Caroline Elizabeth Polachek was born on June 20, 1985, in New York City and was raised in Connecticut. She developed an early passion for music and went on to study at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she co-founded the indie pop band Chairlift. The group emerged from the late-2000s Brooklyn music scene and gained significant attention with their sleeper hit "Bruises," which helped establish Polachek as a distinctive creative force in independent music.

While still active with Chairlift, Polachek pursued solo work under different monikers. In 2014, she released her first solo project, "Arcadia," under the name Ramona Lisa. She followed this in 2017 with "Drawing the Target Around the Arrow," released under the initials CEP. These projects showcased her experimental instincts and willingness to explore unconventional sonic territory outside the framework of her band.

Chairlift disbanded in 2017, prompting Polachek to embark on a career under her own name. Her 2019 album "Pang" marked a significant turning point, featuring an avant-pop sound that earned widespread critical acclaim. The single "So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings" received viral attention, further elevating her profile as a solo artist. In 2023, she released "Desire, I Want To Turn Into You," which became her first album to enter the charts in multiple territories and was nominated for Best Engineered Album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.

Beyond her own recordings, Polachek has worked extensively with a wide range of artists. She has collaborated with Blood Orange, Fischerspooner, Charli XCX, Oneohtrix Point Never, and Flume, among others. She also demonstrated her songwriting prowess by writing material for Beyoncé, including the track "No Angel." Her versatility as a vocalist, producer, and songwriter has made her a sought-after collaborator across multiple genres.

Polachek is married to Ian Drennan. She continues to be recognized as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary pop and experimental music, consistently pushing creative boundaries while maintaining a dedicated following.