The Pretty Reckless

The Pretty Reckless (2009-present) is a alternative rock band created by Taylor Momsen, formerly of Gossip Girl. Their hit songs include "Make Me Wanna Die", "Miss Nothing" and "Just Tonight".

Taylor Momsen spent two years seeking an appropriate producer. She finally picked Kato Khandwala. She picked him because he was not your typical pop producer. Khandwala introduced Momsen to Ben Phillips and the three of them began to write songs together. The band had a couple of line up changes before settling on a final band when they toured with The Veronicas in 2009 for their Revenge Is Sweeter tour.

When they started releasing music Taylor said that most of their music would be dark but they would also have light moments too. In an interview with MTV, Momsen reported the influences on the band to include The Beatles and Oasis, along with grunge band Nirvana. Taylor then said that her personal influences were Kurt Cobain and Joan Jett.

Eventually they released a promotional single "Make Me Wanna Die" which was featured on the movie soundtrack for Kick-Ass. Their album came out in August 2010. (And February 2011 in the US.) They have been touring ever since with the Light Me Up and The Medicine tours.

Recently^[when?] opened up for Evanescence during their self titled tour. Now focusing on their Hit Like A Man EP, also touring with Marilyn Manson.

Current Band Members:

Taylor Momsen – vocals, rhythm guitar (2009–present)
Ben Phillips – lead guitar, backing vocals (2010–present)
Mark Damon – bass (2010–present)
Jamie Perkins – drums, percussion (2010–present)

Discography:

The Pretty Reckless (EP) (2010)
Light Me Up (Album) (2010)
Hit Me Like A Man (EP) (2012)

Tours

Light Me Up Tour(2010-2012)
The Medicine Tour (2012)

The Pretty Reckless provides examples of the following tropes:

Abusive Parents: "Under The Water".
And Now for Something Completely Different: Ends "Light Me Up" the album on a classical violin sample/solo, after an acoustic intimate love song.
All Girls Want Bad Boys: "Superhero", "Just Tonight", "Blender", "Sleeze Sister".
Break Up Song: "Just Tonight", "Since You're Gone", "Nothing Left To Lose", "Far From Never", "Cold Blooded Man", "Void and Null", "Panic".
Be Yourself: "Light Me Up"

I've got it on my mind to change my ways
I don't think I can be anything other then me

Bi the Way: Slipped into "My Medicine", "Hit Me Like A Man" and "Since You're Gone".
The Casanova: Both female and male variants in "Cold Blooded Man" and the female version in "S. U. S."
Cover Version: "Wonderwall" and "Love the way you lie chorus" and "Criminal" by Fiona Apple.
Daddy Issues: Present in the non-album tracks.
Driven to Suicide: "Makes Me Wanna Die", "Under The Water", "Panic", "Nothing Left To Lose".
Green-Eyed Monster: The reason for "He Loves You"
Growing Up Sucks: "Under The Water".
Intercourse with You: "Goin' Down", "Everybody Wants Something From Me", "Hit Me Like A Man".
Perky Goth: Taylor is this.
Love Nostalgia Song: "Nothing Left To Lose"
Love Will Lead You Back: Mocked in "Since You're Gone", played straight in, "Nothing Left To Lose".
Love Is a Drug: Subverted with "Panic", Played straight in "Hit Me Like A Man" and "Miss Nothing".
Mood Whiplash: Take "Light Me Up" a positive friendship song with inspiring under tones and then follow it with "Just Tonight" a song about a relationship with a drug addict who just doesn't care about anything.
Rockstar Song: "Factory Girl", "Everybody Wants Something From Me", "Zombie", "A.D.D."
Record Producer: Kato Khandwala on their debut.
Refrain From Assuming: "A.D.D." is not "I'm Young and Easily Bored" though stated all over YouTube to be so.
- "Blender" is the real title of "I Really Fucking Love You"
- and the real title of "Fuck Conformity" is "Sleeze Sister"
Precision F-Strike: "Void and Null" and "Blender".
Obsession Song: "Makes Me Wanna Die", "Miss Nothing", "You", "Far From Never" extremely passive. and "Everybody Wants Something From Me", "Blender", rather aggressive!
Ode to Intoxication: "My Medicine"
The Ophelia: "Under The Water".
Sanity Slippage Song: "Make Me Wanna Die", "Just Tonight", "Panic" among others...
Soprano and Gravel: Taylor does both of these vocals, and more, an example of this would be "Panic".
Shout-Out: "Just Tonight" video has a shout to Alice in Wonderland, Painting Roses Red!
Stalker with a Crush: A big part of the concept Of "Make Me Wanna Die"
Studio Chatter: "My Medicine" is mostly this
Slap Slap Kiss / Belligerent Sexual Tension: "Blender"
Signature Song: "Make Me Wanna Die"
Surprisingly Gentle Song: "You"
Subdued Section: "Hit Me Like A Man"
Tsundere: "Blender", equal parts angry and sweet.
Woman Scorned: "Since You're Gone," "Void and Null", "Goin' Down"
Your Cheating Heart: "Goin' Down".
Yandere: "Goin' Down" again