Momsen, who plays aspiring fashion designer Jenny Humphrey aka “Little J” on the CW series, was definitely going for the ‘90s Courtney Love punk rock vibe with her lace slip, lace-up black boots and raspy vocals. The 15-year-old actress/singer/model handles lead vocals for The Pretty Reckless and co-writes all the songs.
Spin magazine was a big fan of the band’s set, writing “the debut … did not suck at all. On the contrary, that girl can actually rock.
“Momsen delivered a set more befitting a rock star who dabbles in acting, not the other way around. Looking like Debbie Harry and singing like Kim Carnes doing Karen O., Momsen showcased the potential to build a following among those who'd feel more comfortable listening to L7 or Sleater-Kinney than relating to any character on ‘Gossip Girl.’”
Backstage, Momsen told Spin “she wants to be known as a singer who used acting to help her music career and not vice versa.”
In case you guys don’t watch “Gossip Girl” and have no idea who Momsen is, she played Cindy Lou Who in 2000’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” But, forget I told you that, she is a singer who simply used acting to get where she is today!
Seriously though, I think the YouTube clip isn't half-bad. I think Momsen pulled it off.
The Los Angeles Times’ Pop & Hiss blog wasn’t so impressed, writing, “Momsen's body language suggests a canny knack for mimicry instead of real performative emotion."
The Pretty Reckless’ debut album is set for release this fall. In the meantime, the band is hitting the road in support of The Veronicas, kicking things off May 9 at Nashville’s Rocketown and winding down the tour June 30 at Club Sound in Salt Lake City.
Other “Gossip Girl” cast members that have added singing to their resume include Leighton Meester, who recently signed a record deal with Universal Republic, and Ed Westwick, the frontman for Brit-pop act the Filthy Youth.
Read the Spin article here.
Read the Pop & Hiss blog post here.
Leave us a comment and let us know what you thought of The Pretty Reckless' debut.