Child star Taylor Momsen transitions into modern rock legend in dual life.
In the opening scenes of The Pretty Reckless’ latest music video for the single ‘When I Wake Up’, we get a glimpse into a morning after through the eyes of frontwoman Taylor Momsen. As she picks up remnants of the night before scattered across her room and leans out of a car window shouting, “I’m doing fine,” the video captures moments of hedonistic nights gone by. This energy has been a defining feature of The Pretty Reckless since its inception. Lyrically, Momsen explores the delicate balance between Heaven and Hell, indulgence and darkness, and the raw power of rock ‘n’ roll’s duality. Rock music has always been Momsen’s anchor, rescuing her from an adolescence dominated by the acting world.
In 2009, The Pretty Reckless made their debut in New York City, fronted by Momsen at the age of 16. Prior to forming the band, Momsen had already established herself as a veteran in the acting world, having started modeling at the age of two and appearing in commercials at the age of three. However, as a teenager, feeling burdened by a life not of her choosing, Momsen traded the glitz of Hollywood for the raw essence of classic rock and life on the road.
Despite the enduring spotlight of her role in the cult TV series Gossip Girl, Momsen’s true essence has always been that of a rockstar. Acting, she admits, was merely a job she fell into rather than a lifelong passion. Her journey into music was a deliberate one, with rock music serving as the true calling she had always longed for. Momsen undeniably possesses one of rock’s most distinct and powerful voices, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists from The Beatles to Soundgarden. Her lyrics reflect a rebellious angst and a profound reflection on a life lived predominantly in the public eye.
Although references to Momsen’s past as ‘Little J’ from Gossip Girl still circulate, she has firmly established herself as a musician in her own right. The transition from child actress to rock singer has not been without challenges, but it has allowed Momsen to embrace her true identity and grow authentically. Her recent release of a holiday EP with a nod to her role as Cindy Lou Who in the film How the Grinch Stole Christmas showcases her ability to balance nostalgia with her current artistic endeavors.
Momsen’s evolution from actress to musician was an inevitable progression towards her true calling. Her journey has been marked by a deep-rooted connection to music, which has always been at the core of her being. While her acting career provided visibility early on, it was her transition to music that allowed her to fully embrace her authentic self. Despite the challenges that come with early recognition, Momsen remains committed to her artistry and demonstrates a unique blend of vulnerability and strength in her music.
As The Pretty Reckless prepares for the release of their upcoming album, ‘Dear God’, Momsen continues to explore her most intimate stories to date. Songs like ‘For I Am Death’ and ‘When I Wake Up’ delve into themes of apathy, salvation, and darkness, showcasing a depth of emotion and complexity in her songwriting. From their debut single ‘Make Me Wanna Die’ to their current releases, Momsen’s journey as a musician has been marked by a profound search for self-identity and a relentless pursuit of artistic expression.