Persephone

''This article is about the singer. For Venus Vegas' sophomore record, go to Persephone (album)''

Persephone (Born Stephanie Davies on 1st August, 1991) is a Welsh singer-songwriter. She released her debut EP "While You Were Sleeping" on July 16, 2012, with the follow up album "Queen of the Damned" and single "The Black Rose" on August 27.

Early Life
Stephanie was born in Llanymynech, Powys with two sisters, Bethany and Rhiannon. At home she was exposed to music from an early age and learned to play both the piano and the guitar. She relocated to Durham, England in 2009 to study Medicine. However in 2011 she left the course due to depression. Whilst at university she met drummer and producer Matt Pierce who she entered into a romantic relationship with. He aided her to set up a MySpace account in 2010, in which she uploaded the songs "Numb", "While You Were Sleeping" and "Fragile Hearts". The Myspace was taken down in early 2012 when shepursued a professional music career under the name "Persephone", then on June 9th she signed a record deal with Bumblebee Records. Stephanie stated she chose the name as it sounds similar to her real name, as well as being fascinated by Greek myths, with that of Persephone being her favourite.

While You Were Sleeping
Persephone's debut EP "While You Were Sleeping" was released on July 16 2012 and gained positive reviews. The tracks "Numb" and "While You Were Sleeping" from her MySpace days were combined with new track "Carry On" and an Evanescence cover, "Forgive Me". The EP was entirely acoustic, using only vocals, guitar, piano and drums. Her ex partner Matt Pierce produced and played drums on Carry On, Whilst Bethany and Rhiannion Davies sang backing vocals on the track. Persephone was the only musician involved in the recording of the other three tracks, which were all recorded in one take.

Queen of the Damned
A day after the EP was released, Persephone announced her album would be called "Queen of the Damned" and will be released on August 27th. The debut single from the album, "The Black Rose" was released on the same week. The single charted at #2 whereas the album debuted at #1. The second single from the album, "Dear You" is an adaptation of the Alanis Morrissette song "Unsent".

Acting Career
Before Persephone signed her record deal, she filmed an apocalyptic horror called "The Devil's Daughter". This is set to be released in December.

Modelling Career
Persephone is a model for H&M. Her first campaign was launched in September 2012.

Videography

 * The Black Rose, 2012. Directed by Michael Schwartz
 * Numb, 2012. Directed by Eric Vogel

Live Performances

 * 13th July 2012: Satan's Hollow, Manchester
 * 16th July 2012: HMV Market Street, Manchester
 * 18th July 2012: HMV Oxford Street, London
 * 27th August 2012: Assembly, George Square, Edinburgh
 * 28th August 2012: Radio 1 Live Lounge
 * 31st August 2012: End of the Road Festival, Dorset
 * 25th September 2012: iTunes Festival, The Roundhouse, London
 * 28th September 2012: The Warehouse Project, Manchester
 * 6th October 2012: Koko, Camden High Street, London

Awards

 * URAPS RATE 18: 36
 * URAPS AWARDS 22: Critics Choice Award