Little Boots

Introduction:

Victoria Hesketh (born on 4 May 1984 and known professionally as Little Boots), is an English electropop musician and songwriter known for her innovative use of electronic instruments and captivating pop melodies. She gained prominence in 2009 after winning the BBC Sound of 2009 poll, which propelled her into the spotlight. Little Boots is recognized for her genre-defying approach, blending synthpop with elements of dance and indie music. Her debut album Hands was widely praised, and her distinct sound continues to influence the electropop and indie-pop scenes.

Early Life and Background:

Victoria Hesketh was born in the Fylde Coast area of Lancashire, England. Raised in Thornton near Fleetwood and Blackpool, she comes from a creative family—her mother is a children’s books author, and her father is a businessman. Growing up, Hesketh developed an early love for music and, at age 5, convinced her parents to buy her a piano. Her uncle purchased a second-hand one, and she began learning to play. In addition to the piano, she later learned the harp and the flute.

Little Boots attended Rossall School in Fleetwood before moving on to Blackpool Sixth Form College. At age 16, she entered ITV’s Pop Idol competition, making it to the third round before being eliminated. Following her departure from the show, she pursued a degree in Cultural Studies at Leeds University, where she graduated with first-class honors, writing a dissertation about jazz musician Jamie Cullum.

Music Career:

Dead Disco and Early Collaborations

While studying in Leeds, Hesketh answered an online ad looking for a lead singer for a new band. This led to the formation of Dead Disco in 2005, a trio with Marie France and Lucy Catherwood. The band quickly gained attention through their energetic performances and was signed to the independent High Voltage label. They released singles such as “The Treatment” and “City Place” and even had the opportunity to work with renowned producer James Ford of Simian Mobile Disco. However, Hesketh’s growing interest in more mainstream pop material led to creative differences within the band, and Dead Disco disbanded in late 2008.

Solo Career and Breakthrough

After leaving Dead Disco, Hesketh embarked on a solo career under the name Little Boots. She began recording cover versions of songs in her bedroom, which she posted on YouTube, including covers of Wham! and Miley Cyrus. These videos garnered significant attention, and in 2009, she began collaborating with producer Greg Kurstin, known for his work with artists like Kylie Minogue and Lady Gaga.

Her debut solo album, Hands, was released in June 2009 and featured the single “New In Town,” which became a Top 20 hit in the UK. The album showcased Little Boots’ unique blend of electropop, synthpop, and indie elements, earning widespread acclaim. Hands reached number 5 on the UK Albums Chart and also received a limited edition vinyl release. The album featured collaborations with Phil Oakey of The Human League on the track “Symmetry.” In the U.S., Hands was promoted through the release of the Illuminations EP by Elektra Records.

Television Appearances and Recognition

Little Boots’ rise to fame was further cemented through television appearances, including her debut performance on Later… with Jools Holland in November 2008 and an appearance on Last Call with Carson Daly in 2009. She also became known for using the Tenori-on, a Japanese electronic instrument, during live performances.

Little Boots received numerous accolades in 2009, including winning the BBC Sound of 2009 poll, which highlighted her as one of the most promising new artists of the year. She also performed on prominent programs like BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and had her song “Meddle” featured in a Victoria’s Secret commercial.

Follow-Up Projects and Expanding Sound

In 2010, Little Boots released her highly anticipated follow-up album, Nocturnes, which included the single “Shake,” and expanded her sound into more dance-oriented, electro-pop territory. While Nocturnes was praised for its experimental approach, it did not achieve the same commercial success as Hands. Nonetheless, it demonstrated Little Boots’ ability to evolve musically.

Little Boots continued to release music, including singles like “Better in the Morning” and “Touch,” and remained a fixture in the alternative pop scene. Her work often blends complex electronic textures with catchy pop melodies, maintaining a distinctive voice within the electronic music genre.

Personal Life:

Little Boots is known for keeping her personal life relatively private, though she has shared her love of music and technology with her fans. In interviews, she has spoken about her fascination with electronic instruments, particularly the Tenori-on, and how it has shaped her live performances. She has also expressed her admiration for various artists across different genres and the influence of both electronic and indie music on her work.

Legacy and Influence:

Little Boots’ contribution to the electropop genre, alongside artists like La Roux and Robyn, has been pivotal in shaping the modern pop landscape. Her innovative use of electronic instruments, catchy hooks, and willingness to experiment with sound has influenced many newer artists in the pop and electronic music scenes. Hands remains a defining record of the 2000s electropop movement, and Little Boots is recognized as one of the key artists to watch in the genre.

Recent Activities:

In recent years, Little Boots has continued to work on new music and perform live. She continues to release new albums, including “Tomorrow's Yesterdays” in 2022, and demonstrates her ongoing exploration of electronic pop and dance music. As of 2025, she is preparing for future releases and live performances, continuing to refine her sound and connect with audiences worldwide.