Lana Del Rey has admitted that people didn't take her seriously because of her high vocal range.

The singer, who initially gained fame as an internet sensation, recently achieved a number 9 chart position for new single 'Video Games'.

Del Rey told the Daily Star: "I actually used to sing much higher, but I felt people weren't taking me very seriously, so I lowered my voice, believing that it would help me stand out. Now I sing quite low... well, for a female anyway."

The singer also spoke about the older artists who inspire her.

"I heard Biggie Smalls, Tribe Called Quest and things like that. My best friend was my teacher, she's still my best friend now, and she played all that stuff to me.

"Then I moved to New York when I was 19 and I've had a love affair with the place ever since. That's when I found Bob Dylan, Frank Sin­atra, Jeff Buckley, Leonard Cohen – my masters – and I've never really listened to anything else since."

Lana Del Rey kicked off her UK tour earlier this month, with a headline date at London's Scala.

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