If you think Billie Eilish is the only teen on the scene with neon hair, who enjoys making creepy music videos and exploring dark themes – think again.
German singer Au/Ra is her spiritual successor, and it’s just a matter of time before the world learns her name.
Jamie Lou Stenzel describes herself as a “dork that makes music”, and the way she picked her stage name proves she’s not exaggerating. Au/Ra is the name of the character from her “Lord of the Rings” fan fiction, and she picked it by putting together two elements from the periodic system – gold (Au) and radium (Ra).
Music was always in her genes as her dad just happens to be renowned German producer Torsten Stenzel. He was also the first person to advise her to pick a different career path. “I first approached my dad about wanting to sing professionally when I was 10 years old, and he was like ‘No, music is super tough, go be a lawyer – you’re good at arguing!’ And clearly I was, because I convinced him to let me do this!’” said Au/Ra in an interview with NME.
People in the US are yet to learn her name, but this 16-year-old already made a splash in Europe with nightclub anthem “Panic Room” and Alan Walker collaboration “Darkside”. Her music is inspired by current topics and popular culture, but her main goal is to use her art to tackle issues that she considers important – including bullying and mental health.
We can’t wait to see what future has in store for this promising young star – and you’ll feel the same after hearing some of her biggest hits to date.
