Growing up with a love of all things ska and new wave, Gwen Stefani owes a lot of her musical passions to brother Eric. Having formed No Doubt - a band propelled by the resurgence of ska at the time - Eric asked the then 17-year-old Gwen to front the band, a task the teen jumped at. Riding high on the trend of the ska and new wave revival of the late '80s, No Doubt played relentlessly, eventually garnering label backing with influential Interscope Records. Their first self-titled release in 1992, however, was a commercial failure; it wasn't until their third release Tragic Kingdom that No Doubt really soared with standout hits 'Just a Girl' and 'Don't Speak'. After an extended delay for the release of their fourth and fifth studio albums, No Doubt went on hiatus in 2002. It was at this time that Gwen started collaborating with other artists, delving within varied styles including hip hop and dance. Upon the release of her slickly produced 2004 debut album Love. Angel. Music. Baby., Gwen became a solo artist in her own right, the single 'Hollaback Girl' hitting number one in the USA and Australia. Her second solo release, 2006's The Sweet Escape, received mixed reviews yet maintained the upbeat pop essence of her previous release. Not merely content with musical domination, Gwen has set the fashion world in her sights. With a crew of quirky Japanese sidekicks, she started a line under the name L.A.M.B, a label known for its original and individualistic style. Coupled with her already strong musical presence and burgeoning acting career, Gwen Stefani has become a powerhouse to watch.