Daughter
Biography
Daughter is an English indie folk trio that was formed in 2010. The band consists of North London native Elena Tonra (vocals, guitar), Swiss-born Igor Haefeli (guitar), and Frenchman Remi Aguilella (drums). Tonra's haunting vocals and introspective lyrics are central to the band's atmospheric and emotive sound.
Formation and Early Years
Elena Tonra began her career performing acoustic shows under her own name in London. She met Igor Haefeli at the London Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, where they were both studying songwriting. Haefeli was impressed by her performance and they began to write and perform together. They were later joined by drummer Remi Aguilella, whom they also met at the music school. The trio self-released their debut EP, "His Young Heart," in 2011, followed by "The Wild Youth" EP later that year, which was released on Communion Records.
Career Breakthrough
In 2012, Daughter signed with the acclaimed British label 4AD. Their debut single on the label, "Smother," was released in October of that year. The band's first full-length album, "If You Leave," was released in March 2013 and received critical acclaim, reaching number 16 on the UK Albums Chart. The album won the Independent Album of the Year award at the 2013 AIM Independent Music Awards. The success of the album led to extensive touring, including supporting The National on their North American tour.
Subsequent Albums and Projects
Daughter's second studio album, "Not to Disappear," was released in 2016. This was followed in 2017 by "Music from Before the Storm," an album that served as the soundtrack for the video game "Life Is Strange: Before the Storm." After the release of the soundtrack, the band went on a hiatus, during which Elena Tonra released a solo album titled "Ex:Re" in 2018. The band returned in 2023 with their third studio album, "Stereo Mind Game."
Musical Style
Daughter's music is often categorized as indie folk, but it also incorporates elements of dream pop, shoegaze, and post-rock. Their sound is characterized by ethereal guitar work, ambient textures, and Tonra's deeply personal and often melancholic lyrics.
Discography
Studio Albums
If You Leave (2013)
Not to Disappear (2016)
Stereo Mind Game (2023)
Soundtrack Albums
Music from Before the Storm (2017)
EPs
His Young Heart (2011)
The Wild Youth (2011)