Kerli
Kerli, born Kerli Koiv on February 7, 1987, in Tartu, Tartumaa, Estonia, is an Estonian singer and songwriter renowned for her unique blend of alternative and pop music. She gained prominence in the music industry with her ethereal sound and artistic style that often incorporates elements of electronic and dance music. Kerli's distinctive voice and visual aesthetic have captivated audiences around the world, making her a notable figure in the contemporary music scene.
From an early age, Kerli displayed a passion for music, participating in various singing competitions that showcased her vocal talent. Her big break came in 2006 when she was signed to Island Records by music executive LA Reid. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her professional career, leading to the release of her debut self-titled EP in 2007. The following year, she unveiled her first studio album, "Love Is Dead," which achieved considerable success and charted on the Billboard 200. The album's lead single, "Walking on Air," became particularly popular, charting in several European countries and earning the title of iTunes Store's Single of the Week, with over 500,000 downloads that set a new record at the time.
Kerli continued to build her career with contributions to soundtracks and compilations, most notably providing the track "Tea Party" for the album "Almost Alice" in 2010, which was inspired by Tim Burton's film "Alice in Wonderland." Her 2010 single "Army of Love" marked a significant transition in her musical style as she began to shift from her alternative rock roots to a more electronic and dance-oriented sound. This evolution was further exemplified in her second EP, "Utopia," released in 2013, which also charted on the Billboard 200. The EP featured the singles "Army of Love," "Zero Gravity," and "The Lucky Ones," all of which found a place in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart, with two of them reaching the No. 1 spot.
In addition to her music releases, Kerli made notable television appearances, including two performances on the popular dance competition show Dancing with the Stars in 2013, which were hailed as significant milestones in the electronic dance music (EDM) world. Later that same year, Kerli parted ways with Island Records and signed with Ultra Music, setting the stage for her future projects. After several years of anticipation, she released her second studio album, "Shadow Works," in 2019, showcasing her continued growth as an artist and her commitment to evolving her sound.
Throughout her career, Kerli has been recognized for her artistic contributions and has cultivated a dedicated fan base. Her work has also influenced other artists; songs she co-wrote, such as "Skyscraper" and "I Feel Immortal," were later covered by Demi Lovato and Tarja Turunen, respectively. With her innovative approach to music and performance, Kerli remains a prominent figure in the pop and alternative music genres, continually pushing artistic boundaries and inspiring fans with her unique vision.
- October 20, 2008