Bat for Lashes

Natasha Khan, known professionally as Bat for Lashes, is recognized for her distinctive presence in British alternative music. Khan is known for creating rich, atmospheric soundscapes, mythologically inspired storytelling, and emotive vocals, blending elements of art pop, indie rock, and folktronica.

Khan studied music and visual arts at the University of Brighton, where she produced sound installations, animations, and performances influenced by artists such as Steve Reich and Susan Hiller. After completing her degree, Khan worked as a nursery school teacher while developing songs, recording demos, and performing in Brighton.

Her debut album, "Fur and Gold," reached number 48 on the UK Albums Chart, was certified gold by the BPI, and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) presented her with the Vanguard Award and selected her to perform at their showcase at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. Bat for Lashes also opened for Radiohead on several tour dates. Her second album, "Two Suns," featured collaborations with Yeasayer and Scott Walker, debuted as a top-five hit in the UK, was certified gold, and earned a second Mercury Prize nomination. The album's lead single, "Daniel," won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song.

Khan continued to expand her artistic vision with subsequent releases. Her third album, "The Haunted Man," was produced with a team including David Kosten, Dan Carey, Beck, Dave Sitek, James Ford, and Charlotte Hatherley, and became her second top 10 album in the UK. Her fourth studio album, "The Bride," is a narrative-driven concept record. In "Lost Girls," an '80s-inspired synth-pop album influenced by Los Angeles and films such as The Lost Boys, Khan delivered another critically recognized project. Beyond studio albums, Khan collaborated with composer Dominik Scherrer on the score for BBC 1's supernatural miniseries "Requiem," which won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Television Soundtrack. She has also co-directed a majority of her music videos and premiered a short film at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Khan's album "The Dream of Delphi" explores themes of early motherhood through minimalist and ambient music. She described the record as dedicated to her daughter, Delphi, and noted its improvisational style. Khan's work has garnered three Mercury Prize nominations, three BRIT Award nominations, and two Ivor Novello wins.

Under the Bat for Lashes moniker, Khan has released six albums, achieved five top-15 UK albums, and performed at festivals including Coachella, Glastonbury, Latitude, and Laneway. Her music has been featured in soundtracks for "The Twilight Saga" and "The Hunger Games," as well as campaigns for brands such as Thierry Mugler, Chanel, Gucci, and Miu Miu. Khan's influence is noted in the alternative and indie music scenes, with artists such as The Last Dinner Party, Girl in Red, Boygenius, and Ethel Cain citing her as an inspiration.