surreal and damn cool everything turns out.”
LP says about his clothing style that everything happens naturally.
I have been honing my style for a long time and still strive to achieve maximum consistency between my internal state and external appearance. IN at the moment I am pleased that I feel very comfortable in my own skin, and this can be said about all areas of my life and creativity.
The LP look is complemented by ever-present sunglasses.
I don't know if I'll continue to wear sunglasses if... the world around us will stop scaring me. It always seemed to me that dark glasses were a part of me, just as we perceive them to be a part of Roy Orbison.
LP jokes without hesitation about the topic of looking like a man.
“I have many stories when I was mistaken for a guy,” says L.P., “women with daughters jumped out of the shower at the sight of me in the Midwest shouting “what are you doing in the women’s shower?” I reacted with a smile - “Easy, lady! Relax and calm down. Your daughter is not in danger."
LP has never hidden her relationship with (Tamzin Brown). They are currently separated. Everything indicates that the super hit "" tells the story of this particular breakup. “Baby, you broke my fucking heart, but I'll still wear a great suit and stay cheerful... You'll miss me, baby. A deep drag of a cigarette... Curtain.”
The entire album was written under inspiration from a lost love.
This was the starting point of my inspiration. I felt lost and disoriented and frantically searched for answers to what was really going on.
I will be very pleased if you share this article with your friends 😉
Almost 10 years have passed since her debut, and she has remained at the top of the industry for most of her career. While many artists experience ups and downs, the singer has discovered the secret of stable success, which is difficult to match.
There are many reasons why the name became a household name, but today we will talk about how the girl earned the title of one of the top artists in the South Korean entertainment industry.
Musical genius
Of course main reason popularity is obvious - the amazing music she creates. She not only has a unique and angelic voice, but also a brilliant compositional talent. The girl did not stop at creating lyrics for songs, but began producing her own compositions. She has more hits than any other artist, and the singer’s musical creations instantly soar to the top of the charts.
Unforgettable duets
Unique aura
Who can dispute the fact that he has an indescribable, magical aura? Her voice gives you goosebumps, her mere presence makes the audience freeze. Even if she is just standing on stage, as she did during the cover of the song "If You", the audience will be mesmerized by her aura.
Talented actress
"Golden Child"
The face can be seen almost everywhere in Korea, as she is a favorite of numerous brands. The girl is a model Chamisul, one of the largest soju distributors in the country, as well as the face of , and many other companies!
Like most top stars, he likes to pamper his fans with activity in social networks. In addition to charming selfies and delicious photos of food, she likes to share new hobbies with her fans, so from time to time, the girl uploads excerpts of songs that she is trying to learn at the moment.
Charismatic
Not only a talented artist, she is also good at various talk shows! Producers of numerous programs note her easy sense of humor and touching reactions to unexpected incidents during filming.
