Icona Pop
Biography
Icona Pop is a Swedish electropop duo formed in 2009, consisting of members Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo. The two met at a party in February 2009 and began writing songs together just four weeks later. Their music is often described as electropop and dance-pop with influences of electro house and indie pop. The duo is known for creating music that you can both laugh and cry to at the same time.
Career Beginnings
Hjelt and Jawo attended the same music school in Stockholm but didn't officially meet and form the duo until a chance encounter at a party. They signed with TEN Music Group in 2009. Their debut single, "Manners," released in 2011, gained them early praise from publications like The Guardian. The song was featured on a Kitsuné Maison Compilation in late 2010. Following their initial success, they released the EP "Nights Like This" in 2011.
Breakthrough with "I Love It"
Icona Pop's major international breakthrough came with the release of their song "I Love It," featuring British singer Charli XCX. The single was released in Sweden in May 2012 and quickly climbed the charts. It gained significant international attention after being featured in various television shows, including the HBO series "Girls" and as the theme for "Snooki & JWoww". The song reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and hit number one on the UK Singles Chart. "I Love It" sold over 2 million copies in the United States. The track was included on their US EP "Iconic" (2012), their Swedish debut album "Icona Pop" (2012), and their international debut "This Is... Icona Pop" (2013).
Albums and Subsequent Work
The duo's debut Swedish album, "Icona Pop," was released on November 14, 2012. Their first internationally released album, "This Is... Icona Pop," followed on September 20, 2013, and was written and recorded as they toured globally. This album featured other successful singles like "All Night," which topped the US Dance chart. In the years following their debut, Icona Pop toured with major artists such as Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, and One Direction. They released several singles, including "Get Lost" (2014), "Emergency" (2015), and "Girls Girls" (2017). After a decade, they released their third studio album, "Club Romantech," on September 1, 2023. The album was preceded by several singles, including "Spa" and "Feels in My Body".
Musical Style and Collaborations
Icona Pop's sound is characterized by a blend of pop melodies with synthesizers and drums. Their music is influenced by indie-pop, indie-rock, and Swedish folk music, which often has a melancholic yet happy quality. They have collaborated with a variety of artists and producers, including Style of Eye, Patrik Berger, Tove Lo, Tiësto, and R3hab. They are also known for being talented songwriters, writing the majority of their own material.