Las Vegas has always held a unique charm in the world of music. It could be the glitz. It could be the glamour. Sometimes it could be the opposite! That’s not to mention the high-stakes allure. Whether it’s a classic crooner, or a modern jam, the spirit of Vegas’ unpredictability and excitement is alive and well. We’re going to take a look at some artists who’ve taken the very spirit of Sin City and brought it alive with music.
Katy Perry – A Fascination With Vegas Almost Unmatched
For such a princess of pop, Katy Perry is no stranger to writing about Vegas. She often uses it as a metaphor for risk and romance. Her hit song ‘Waking Up in Vegas‘ perfectly captures the city’s reputation as a place where anything can happen (literally). The lyrics tell the story of a wild night that leads to plenty of impulsive decision making – a classic Vegas tale. With lines like “Shut up and put your money where your mouth is,” the song is both a celebration and a cautionary tale of what happens when you let loose in the city of lights.
Katy Perry’s ‘Roulette’ is another example of Katy’s love of a good simile. In this song, she talks about taking a chance on a lover as being like a game of roulette, ‘Like roulette, ooh-ooh, wanna close my eyes and roll it with you’. It’s cute, it’s catchy, and if you’re looking to make a whole playlist for your own online roulette playing then there’s probably not another artist who has quite as many songs about casinos as Katy!
The Killers – Hometown Heroes of Sin City
There are surprisingly few big bands that can actually call Vegas their home. But the Killers? They can. For that reason it’s pretty much impossible to discuss Vegas-themed music without mentioning them. As natives of Las Vegas, their music often reflects the town’s larger-than-life persona. Songs like ‘Sam’s Town‘ are inspired by both the grit and the grandeur of their surroundings. It’s one of few cities that combines the two so poignantly yet effortlessly. ‘Read My Mind‘ includes hints of this too, alongside bucketloads of escapism. It’s an anthem about capturing a desire to break free and take a gamble on life.
Lead singer Brandon Flowers has often talked about how growing up in Vegas influenced the band’s sound. Their music serves as a love letter to their city, celebrating not only its flashiness but also its underlying sense of possibility.
Lady Gaga – The Queen of Vegas Residency
Lady Gaga’s relationship with Las Vegas goes beyond her lyrics – she’s made the city her stage with her successful residency. Her shows at the Park MGM have become a blend of pop extravaganza and jazz cabaret, channelling the old-school glamour of Vegas while incorporating her own signature edge. Songs like ‘Poker Face‘ may not explicitly mention Vegas, but the gambling references are undeniable, tying her persona to the allure of high-stakes gaming.
Her residency has solidified her status as a modern-day Vegas icon, where she seamlessly blends the theatrical spectacle of the city with her electrifying performances. For Gaga, Vegas isn’t just a backdrop; it’s an essential part of her artistic identity.
Doja Cat – A New Generation’s Take on Sin City
Doja Cat’s track ‘Vegas‘ featured in the soundtrack of the film Elvis, brings a fresh perspective to the city’s influence on music. She combines modern beats with a nod to Elvis Presley’s classic style, creating a fusion that speaks to both the timeless and contemporary vibes of the city. The song captures the spirit of Vegas as a place that continuously reinvents itself while remaining true to its roots.
Doja Cat’s approach to Vegas in her music is one that embraces the city’s ever-changing landscape, blending classic influences with modern-day swagger.
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