Marina Diamandis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marina Diamandis
Diamandis performing in March 2022
Born	Marina Lambrini Diamandis (1985-10-10) 10 October 1985 (age 39) Brynmawr, Wales
Other names	Marina and the Diamonds
Occupation	Singer songwriter record producer poet
Years active	2005–present
Works	Discography songs recorded
Musical career
Origin	London, England
Genres	Electropop synth-pop indie pop art pop
Instruments	Vocals piano
Labels	Neon Gold 679 Atlantic Chop Shop Elektra BMG Queenie

Marina Lambrini Diamandis (born 10 October 1985), known simply as Marina, is a talented Welsh singer, songwriter, and record producer. She was previously known by her stage name Marina and the Diamonds.

Marina became well-known in 2009 when she placed second in the BBC's Sound of 2010 poll. Her first album, The Family Jewels (2010), featured indie pop and new wave music. It reached number five on the UK Albums Chart. Her second album, Electra Heart (2012), was a concept album that became her first number one album in the UK.

Her third album, Froot (2015), was inspired by Europop and reached the top 10 in both the UK and the US. In 2018, she worked with Clean Bandit on the song "Baby", which was a top 20 hit in the UK. Her fourth album, Love + Fear (2019), also reached number five in the UK.

In 2021, Marina released her fifth album, Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land. Her sixth album, Princess of Power, was released on June 6, 2025. She also released a poetry book called Eat the World on October 29, 2024.

Early life and beginnings

Marina describes herself as "half Greek and half Welsh." She spent her childhood in southeast Wales and on the Greek island of Lefkada.

Marina Lambrini Diamandis was born on October 10, 1985, in Brynmawr, Wales. She grew up in Pandy, near Abergavenny. Marina has an older sister named Lafina. Her Welsh mother and Greek father separated when Marina was four years old. Her father returned to Greece, but he visited often. Marina stayed in Wales with her mother.

She described her childhood as "simple and idyllic" and "peaceful, very normal." Marina said she was a "tomboy" as a child. She played football every day and spent more time with boys.

As a child, Marina went to Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls. She found her talent there, even though she often skipped choir practice. She had a great music teacher who helped her believe in herself. At 16, she moved to Greece to live with her father. She wanted to connect with her Greek background and learn the language. She sang Greek folk songs with her grandmother.

After finishing school in Athens, she returned to Wales two years later. She and her mother then moved to England, settling in Ross-on-Wye. Marina was determined to become a singer. She worked at a petrol station for two months to save money to move to London.

Marina did not have a musical background, but she loved writing as a child. She started writing music when she was 18. She moved to London to attend dance school but left after two months. She later studied music at the University of East London and then classical composition at Middlesex University. However, she dropped out of Middlesex after two months.

Music career

2005–2011: Starting out and The Family Jewels

Marina learned that the Spice Girls were formed through an advertisement. She tried out for many auditions, including for the musical The Lion King. In 2005, she created her stage name, Marina and the Diamonds. The "Diamonds" part later became a way to refer to her fans, not her band.

Inspired by musician Daniel Johnston, Marina decided to write her own music. She taught herself to play the piano. She made her first songs using GarageBand and released her first extended play (EP) Mermaid vs Sailor on Myspace in 2007. She met with many music labels and chose the one that would let her be herself.

In 2008, she caught the attention of Derek Davies from Neon Gold Records. She also opened for Australian singer Gotye. Davies felt she had a unique voice and writing style. In October, Marina signed a record deal with 679 Recordings, part of Warner Music Group.

Marina performing in October 2009

Marina's first single, "Obsessions," came out on February 14, 2009. Her first EP, The Crown Jewels EP, followed in June. That summer, she performed at major festivals like Glastonbury Festival. In December 2009, the BBC ranked her second in their Sound of 2010 poll. She was also nominated for the Critics' Choice Award at the 2010 BRIT Awards.

"Mowgli's Road" was released in November 2009. It gained attention after its video was shared by famous people like Kanye West. "Hollywood" followed on February 1, 2010, reaching number 12 on the UK Singles Chart.

Marina's first album, The Family Jewels, was released on February 15, 2010. It debuted at number five on the UK Albums Chart. Atlantic Records signed Marina in the United States in March 2010. She released her third EP, The American Jewels EP, and The Family Jewels in the US.

Later in 2010, Marina released three more singles from the album: "I Am Not a Robot", "Oh No!", and "Shampain". In October 2010, she won Best UK & Ireland Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. She toured Europe, North America, and Australia to promote The Family Jewels.

2012–2016: Electra Heart and Froot

Marina performing in January 2012

In summer 2011, Marina opened for Katy Perry's California Dreams Tour. On September 30, Marina released the song "Radioactive". It reached number 25 on the UK Singles Chart. Her second album was introduced by its first single, "Primadonna", in April 2012. This song reached number 11 on the UK Singles Chart, her highest-charting song there.

Her second album, Electra Heart, is a concept album about "female identity" and a recent breakup. Marina created a character named "Electra Heart" for the album. She played different roles like "Housewife" and "Beauty Queen" to show different female types. The album was released on April 27, 2012. It debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, becoming her first chart-topping album in the UK.

"Power & Control" and "How to Be a Heartbreaker" were later singles. "How to Be a Heartbreaker" was added to the American version of the album. Marina toured for The Lonely Hearts Club Tour and opened for Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto Tour. On August 8, 2013, she released a music video for the song "Electra Heart". This video showed the end of the "Electra Heart" character.

Marina performing in February 2016

In February 2013, Marina announced she was writing new music for her third album. The song "Froot" was released on October 10, 2014, her 29th birthday. It was also the title track for the album. The album was planned for release in April 2015, but it was released earlier due to an online leak. Marina and David Kosten produced the album together.

Froot debuted at number 8 on the US Billboard 200 chart, her highest-charting album there. It also reached number 10 in the UK. In 2015, Marina performed at major festivals like Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. From October 2015 to October 2016, she went on the Neon Nature Tour. Each show had three parts, one for each of her albums. After the tour, Marina said she would take a break from music. However, she soon returned, saying she preferred to work consistently.

2017–present: Love + Fear and Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land and Princess of Power

In June 2016, Marina said she had started writing new songs. In December 2016, the group Clean Bandit confirmed that "Disconnect", a song they performed with Marina, would be on their new album. It was released as a single in June 2017.

Marina performing in October 2019

In 2018, Marina announced on Twitter that she would drop "and the Diamonds" from her name. She would now release music as simply "Marina." She explained that much of her identity was tied to her artist name, and she wanted to find more of who she was.

In November 2018, she released "Baby" with Clean Bandit and Luis Fonsi. It reached number 15 in the UK. On December 11, Marina performed "Baby" with Clean Bandit at the Royal Variety Performance. On January 31, 2019, Marina hinted at a new album on Instagram. On February 6, 2019, she revealed the first single would be "Handmade Heaven". Her fourth album, Love + Fear, was released in two parts on April 4 and April 26, 2019.

On April 29, 2019, Marina began her Love + Fear Tour in the UK. She also played at music festivals in Europe and the UK. She then toured North America in September and October. Marina was featured on Gryffin's song "If I Left the World" in October 2019.

Marina performing in March 2022

In January 2020, Marina posted on Instagram that she was writing songs in Paris. On February 7, 2020, she released "About Love" for the movie To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You. She announced The Inbetweenie Tour for April 2020, but it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On November 18, 2020, Marina released "Man's World". On April 12, 2021, she announced a new single, "Purge the Poison". Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land was released on June 11, 2021. The album was well-received by critics. A deluxe version of the album was released on January 7, 2022.

On October 1, 2021, Marina announced she had started working on her sixth album. On April 27, 2022, she announced an expanded version of Electra Heart, called Electra Heart: Platinum Blonde Edition. It was released digitally two days later. On May 22, 2022, Marina announced that Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land was her last album with Atlantic Records. She had been with the label for 14 years.

On January 31, 2023, Marina started teasing new work on social media. She published many poems throughout the year. On April 2, 2024, she announced her poetry book, Eat the World, which was released on October 29, 2024. She also confirmed she was working on her next album, which was set for 2025.

On June 3, 2024, it was announced that Marina would support Kylie Minogue at her BST Hyde Park performance on July 19, 2024.

On February 21, 2025, Marina released "Butterfly", the first single from her sixth album, Princess of Power. A music video was released the same day. On March 20, another single called "Cupid's Girl" was released. The album's third single, "...issimo", was released on April 10, 2025. This also announced the album's title and release date.

On April 11, 2025, Marina performed at Coachella. She sang older songs and her newest singles. Princess of Power was released on June 6, 2025. It reached number 7 on the UK Albums Chart, making it her fifth album in the UK Top 10.

Musical style

Marina's music style includes indie pop, art pop, electropop, and synth-pop. She is known for her strong singing voice. As a child, she was inspired by her parents' music tastes, like Dolly Parton and George Michael. She also admired pop stars like the Spice Girls and Britney Spears.

Marina has said that Madonna made her want to be a pop star from age 15. She also found inspiration in artists like PJ Harvey and Fiona Apple when she was 19. She jokingly said her unique sound comes from not having much formal music training. Marina also has synesthesia, which means she connects colors with musical notes and days of the week.

Marina describes herself as a "DIY musician" and an "indie artist with pop goals." She calls her music "alternate pop." Her first album, The Family Jewels, had strong new wave sounds. Her second album, Electra Heart, was heavily influenced by electropop. Froot is a pop record with elements of europop and pop rock.

Many artists, including Camila Cabello and Billie Eilish, have said Marina Diamandis influenced their music.

Marina's lyrics often explore human behavior. She has said she might have become a psychologist if she hadn't pursued music. The song "Savages" from Froot talks about why humans can be violent. Critics have praised Marina's lyrics for being thoughtful and unique.

Discography

• The Family Jewels (2010)
• Electra Heart (2012)
• Froot (2015)
• Love + Fear (2019)
• Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land (2021)
• Princess of Power (2025)

Tours

Headlining

• The Family Jewels Tour (2010–2011)
• The Lonely Hearts Club Tour (2012–2013)
• Neon Nature Tour (2015–2016)
• Love + Fear Tour (2019)
• Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land Tour (2022)
• The Princess of Power Tour (2025)

Supporting

• Katy Perry – California Dreams Tour (2011)
• Coldplay – Mylo Xyloto Tour (2011–2012)
• Panic! at the Disco – Viva Las Vengeance Tour (2022–2023)

Awards and nominations

See also

In Spanish: Marina Diamandis para niños