Ladyhawke is the stage name of Phillipa Margaret Brown (born 13 July 1979), a New Zealand singer, songwriter, and multi‑instrumentalist. She is known for blending elements of synth‑pop, new wave, and indie rock, and achieved international recognition with her self‑titled debut album released in 2008.
Early life and education
Born in Masterton, New Zealand, Brown grew up in a musical family; her mother was a vocalist and her father a jazz bassist. She attended Wellington High School, where she began playing drums and guitar. After completing secondary education, she moved to Auckland to study music technology at the University of Auckland, though she left before graduating to pursue a performance career.
Career
Early bands
In the early 2000s, Brown performed under various monikers, most notably as a drummer and vocalist in the New Zealand indie rock group Two Lane Blacktop. The band released several singles before disbanding in 2005.
Solo debut
Adopting the name Ladyhawke—a reference to the 1985 fantasy film—she signed with Modular Recordings in 2007. Her debut album, Ladyhawke, was released in September 2008 and produced by Pascal Gabriel and Greg Kurstin. The record featured the singles “My Delirium,” “Back of the Van,” and “Nightbreed,” all of which received extensive airplay on alternative radio stations and were accompanied by music videos that garnered rotation on MTV Europe. The album peaked at number 16 on the UK Albums Chart and earned a nomination for the 2009 BRIT Awards in the category of International Breakthrough Act.
Subsequent releases
Ladyhawke’s second album, Anxiety (2012), marked a shift toward a darker, synth‑driven sound, incorporating influences from 1980s post‑punk and industrial music. The record received mixed critical reception and modest commercial performance. After a period of reduced output, she returned with Ladyhawke (2015), a self‑titled EP featuring the single “A Love Song.” Her third full‑length album, Wild Things (2023), was released through her own label and emphasized a more eclectic pop aesthetic, drawing on disco and funk elements.
Collaborations and side projects
Throughout her career, Brown has contributed vocals and instrumentation to works by other artists, including a featured performance on the track “The End” by French producer Jape and songwriting credits on songs for Australian pop act The Veronicas. She has also composed music for television series, notably providing the theme for the New Zealand drama The Brokenwood Mysteries (2020).
Musical style and influences
Ladyhawke’s music is characterized by prominent synthesizer lines, driving electronic beats, and melodic vocal hooks. Critics frequently compare her sound to that of early‑era New Wave acts such as Blondie, The Pretenders, and The B-52’s, as well as contemporary indie‑pop producers. She cites influences ranging from David Bowie and Kate Bush to modern electronic artists like Daft Punk.
Personal life
Brown resides primarily in Los Angeles, United States. She has been open about her experiences with anxiety and depression, topics which have informed the lyrical content of several releases. In 2021, she publicly identified as queer and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in the music industry.
Discography (selected)
- Ladyhawke (2008) – UK Albums Chart peak: #16
- Anxiety (2012) – UK Albums Chart peak: #70
- Wild Things (2023)
Awards and nominations
- 2009 BRIT Awards – International Breakthrough Act (nominee)
- 2009 New Zealand Music Awards – Album of the Year (nominee)
Legacy
Ladyhawke is recognized as one of New Zealand’s most successful export artists in the 21st century, contributing to the global resurgence of synth‑pop aesthetics. Her work has been featured in film soundtracks, advertising campaigns, and video game playlists, extending her influence beyond traditional album sales.