Bat for Lashes

Khan was born to an English mother and a Pakistani father, squash player Rehmat Khan.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/4787192/Bat-for-Lashes-off-the-wall.html|title=Bat for Lashes: off the wall|last=Burrows|first=Tim|date=26 February 2009|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|access-date=26 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301153902/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/4787192/Bat-for-Lashes-off-the-wall.html|archive-date=1 March 2009|url-status=live}} A member of the Khan family,{{Cite news |last=Yardley |first=William |date=21 August 2014 |title=Hashim Khan, Patriarch of a Squash Dynasty, Is Dead |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/22/sports/hashim-khan-patriarch-of-a-squash-dynasty-is-dead.html |access-date=20 February 2025 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} she is the granddaughter of squash player Nasrullah Khan, the niece of squash players Jahangir Khan and Torsam Khan, and the stepdaughter of singer and actress Salma Agha.

The family moved to Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, when Khan was five years old. She attended many of her family's squash matches, which she felt inspired her creativity: "The roar of the crowd is intense; it is ceremonial, ritualistic, I feel like the banner got passed to me but I carried it on in a creative way. It is a similar thing, the need to thrive on heightened communal experience." After her father left the family when Khan was eleven, she taught herself to play the piano, which became "a channel to express things, to get them out".

Khan was subject to racial abuse during secondary school due to her Pakistani heritage. She played truant and was suspended after swearing and throwing a chair at a teacher. She told The Daily Telegraph: "I was an outsider at school. When I came back from being suspended they had told the small group of friends that I did have there that they weren't allowed to talk to me because I was a really bad influence. Then it got quite lonely." After completing her GCSEs and A-Levels, Khan took a job in a card-packing factory where she would work while listening to songs she had made. She said: "My internal imaginary life was really fruitful at that time...All day long just listening and dreaming, while counting the cards to be packed." With money saved from the job, she embarked on a three-month road trip through the United States and Mexico.

After returning to the UK, Khan settled in Brighton in 2000 to study music and visual arts at the University of Brighton,{{cite web |last=Fox |first=Imogen |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2006/oct/09/fashion1 |title=The close-up: Natasha Khan, singer in Bat For Lashes |work=The Guardian |date=16 October 2006 |access-date=24 August 2015}}{{cite web |date=11 June 2007 |title=Interview with Natasha Khan |url=http://www.arbobo.fr/bat-for-lashes-live-interview/ |access-date=22 September 2014 |website=Arbobo.fr}} where she produced sound installations, animations, and performances influenced by artists including Steve Reich and Susan Hiller.{{cite web|url=http://www.westword.com/2009-08-20/music/meet-natasha-khan-the-alluring-songstress-behind-bat-for-lashes/full/|title=Meet Natasha Khan, the alluring songstress behind Bat for Lashes|author=Tom Murphy|work=Westword|date=20 August 2009|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224160251/http://www.westword.com/2009-08-20/music/meet-natasha-khan-the-alluring-songstress-behind-bat-for-lashes/full/|url-status=dead}} After finishing her degree, Khan completed an NVQ in play work and childcare, and worked as a nursery school teacher, dedicating her spare time to developing songs, recording demos, and gigging in Brighton.{{cite web|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/music/suns-shining-on-natasha-khan-89975|title=Suns shining on Natasha Khan|author=birminghammail Administrator|date=10 April 2009|work=birminghammail}}{{cite news|url = https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/jul/20/folk.pop|title = 'Bat for Lashes are beyond a trend ... she has an ancient power; like Bjork or Patti Smith, she is in part shamanic ...'|access-date = 21 September 2013 | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Helen| last=Pidd| date=19 July 2007}} She has said the name Bat for Lashes "doesn't really mean anything [...] It conjured up Halloween-y images, and it sounded metal and feminine.”{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/fashion/05night.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927071659/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/fashion/05night.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 September 2015|title=Animals, Plastic or Dead|access-date = 29 October 2019 | work=The New York Times | first=Melena| last=Ryzik| date=2 July 2009}}

File:Natasha Khan by David Shankbone.jpg in 2007, promoting Fur and Gold]]

Khan's debut single, "The Wizard", was released digitally through Drowned in Sound records and on 7" vinyl through Khan's own imprint, She Bear Records. In 2006, she signed to Echo, a record label owned by independent publisher Chrysalis Music that acted as an incubator for artists before "upstreaming" them to major labels.{{cite web|url=http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/bat-for-lashes-sign-to-the-echo-label/029754|title=Bat For Lashes sign to the Echo label|work=Music Week}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/oct/31/citynews.musicnews|title=Indie record labels form unlikely alliances with the corporations|work=The Guardian|date=31 October 2006}} Echo released her debut album, Fur and Gold, in September 2006. In 2007, Bat for Lashes and Echo signed an international licensing deal with Parlophone Records, which re-released Fur and Gold the same year.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/global/1321131/parlophone-seals-bat-for-lashes-deal|title=Parlophone Seals Bat For Lashes Deal|magazine=Billboard|access-date=21 April 2020|archive-date=3 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203202123/https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/global/1321131/parlophone-seals-bat-for-lashes-deal|url-status=dead}} A limited vinyl version was released by Los Angeles indie label Manimal Vinyl in May 2007. Fur and Gold reached number forty-eight on the UK Albums Chart and has since been certified gold by the BPI for sales exceeding 100,000 copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/certified-awards.aspx |title=Certified Awards |work=bpi.co.uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027024307/http://www.bpi.co.uk/certified-awards.aspx |archive-date=27 October 2015 }} In 2007, Khan appeared at the Glastonbury Festival and toured the United States.{{cite web|url=http://www.batforlashes.com/live/|title=Bat for Lashes|work=batforlashes.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218120545/http://www.batforlashes.com/live/|archive-date=18 December 2008}}

Fur and Gold received critical acclaim, including a five-star review from The Guardian.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/sep/08/popandrock.shopping1|title=CD: Bat For Lashes, Fur and Gold|author=Betty Clarke|work=The Guardian|date=7 September 2006}} It was shortlisted for the 2007 Mercury Prize, losing out to Klaxons' Myths of the Near Future, despite being a favourite of British media to win the award.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6903225.stm|title=Mercury Prize: The nominees |date=3 September 2007 |publisher=News.bbc.co.uk|access-date=22 September 2014}} Also in 2007, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) bestowed their Vanguard Award on her and chose her to perform at their "ASCAP Presents..." showcase at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. In 2008, Khan was nominated for British Breakthrough Act and British Female Solo Artist at the Brit Awards.

Radiohead's 2008 tour featured several shows with Bat for Lashes as their opening act. Her version of the Cure's "A Forest" appeared on a charity album called Perfect as Cats on Manimal Vinyl in late 2008.

Khan's second album, Two Suns, was released in April 2009 and produced by Khan and David Kosten.{{cite web| url= https://www.nme.com/news/bat-for-lashes/41983| title= Bat For Lashes announces new album plans and tour dates| work= NME| access-date= 4 August 2009}} In preparation for the album, Khan journeyed to Joshua Tree Desert in California to gain inspiration, before returning to New York and London to write and record the finished material for release.

A concept album,{{cite web| url= http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/bat-for-lashes/news/108611-bat-for-lashes-interview| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091118165114/http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/bat-for-lashes/news/108611-bat-for-lashes-interview| url-status= dead| archive-date= 18 November 2009| title= Bat For Lashes interview| publisher= MTV| access-date= 4 August 2009}} Two Suns focuses on Khan's desert-born alter ego Pearl, whose personality she adopted while staying in New York to gain a better understanding of the character. She revealed to the BBC's Newsbeat, "I really just did it as an experiment of dressing up myself with quite garish extreme feminine make-up. I wanted to photograph myself in that situation and just see what it made me feel."{{cite news| url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7972000/7972862.stm | title= Bat For Lashes' glittering return| publisher= BBC| access-date= 4 August 2009| date= 31 March 2009| first= Tom| last= Pinnock}} Khan believed that living in Brooklyn when bands such as TV on the Radio, MGMT, and Gang Gang Dance were emerging on the music scene had an influence on the album's musical style. In an interview with MTV, she said, "I experienced that whole thing coming out, in terms of beats and like going out dancing and checking out all this new music, it was really inspiring." During the album's production, she also collaborated with Brooklyn band Yeasayer for the bass and beat programming. In June 2009, Bat for Lashes first appeared on the cover of The Fader, in its 60th issue.{{cite news| title= Issue 60: Bat for Lashes / Beirut| publisher= The Fader| url= http://shop.thefader.com/products/Issue-60%3A-Bat-for-Lashes-%7B47%7D-Beirut.html| access-date= 21 November 2013| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121114230039/http://shop.thefader.com/products/Issue-60%3A-Bat-for-Lashes-%7B47%7D-Beirut.html| archive-date= 14 November 2012| url-status= dead}}

Two Suns debuted at number five on the UK Albums Chart,{{cite web| url= https://www.officialcharts.com/archive/official-albums-chart/| title= The Official Charts Company for album Two Suns| publisher= Official Charts Company| access-date= 4 August 2009}} and has been certified gold by the BPI for sales of 100,000 copies. The first single from the album, "Daniel", became Khan's first hit, peaking at number thirty-six on the UK Singles Chart;{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/It%27s%20Not%20The%20End%20Of%20The%20World%20But%20I%20Can%20See%20It%20From%20Here |title=The Official Charts Company for single Daniel |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=4 August 2009 }} it later won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song and was nominated for the MTV Video Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year. The following singles were "Pearl's Dream" and a double A-side of "Sleep Alone" and "Moon and Moon", the latter of which was featured in a high-profile advertising campaign for children's charity Barnardo's in late 2009.{{cite web |last=Brook |first=Stephen |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/dec/04/barnardos-palindrome-tv-ad |title=Barnardo's launches 'palindrome' TV ad |work=The Guardian |date=4 December 2009 |access-date=24 August 2015}}

File:Bat For Lashes en el Primavera Sound 2009.jpg

Critical response to the album was mostly favourable, generating a score of 77 on the review aggregator Metacritic.{{cite web|url = https://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/batforlashes/twosuns|title = Two Suns by Bat For Lashes|publisher = Metacritic|access-date = 4 August 2009|archive-date = 20 April 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090420231941/http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/batforlashes/twosuns?|url-status = dead}} In their review for Two Suns, NME awarded it 8 out of 10, describing the album as "epic in scope and ambition and requires a similarly epic patience to unravel its charms."{{cite web|url = https://www.nme.com/reviews/bat-for-lashes/10296 |title = Album Review: Bat For Lashes|work=NME|date = 2 April 2009|access-date = 4 August 2009}} Rolling Stone also rated it favourably, stating "Khan proves she's a powerhouse under her billowy sleeves. She could be the next Kate Bush."{{cite magazine|url = https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/27205155/review/27181570/two_suns|title = Bat For Lashes: Two Suns|magazine = Rolling Stone|access-date = 4 August 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090411043531/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/27205155/review/27181570/two_suns|archive-date = 11 April 2009|url-status = dead}} However, some critics such as PopMatters found problems: reviewing the album, they wrote, "While the weaker songs are definitely not throwaways, they miss the mark in more than one way."{{cite web|url = https://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/72112-bat-for-lashes-two-suns/ |title =Bat For Lashes: Two Suns|publisher = popmatters.com|access-date = 4 August 2009}} Blender magazine also felt the album was average, awarding it 3 out 5 stars, saying, "The contrast between Pearl and Natasha isn't always crisply drawn".{{cite web |url = http://www.blender.com/guide/new/77133/two-suns.html |title = Bat For Lashes: Two Suns |work = Blender |access-date = 4 August 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090511183820/http://www.blender.com/guide/new/77133/two-suns.html |archive-date = 11 May 2009 |url-status = dead |df = dmy-all }} As with Fur and Gold, Khan was nominated for the Mercury Prize for Two Suns.{{cite magazine|url = https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267993/kasabian-florence-lead-mercury-prize-nominations | title = Kasabian, Florence Lead Mercury Prize Nominations |magazine= Billboard|access-date = 4 August 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090803131232/http://www.billboard.com/| archive-date= 3 August 2009 | url-status= live}} In 2010, she won Best Alternative Act at the UK Asian Music Awards and received a second BRIT Award nomination for British Female Solo Artist.

As part of the 2009 summer festival season, Khan played at Glastonbury, Somerset House, and the iTunes Festival. In September 2009, a special edition of Two Suns was released in the United Kingdom ahead of Khan's October tour. The special edition, which included a cover version of the Kings of Leon single "Use Somebody", was released simultaneously in the United States. Later in 2009, the cover artwork for Two Suns was nominated for Best Art Vinyl.{{cite web |url=http://www.artvinyl.com/en/nominate/nominations.html |title=Best Art Vinyl 2011 – Nominations |publisher=Artvinyl.com |access-date=31 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106094828/http://www.artvinyl.com/en/nominate/nominations.html |archive-date=6 January 2010 }}

In early 2010, Khan toured South America supporting Coldplay{{cite web |author=Slender Fungus |url=http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=528&page=80 |title=News – Latin American stadium tour announced |publisher=Coldplay |date=1 October 2009 |access-date=31 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306061624/http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=528&page=80 |archive-date=6 March 2012 |url-status=dead }} after a gig at The De La Warr Pavilion, including playing covers of Radiohead's "All I Need" and the Cure's "Lullaby".{{citation needed|date=October 2024}} In 2010, she collaborated with Beck on the track "Let's Get Lost" for the Twilight Saga: Eclipse soundtrack,{{cite web |last=Breihan |first=Tom |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/38778-ieclipsei-soundtrack-gets-vampire-weekend-beckbat-for-lashes-duet/ |title=Eclipse Soundtrack Gets Vampire Weekend, Beck/Bat for Lashes Duet |publisher=Pitchfork |date=12 May 2010 |access-date=31 December 2011 |archive-date=24 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824195809/http://pitchfork.com/news/38778-ieclipsei-soundtrack-gets-vampire-weekend-beckbat-for-lashes-duet/ |url-status=dead }} and contributed the song "Sleep Alone" from Two Suns to the Enough Project and Downtown Records' Raise Hope for Congo compilation.{{cite web |url=http://www.raisehopeforcongomusic.org |title=Raise Hope For Congo |publisher=Raisehopeforcongomusic.org |access-date=31 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118191106/http://www.raisehopeforcongomusic.org/ |archive-date=18 January 2012 |url-status=usurped }} Proceeds from the compilation funded efforts to make the protection and empowerment of Congo's women a priority, as well as to inspire individuals around the world to raise their voice for peace in Congo.

For Record Store Day 2010, Bat for Lashes released an exclusive double A-side 7" single comprising a live performance of the "Trophy" single B-side "Howl", recorded at De La Warr Pavilion, and a cover of "Wild Is the Wind", originally written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington.{{cite web |url=http://www.batforlashes.com/index.php/latest_news/entry/record_store_day_-_exclusive_7// |title=Record Store Day – Exclusive 7 |publisher=batforlashes.com |date=15 April 2010 |access-date=10 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303222620/http://www.batforlashes.com/index.php/latest_news/entry/record_store_day_-_exclusive_7/ |archive-date=3 March 2012 |url-status=dead }} In 2011, Khan recorded a cover version of Depeche Mode's "Strangelove" for a Gucci advertising campaign. The song was released as a free download from Gucci's YouTube channel and various blogs.{{Cite web|title=Bat For Lashes Covers Depeche Mode |url=https://stereogum.com/644051/bat-for-lashes-covers-depeche-mode/franchises/commercial-appeal/ |work=Stereogum |date=22 February 2011 |access-date=26 March 2014 }} In June 2011, Khan performed two shows at the Sydney Opera House as part of the Vivid LIVE Arts Festival, her only performances of the year.{{Cite web|url=http://www.batforlashes.com/index.php/latest_news/entry/bat_for_lashes_-_vivid_live_2011/|title=Bat for Lashes – Vivid LIVE 2011|website=Batfrolashes.com|access-date=22 November 2011|archive-date=1 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401013922/http://www.batforlashes.com/index.php/latest_news/entry/bat_for_lashes_-_vivid_live_2011/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.batforlashes.com/index.php/latest_news/entry/natasha_home_from_australia/ |title=Natasha, Home from Australia |access-date=22 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110618022218/http://www.batforlashes.com/index.php/latest_news/entry/natasha_home_from_australia/ |archive-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead }}

File:Bat for Lashes Way Out West 2013 (cropped).jpg

The third Bat for Lashes album, The Haunted Man, was released in October 2012 in the UK. The lead single, "Laura", was released in July; the second single, "All Your Gold", came out in September.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/all-your-gold-single/id561830783 |title=All Your Gold – Single by Bat for Lashes |access-date=20 July 2013 |publisher=iTunes. Apple |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008191848/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/all-your-gold-single/id561830783 |archive-date=8 October 2013 }} The Haunted Man debuted at number six on the UK Albums Chart, Khan's second consecutive top-ten album, and has since been certified Silver by the BPI for selling 60,000 copies. Subsequent singles were "A Wall" and "Lilies". Khan attended the 2013 Brit Awards, having been nominated in the Best British Female category, and was also nominated at the Ivor Novello Awards in the category of Best Song Musically and Lyrically (for "Laura").

In 2013, Khan performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, supported Blur at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin, Ireland, and opened for Depeche Mode on the first half of their North American tour. In June, she released a cover of "The Bride", a pre-revolution Iranian song, with the rock band Toy.{{Cite web|title = Listen: Bat For Lashes' Natasha Khan and TOY: "The Bride"| website=Pitchfork | date=10 June 2013 |url = https://pitchfork.com/news/51088-listen-bat-for-lashes-natasha-khan-and-toy-the-bride/|access-date = 27 August 2015}} On 2 September 2013, Khan premiered the track "Garden's Heart", a collaboration with Jon Hopkins for the soundtrack to the film How I Live Now.{{cite web |last=Minsker |first=Evan |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/52120-watchlisten-bat-for-lashes-natasha-khan-and-jon-hopkins-gardens-heart/ |title=Watch/Listen: Bat for Lashes' Natasha Khan and Jon Hopkins: "Garden's Heart" |publisher=Pitchfork.com |date=2 September 2013 |access-date=24 August 2015}}

In 2014, Khan collaborated with Damon Albarn on a track for his 2014 solo album Everyday Robots,{{cite web|url=http://www.blurballs.com/2013/09/damon-albarns-solo-album-to-feature.html |title=Damon Albarn's Solo Album to feature Natasha Khan |website=BlurBalls.com |date=4 September 2013 |access-date=26 March 2014}} premiered "Skin Song" from Body of Songs—a compilation album featuring songs inspired by anatomy and medical science—and contributed a cover of "Plan the Escape" by Son Lux to the soundtrack album of the film The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1.{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/55847-bat-for-lashes-shares-skin-song/|title=Bat For Lashes Shares "Skin Song"|date=10 July 2014 |publisher=Pitchfork.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/1718743/bat-for-lashes-plan-the-escape-son-lux-cover/mp3s/|title=Bat for Lashes – "Plan The Escape" (Son Lux Cover)|date=14 November 2014 |publisher=Stereogum.com}}

On 15 August 2015, Khan began previewing new music on her Twitter and Instagram pages via a game of Hangman.{{cite web |last=Hudson |first=Alex |url=http://exclaim.ca/Music/article/bat_for_lashes_counting_down_to_announcement_via_hangman_game |title=Bat for Lashes Hinting at Announcement Via Hangman Game |work=Exclaim! |date=16 August 2015 |access-date=24 August 2015}}{{cite web |last=Minsker |first=Evan |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/60810-bat-for-lashes-teases-new-music-via-hangman-game/ |title=Bat for Lashes Teases New Music Via Hangman Game |publisher=Pitchfork.com|date=19 August 2015 |access-date=24 August 2015}} During a surprise Green Man Festival set in Wales on 22 August, she debuted a music project with producer Dan Carey and the band Toy, called Sexwitch.{{cite web |last=Snapes |first=Laura |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/60886-report-bat-for-lashes-debuts-sexwitch/ |title=Report: Bat for Lashes Debuts Sexwitch |publisher=Pitchfork.com |date=22 August 2015 |access-date=24 August 2015}} Two days later, it was announced that Sexwitch's eponymous debut album would be released on 25 September 2015 by Echo and BMG, consisting of six covers of 1970s psychedelic and folk songs from different parts of the world.{{cite web |last1=Monroe |first1=Jazz |last2=Snapes |first2=Laura |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/60902-bat-for-lashes-discusses-debut-sexwitch-album-shares-helelyos/ |title=Bat for Lashes Discusses Debut Sexwitch Album, Shares "Helelyos" |publisher=Pitchfork.com |date=24 August 2015 |access-date=24 August 2015}}

On 19 February 2016, a new song, "I Do", was released on YouTube with a picture of a wedding invitation reading "Save The Date 1st July 2016". The track was made available for purchase the same day.{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-do-single/id1083974246|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307135732/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-do-single/id1083974246|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 March 2016|title=I Do - Single |publisher=iTunes |date=19 February 2016 |access-date=28 February 2016}} On 11 March, Khan released "In God's House", the lead single from her fourth studio album, The Bride, which was released on 1 July and later nominated for the 2016 Mercury Music Prize.

On 10 June 2019, the album Lost Girls was announced and the song "Kids in the Dark" was released on YouTube.{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/bat-for-lashes-announces-new-album-lost-girls-shares-new-song-listen/|title=Bat for Lashes Announces New Album Lost Girls, Shares New Song: Listen |publisher=Pitchfork|date=10 June 2019 |access-date=14 June 2019}} Lost Girls was released on 6 September 2019.{{AllMusic | id= lost-girls-mw0003291414 | title= Lost Girls | access-date= 9 September 2019}}

Khan released the title track from her upcoming sixth album, The Dream of Delphi, on 22 February 2024.{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/bat-for-lashes-returns-with-new-album-the-dream-of-delphi-shares-song-and-video-watch/|title=Bat for Lashes Returns with New Album the Dream of Delphi, Shares Song and Video|first=Jazz |last=Monroe|website=Pitchfork|date=22 February 2024 |access-date=25 February 2024}} The album was released on 31 May 2024,{{cite web |title=The Dream of Delphi |url=https://www.mercurykx.com/release/the-dream-of-delphi-2/ |website=MERCURY KX |access-date=28 November 2024}} and an English tour followed in June.{{cite web |title=Bat For Lashes Tickets, Tour Dates & Concerts 2025 & 2024 |publisher=Songkick|date=22 February 2024 |url=https://www.songkick.com/artists/130039-bat-for-lashes// |access-date=25 February 2024}}

The album reflects on the conception and birth of Khan's daughter Delphi during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pQbvmEtsOM|title=Bat for Lashes on motherhood, creation and embodiment

|publisher=Southbank Centre|date=9 June 2023 |access-date=25 February 2024}}

{{Expand section|date=December 2014}}

Khan is a contralto with an expansive range.{{cite news| url = https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/22067-the-bride/| title = Bat for Lashes: The Bride| work=Pitchfork| date=5 July 2016| access-date=12 April 2018| first=Cameron| last=Cook}}{{cite news| url = https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/5-spine-tingling-moments-from-bat-for-lashes-the-bride-shows-a-church-set-wedding-tragedy-764537| title = Five Spine-Tingling Moments From Bat For Lashes' 'The Bride' Shows – A Wedding Tragedy Performed In Church| work=NME| date=17 May 2016| access-date=12 April 2018| first=Larry| last=Bartleet}}{{cite news| url = https://www.avclub.com/bat-for-lashes-tries-to-keep-the-flame-alive-on-the-bri-1798188286| title = Bat For Lashes tries to keep the flame alive on The Bride| work=The A.V. Club| date=1 July 2016| access-date=12 April 2018| first=Katie| last=Rife}}{{cite news| url = https://livenation.vice.com/en_us/article/bat-for-lashes-the-bride-show-review| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180413043457/https://livenation.vice.com/en_us/article/bat-for-lashes-the-bride-show-review| url-status = dead| archive-date = 13 April 2018| title = WORSHIPPING AT THE ALTAR OF BAT FOR LASHES: A REPORT ON 'THE BRIDE' LIVE| work=Live Nation Entertainment| date=21 April 2016| access-date=12 April 2018| first=Laura| last=Studaris}} Critics have likened her music to the work of Joni Mitchell, Nico, Siouxsie Sioux,{{cite news|last=Mulholland |first=Garry |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/aug/13/shopping9 |title=Bat for Lashes, Fur and Gold |newspaper=The Guardian |date=13 August 2006 |access-date=24 August 2015}} Björk, Kate Bush, Cat Power, PJ Harvey, Annie Lennox, Tori Amos, and Fiona Apple.{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=MacKenzie |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bat-for-lashes-mn0000911827/biography |title=Bat for Lashes {{!}} Biography |website=AllMusic |access-date=22 September 2014}} Her music has been described by MTV Iggy as "at once haunting and way danceable".{{cite web |url=http://www.mtviggy.com/artists/bat-for-lashes/ |title=Bat For Lashes |website=Mtviggy.com |access-date=24 August 2015}}

Khan and fashion house YMC designed a limited edition capsule collection of sportswear and accessories for the spring/summer 2014 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.youmustcreate.com/2014/natasha-khan-x-ymc/|title=Natasha Khan x YMC|website=Youmustcreate.com|access-date=26 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825142408/http://www.youmustcreate.com/2014/natasha-khan-x-ymc/|archive-date=25 August 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/fashion-blog/2014/jun/04/natasha-khan-ymc-bat-for-lashes|title=Natasha Khan talks about her YMC collaboration|author=Lauren Cochrane|newspaper=The Guardian}}{{cite web|url=http://www.matchesfashion.com/womens/the-style-report/modern-elegance-issue-ss14/ymc-bat-for-lashes-natasha-khan-exclusive|title=Matches meets Natasha Khan|work=Matchesfashion.com|access-date=26 November 2014|archive-date=16 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140616021941/http://www.matchesfashion.com/womens/the-style-report/modern-elegance-issue-ss14/ymc-bat-for-lashes-natasha-khan-exclusive|url-status=dead}} The release of the collection was accompanied by a fashion film, Under the Indigo Moon, directed by and starring Khan, with a soundtrack she composed with Beck.{{cite web|url=https://www.nowness.com/story/natasha-khan-under-the-indigo-moon%7ctitle=NOWNESS%7cwork=nowness.com|title=NOWNESS|website=Nowness.com}}

In 2014, Film4 commissioned Cowboy Films to produce the short film Gotcha, with Khan as writer and director.{{cite web|url=http://www.screendaily.com/news/cast-announced-for-the-briny/5073938.article|title=Cast announced for The Briny|work=screendaily.com}} She said she intended to develop the project into a feature-length film.{{cite news|last = Barnett|first = Laura|url = https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jun/29/natasha-khan-bats-for-lashes-interview-ymc-clothes|title = Natasha Khan: 'I like to get involved in visually based art'|newspaper=The Guardian|date = 29 June 2014|access-date = 24 August 2015}} In 2016, she wrote and directed the short film Madly.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/film/reviews/madly-film-review-gael-garcia-bernal-mia-wasikowska-1201759243/|title=Film Review: 'Madly'|first1=Jay|last1=Weissberg|work=Variety|date=24 April 2016}}

Khan has written feature-length film scripts for both The Bride (2016) and Lost Girls (2019).{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/02/16/805707037/on-lost-girls-bat-for-lashes-spins-a-vampire-fairy-tale-with-synth-pop|title=On 'Lost Girls', Bat for Lashes Spins a Vampire Fairy Tale with Synth-Pop|website=Npr.org|access-date=19 August 2020}}

Khan moved from London to Los Angeles in 2017.{{Cite web|date=9 September 2019|title=Exploring Bat For Lashes' Cinema Of The Mind|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/exploring-bat-lashes-cinema-mind|access-date=17 August 2020|website=Grammy.com|language=en}} She and her partner, Australian actor and model Samuel Watkins, live in Highland Park.{{Cite web|date=23 September 2019|title=Bat For Lashes has rediscovered her power|url=https://www.thefader.com/2019/09/23/bat-for-lashes-lost-girls-interview|access-date=17 August 2020|website=Thefader.com}} Khan gave birth to their first child, a daughter, in July 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CD9gV5ynUUz/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CD9gV5ynUUz |archive-date=23 December 2021 |url-access=subscription|title=Bat For Lashes on Instagram: "Loves of my life my heart is bursting! Sorry I have been off the radar. But I've been busy creating the best work yet ;) So grateful…"|website=Instagram.com|access-date=19 August 2020}}{{cbignore}}

{{Main|Bat for Lashes discography}}

• Fur and Gold (2006)
• Two Suns (2009)
• The Haunted Man (2012)
• The Bride (2016)
• Lost Girls (2019)
• The Dream of Delphi (2024)

{{Reflist}}

{{Wikinews|Bat for Lashes plays the Bowery Ballroom: an Interview with Natasha Khan}}

• {{Official website}}
• {{AllMusic|id=bat-for-lashes-mn0000911827}}
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Category:1979 births

Category:21st-century English guitarists

Category:21st-century English singer-songwriters

Category:21st-century English women singers

Category:21st-century multi-instrumentalists

Category:21st-century British women guitarists

Category:21st-century English women pianists

Category:Alumni of the University of Brighton

Category:Art pop singers

Category:Astralwerks artists

Category:Baroque pop musicians

Category:British autoharp players

Category:British indie pop musicians

Category:British musicians of Pakistani descent

Category:British women record producers

Category:Capitol Records artists

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Category:Desi musicians

Category:Dream pop musicians

Category:Echo Records artists

Category:English people of Pakistani descent

Category:English people of Pashtun descent

Category:English pop pianists

Category:English pop keyboardists

Category:English record producers

Category:English sopranos

Category:English women guitarists

Category:English women in electronic music

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Category:English women singer-songwriters

Category:Ivor Novello Award winners

Category:Khan family (squash)

Category:Living people

Category:Mercury KX artists

Category:Parlophone artists

Category:People educated at St. Clement Danes School

Category:Singers from London

Category:British synth-pop singers

Category:Warner Records artists