Talented Baby Queen explores deep existential questions, delving into topics like mental health, love, to social media in her music from Medicine, The Yearbook & Quarter Life Crises

Baby Queen's talent and ability to tackle complex themes with her unique style. It's a must-listen for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on life's challenges and the struggles of young adulthood.

Baby Queen, whose real name is Bella Latham, is a London based singer, songwriter, and musician known for her distinctive blend of pop and alternative music. Born on October 30, 1998, in South Africa, Baby Queen later moved to London, where she embarked on her musical journey.

Bella's interest in music developed at a young age, and she began honing her songwriting and vocal skills during her teenage years. In 2020, she emerged onto the music scene under the moniker Baby Queen, quickly gaining attention for her honest and introspective lyrics coupled with catchy pop melodies.

From Spotify...“I came to London with a suitcase and 20 demo CDs, and nobody gave a shit because they were really bad,” she explained to For the Record. “I realized how difficult it was going to be to actually succeed. So, I decided, in order to do that, I had to get a lot better, work a lot harder, and really lean into what was unique about me. I did that, I found the sound, and then Baby Queen was born.”

One of her breakthrough moments came with the release of her debut single, "Internet Religion," which explored themes of social media, mental health, and the complexities of modern relationships. The song showcased Baby Queen's ability to address relevant and poignant topics through her music, resonating with a generation navigating the challenges of the digital age.

As Baby Queen continued to release music, with album called-Medicine, released November 2021, the track list includes "Internet Religions", "Pretty Girl Lie", "Want Me," "Buzkill", "Medicine", and "Online Dating". She garnered praise for her authenticity and vulnerability in addressing personal experiences. Her music often delves into the intricacies of self-discovery, relationships, and societal pressures.

Bella Latham showcases her talent for crafting catchy, upbeat pop songs on her EP 'Medicine'. However, what sets her apart is her ability to delve into important topics such as the detrimental impact of social media, depression, and mental health.

In the song 'Pretty Girl Lie', she skillfully combines shimmering synths and a catchy guitar riff reminiscent of The 1975. This track tackles the issue of unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by social media, where face tune and photoshopped images create a false sense of perfection.

With 'Buzzkill', a pop gem with a grungy undertone, Bella opens up about her struggles with social anxiety and depression, which often lead to her being labeled as a downer at social gatherings. It's a raw and honest portrayal of the challenges she faces. 'Medicine' takes a closer look at the pros and cons of anti-depressants, weighing their positive and negative effects. Bella explores the complexities of mental health and the impact medication can have on one's well-being.

In 'Want Me', Bella candidly discusses infatuation and the complexities of asocial relationships. However, beneath the surface, she uses this song as a means to explore her own insecurities within relationships, creating a deeply personal and relatable experience for listeners.

....With Universal Canada....She elaborates, “It’s a song I wrote about the way other people have perceived me throughout my life. I feel like I’ve always had something to prove to other people and I’ve always been trying to fit into an ideal of who I should be and how I should behave. That changed when I became Baby Queen. I found a place I belonged and people who fully accepted me for who I am. By the standards of the people I grew up with, or used to try so hard be friends with, I might be weird or crazy or “the girl who kisses other girls” or a total wannabe, but by the standards of my people, I am great just the way I am. The song is an invitation to accept yourself and embrace the labels that are given to you by small minded, boring people. If this is what it means to be a loser, then I hope I’ll be a loser for the rest of my life.”

The EP concludes with 'Online Dating', a track that showcases Baby Queen's ability to capture complex emotional states through her music. It's a powerful testament to her talent and her ability to convey deep emotions through sound.

From Down With Boring, “This song is basically just me self-deprecating for 4 minutes. I’m actually a really insecure person and I think all my insecurities surface when I’m romantically involved with somebody or trying to impress them, so I think ‘Online Dating’ is just a mental conversation I was having with myself at the time. The song isn’t about the other person at all, it’s all about me, and I think the same can be said for the internet.”

The Yearbook, released September 3, 2021, is a collection of 5 previously released singles and 5 brand new tracks that seamlessly blend together, each standing strong on its own, and truly capturing the essence of Baby Queen. Kicking off the album is "Baby Kingdom," a spoken declaration that nostalgically reflects on Lantham's past self. Set to a dreamy synth beat, this track perfectly captures the contrasting elements that make this album so unique. "Raw Thoughts" and "You Shaped Hole" delve into Lantham's self-indulgent and self-destructive journey towards moving forward. These songs provide a raw and honest glimpse into her experiences and emotions.

"American Dream," featuring MAY-A, serves as a cultural and political critique. It showcases Lantham's metaphorical and lyrical prowess as she explores her infatuation and desire for her lover, comparing it to the elusive and unattainable "American Dream."

"Narcissist" is Lantham's Gen-Z anthem, a bold and unapologetic middle finger to the older generations and their hypocrisy. With a mix of quiet rage and apathetic tones, she laughs in the face of societal expectations.

"Dover Beach" and "Dover Beach Pt. 2" provide a refreshing interlude from the satirical tracks that dominate the album. "Dover Beach" starts off quietly and gradually builds up into a lively, drum-driven track with Lantham's stunning vocals showcasing her upper register. "Dover Beach Pt. 2" adds another layer of depth, delving into the desperation and loss of identity that often follow the end of a relationship.

Continuing the theme of vulnerability, "These Drugs" is a bold and direct exploration of Lantham's own destructive escapism. It reveals the consequences of believing that one deserves to suffer. The ethereal background harmonies add a touch of hopelessness and existentialism, beautifully complementing Lantham's portrayal of her downward spiral.

Quarter Life Crises & Quarter Life Crises Deluxe offers an impressive lineup of songs, featuring 12 tracks that include the previously released singles 'Dream Girl' and 'We Can Be Anything'. This album is available in various formats, such a standard CD, a limited-edition double disc Deluxe CD with a few bonus tracks and artwork by Alice Oseman, and even on colored vinyl.

....from Soundsphere Magazine....“I think I have always doubted and second-guessed myself, especially more after signing to a label and having to hear people’s opinions on what I am writing, and it has been difficult at times”. She continues: “The album was the most difficult time for me as it is my debut, which is a big thing to live up to. I was a ghost and very isolated inside my head. I kept saying it was not good enough, it consumed me, that has never happened to me before, but it is because I care so much about it.”

Within this album, Baby Queen explores deep existential questions, delving into topics like mental health, love, and her well-known aversion to social media. These themes are expertly woven into the fabric of the record, creating a sense of familiarity for her fans. She fearlessly takes aim at the fickleness of fame, showcasing her unique perspective.

“This album (Baby Queen) tells the story of my journey through my early 20s - leaving my childhood and my adolescence behind but never really losing my childlike wonder and never quite growing up. The songs are all facets of what early adulthood has been like for me while discovering new parts of myself, my sexuality, my past and my place in this world. It has been lonely, chaotic, beautiful, devastating and inspiring and I think these songs reflect that, creating a space in which innocence and experience can live side by side as two conflicting entities.

Bella's choice of album title serves as a unifying thread throughout her debut, encapsulating the essence of the entire collection. The title she has carefully crafted mirrors the narrative woven within the songs. Bella further elaborates on the significance of the title, explaining that it succinctly captures the various facets of navigating early adulthood and the tumultuous journey it entails. In essence, the title acts as a bookend, tying all the songs together seamlessly

From Soundsphere Magazine, Baby Queen shares how she came about the album name ‘Quarter Life Crises”…. “I was talking to my cousin’s girlfriend about some of the songs on the album and the themes and how I was feeling in general and she said Bella it seems like you are having a quarter-life crisis. I had never heard of that before so I googled it and was like this is what I have been looking for!”

'Dream Girl' is a powerful anthem, reminiscent of 'Jesse's Girl', where Baby Queen skillfully combines the complexities of her personal love triangle into one captivating crush. 'Love Killer' exudes a sassy flow and delivers a lot of one-liners. In 'Kid Genius', she presents massive hooks, but the shallow satire of social media and school falls short as irony and sincerity.

From Clash....."’23’ taps into the record’s over-arching themes of honesty and self-acceptance, a searing piece of pop bedlam that mirrors emotional chaos in all its glory. In her words, it’s “about a night out and the conflict I have within myself about my sexuality, and accepting certain truths about myself.”.

 From Soundsphere Magazine,“’Letter To Myself at 17′ is one of the more personal songs on the record, when I look back I was such a fragile person at seventeen, I hated my body and I struggled with my sexuality. I felt alone,” 

'Die Alone' is a poignant ballad, whispered with the introspection of an introvert. It strikes a perfect balance between great lines that evoke pathos, like the chorus referencing "Mario and Princess Peach," and Hot Topic-esque phrases such as "everybody's got somebody, I've got ADD."

Baby Queen's impressive cleverly crafted lyrics make the songs relatable, serving as a reminder that it's perfectly fine to embrace our true selves, flaws and all. One standout track from her repertoire is "Colours Of You," which features on the official soundtrack of Netflix's Heartstopper. This particular song captures the essence of Baby Queen's artistry, as she delves into the struggles and frustrations of the narrator, navigating the complexities of life. The lyrics beautifully convey a sense of being overwhelmed and the constant search for stability and purpose.

Speaking about the single "All The Things", Latham says, “'All The Things' draws inspiration from the relationship between two of the main characters in Heartstopper called Tao and Elle, but also encapsulates the emotions I was feeling very strongly at the time of writing it, so it's a very personal song to me. It's about being so enamored with a person that the things that once brought you happiness don't hit or affect you in quite the same way because all the things you used to want to do, you now want to do with that person by your side.”

On the other hand, "‎I can't get my shit together" by Baby Queen is a raw and honest portrayal of the challenges faced by the narrator. This song resonates with those who have experienced similar feelings of unpredictability and vexation. Lastly, "Lazy" serves as a slog's chant that somewhat mirrors the spirit of Gen Z youth. With its bold pop-punk sound, this track is sure to resonate with listeners who appreciate a rebellious and carefree vibe.

.......From Soundsphere Magazine.......the most physically tiring song to write was ‘We Can Be Anything’. It was a completely different song and the only thing that stayed was the outro so I made a mind map of everything the song could be about and compiled it all into the song.”.......“‘Nobody Really Cares’ is about realizing it’s okay to be yourself and do exactly what makes you happy because people are selfish in nature and only have so much space inside their brains reserved for you,” Baby Queen said of the new track in a statement.

This album is a testament to Baby Queen's talent and ability to tackle complex themes with her unique style. It's a must-listen for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on life's challenges and the struggles of young adulthood.

Elaborating on the powerful sentiment behind ‘We Can Be Anything’, BABY QUEEN aka Bella Latham says, “I’ve been having a prolonged existential crisis for the better part of the past 5 years and would consider myself to be a nihilist in many ways, which has made being alive quite bleak at times. I think human beings really crave purpose but there is ultimately no clear-cut reason we’re here and if there is one, we’re just not intelligent enough to figure it out. Despite it all, life is beautiful and I think our lack of purpose and our insignificance gives us the greatest level of freedom. Society, culture, rules, laws - these are all constructs. I like to believe that as long as you’re not hurting people, you do have the freedom and the prerogative to do with your life what you will. That’s what this song is about: non-confinement and non-conformity in the face of what is essentially absurdity. I just want people to listen to it and feel free - because they are free”

In addition to her musical talents, Baby Queen is recognized for her unique fashion sense and visual aesthetics, contributing to her overall artistic identity. With a growing fan base and critical acclaim, Baby Queen is poised to make a lasting impact on the music industry, offering a fresh perspective and a distinctive voice in the crowded landscape of contemporary pop and alternative music.

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