Marina Lambrini Diamandis, known professionally as MARINA (formerly Marina and the Diamonds), is a Welsh singer-songwriter celebrated for her genre-blending pop music and introspective lyricism. Born on October 10, 1985, in Brynmawr, Wales, to a Welsh mother and Greek father, she grew up near Abergavenny. After her parents’ separation when she was four, Marina remained in Wales with her mother, later spending time in Greece with her father during her teenage years. Despite lacking formal musical training, she moved to London in her late teens to pursue a music career, attending various auditions and eventually studying at the BIMM Music Institute.
Marina began creating and producing her own music in 2005, gaining initial attention with her self-released EP, Mermaid vs Sailor, in 2007. Her breakthrough came with the debut album The Family Jewels (2010), which showcased her distinctive voice and theatrical pop style. She followed this with Electra Heart (2012), a concept album exploring themes of identity and femininity, and Froot (2015), which she wrote entirely herself, reflecting a more introspective approach.
After a brief hiatus during which she studied psychology, Marina returned with Love + Fear (2019), an album divided into two thematic halves. In 2021, she released Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land, noted for its bold commentary on societal issues and exploration of divine femininity.
Expanding her artistic expression, Marina ventured into poetry with her debut collection, Eat the World, released in October 2024. The book delves into personal themes such as love, loneliness, and past struggles, offering readers an intimate glimpse into her experiences.
Looking ahead, Marina is set to release her sixth studio album, Princess of Power, on June 6, 2025. This self-released project under her label, Queenie Records, marks her first independent album since Froot Acoustic (2015) and includes singles like “Butterfly,” “Cupid’s Girl,” and “Cuntissimo.”
Throughout her career, Marina has been recognized for her ability to blend pop sensibilities with profound social commentary, evolving her musical identity while maintaining a strong connection with her audience.
