Early Experiments in Electronic Music

Imogen Heap

Imogen Heap (born December 9, 1977, in London) is a pioneering English singer-songwriter, composer, and producer known for blending electronic, pop, and experimental music. She first gained attention as part of the duo Frou Frou alongside Guy Sigsworth, before establishing a highly influential solo career. 

Heap is celebrated for her innovative use of technology in music, most famously the Mi.Mu gloves, which allow her to control sound through gesture in real time. Her music often combines layered vocals, intricate production, and emotionally direct songwriting. 

She gained widespread recognition with the song “Hide and Seek”, which became a defining moment in mid-2000s alternative pop and was later sampled in Whatcha Say by Jason Derulo. Beyond recording, Heap has been a strong advocate for artists’ rights and music technology innovation, contributing to projects involving blockchain and fair music distribution.