Imogen Heap
Early Life and Education
Imogen Jennifer Heap was born on 9 December 1977 in the London Borough of Havering. She began playing music from an early age, learning the piano, cello and clarinet at a young age. She later taught herself to play the guitar and drums. Heap attended the BRIT School, where she studied music and drama.
Career
Heap's career began with the formation of the short-lived band Acacia, which included Guy Sigsworth, with whom she would later collaborate as Frou Frou. Her debut album, iMegaphone (an anagram of her name), was released in 1998. The album was an experimental pop record that incorporated elements of electronica.
In 2002, Heap and Sigsworth released Details as Frou Frou. The album was critically acclaimed and its single "Breathe In" was a hit on the UK Singles Chart. Despite the success, the duo disbanded in 2004, but have since reunited for occasional performances.
Heap's second solo album, Speak for Yourself, was released in 2005. The album included the single "Hide and Seek", which has been widely recognized as her signature song. The song was notably sampled by Jason Derulo for his song "Whatcha Say", bringing Heap's music to a wider audience.
Her third album, Ellipse, was released in 2009 and debuted at number five on the Billboard 200. The album won a Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. Heap's innovative use of technology in her music and performances, including her development of the Mi.Mu Gloves, has earned her a reputation as a pioneer in the field of electronic music.
Heap's fourth studio album, Sparks, was released in 2014. The album was an ambitious project that involved Heap releasing a new song every three months, with each song's creation documented and shared with the public.
Personal Life
Heap is known for her commitment to environmental sustainability and has incorporated this into her work. She has also been open about her experiences with postnatal depression following the birth of her daughter, and has used her platform to raise awareness about mental health issues.
Legacy and Influence
Heap's innovative use of technology in her music has had a significant impact on the music industry. She has been recognized for her pioneering work in the field of electronic music and has influenced a number of artists.
