Miki Berenyi of Lush Shares Her Story in New Memoir

Miki Berenyi, best known as the singer and guitarist for the ‘90s band Lush, has recently ventured into storytelling through her memoir, 'Fingers Crossed: How Music Saved Me From Success'. Although she does not consider herself a natural writer, Berenyi's detailed diaries have been a precious resource for recalling her life experiences. As she reflects on her past through the memoir, it's apparent she meticulously pieced together the chaotic puzzle of her history.

With a colorful background, Berenyi's early life was marked by her mixed heritage—being the daughter of a Hungarian journalist and a Japanese actress—and a challenging upbringing in London. She frankly discusses the pain and abuse of her early years, which set the groundwork for her to find escape and solace through music. It’s this journey she maps out in 'Fingers Crossed', tracking her ascension from creating a fanzine to forming Lush with her friend Emma Anderson.

Lush, the band Berenyi co-founded, navigated the transition from the '80s to the '90s with a series of influential singles. The group struggled with mixed reviews but eventually found a loyal fanbase, especially in the U.S., peaking with a spot on the 1992 Lollapalooza tour. However, the band's story took a tragic turn when drummer Chris Acland died by suicide, leading to their eventual breakup in 1996.

After Lush, Berenyi chose a different path, working as an editor until her return to music. She went on to form Piroshka and now has embarked on a new venture with the Miki Berenyi Trio. Her return to the stage includes an upcoming show at The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles on May 29.

In her memoir, Berenyi doesn’t shy away from sharing industry details, from the complexities of band dynamics to the often opaque machinations of record deals. This transparency is partly to enlighten those unfamiliar with the music industry. Simultaneously, she offers candid anecdotes that will resonate with long-time Lush enthusiasts, like the backstory of their song 'Ladykillers'.

In 'Fingers Crossed', Berenyi's story is one of resilience, revealing how music has played a pivotal role in her personal survival and continuance, amid the unpredictableness of life and career. For fans and newcomers alike, this memoir offers a deep dive into the world of a ‘90s pop star who has weathered the ups and downs of a life in music.

memoir, music, survival