La Roux: How a synth-pop duo became a singular, androgynous musical force
In short: Formed in 2008, La Roux exploded onto the scene with iconic hits like Bulletproof. While the act began as a duo, it evolved into the solo project of Elly Jackson. From Grammy wins to navigating the industry as an independent artist, La Roux remains a distinct, genre-defying presence in modern music.
La Roux emerged in 2008 when singer Elly Jackson and producer Ben Langmaid were introduced by a mutual friend. Their name, meaning 'the redhead' in French, was chosen to reflect Jackson's signature style, which blends masculine and feminine aesthetics. The duo quickly found success with their self-titled debut album in 2009, which featured the chart-topping single Bulletproof and the Grammy-winning track In for the Kill. This era established their sound, heavily influenced by 1970s and 80s icons like Prince and Eurythmics.
The partnership faced significant strain, leading to Langmaid's departure in 2012. Jackson continued under the La Roux name, releasing the critically acclaimed Trouble in Paradise in 2014. However, the commercial landscape had shifted, and the album did not replicate the massive success of their debut. Jackson eventually moved toward total creative independence, releasing her third album, Supervision, on her own label, Supercolour Records, in 2020. This period marked her transition into a fully solo artist, managing her own production and artistic direction.
Throughout her career, Jackson has maintained a strong commitment to her androgynous identity, often resisting industry pressure to adopt more conventional, feminine appearances. Her work has evolved through various collaborations, including contributions to Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and recent work with Tyler, the Creator. In 2022, she returned to the UK charts with IFTK, a collaboration with Tion Wayne that sampled her earlier work. As she prepares for the November 2026 release of her fourth album, Old Flames, Jackson continues to navigate the music industry on her own terms, balancing legacy with constant reinvention.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: La Roux
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