Delilah (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Delilah
|
|
---|---|
![]() Delilah performing in late 2011
|
|
Background information | |
Birth name | Paloma Ayana Stoecker |
Also known as | Delilah |
Born | Paris, France |
23 September 1991
Origin | Camden, London, England |
Genres |
|
Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
Instruments | Vocals, piano |
Years active | 2007–present |
Labels | Atlantic, Warner Music Group |
Associated acts | Chase & Status, Wretch 32, Skream |
Paloma Ayana Stoecker (born September 23, 1991) is an English singer and songwriter who is famous under her stage name, Delilah. She was born in Paris, France, but moved to Camden, London, when she was young.
Delilah showed a passion for music from an early age. She signed a contract with Atlantic Records when she was just seventeen. Her music career took off in 2011 when she worked with the group Chase & Status on their hit single "Time".
Her first solo song, "Go", was released in 2011. Her first album, From the Roots Up, came out in 2012 and was a big success, reaching number 5 on the UK music charts.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Delilah was born Paloma Ayana Stoecker in Paris, France. When her parents separated, she moved to Camden, London, with her mother. Her family background is a mix of Nigerian, Jamaican, Cuban, and English heritage.
Music was always a big part of her life. Her mother was involved with the MOBOs (Music of Black Origin awards). Her stepfather was a DJ and owned a record label. Sadly, her stepfather died in an accident in 2002. This event inspired Delilah to take her singing more seriously.
She started playing the piano and wrote her first song when she was only 12 years old. After trying different schools, she studied music at City and Islington College. She wanted a place that would let her be creative and not be too structured.
Music Career
2008–2011: Getting Started
In 2008, while working on a college project, Delilah recorded four songs. A friend heard them and sent them to Island Records. This got the attention of major record companies, and she eventually signed with Atlantic Records at age 17.
For the next few years, she wrote many songs. She also toured for two years with the popular electronic group Chase & Status. She sang vocals for them on songs like "Time" and "Heartbeat." Delilah co-wrote the song "Time" with Chase & Status and Plan B. The song was a hit and reached number 21 on the UK charts.
She also supported the singer Maverick Sabre on his tour in 2011. These experiences helped her become a well-known new artist.
2012–Present: First Album and Tours
Delilah's first album, From the Roots Up, was released on July 30, 2012. She co-produced the album, which means she helped create its sound. It was very successful, reaching number 5 on the UK Albums Chart.
The first single from the album was "Go". It used a sample from the famous 1983 song "Ain't Nobody" by Chaka Khan. When Chaka Khan heard Delilah's version, she said it was "genius." Other popular singles from the album included "Love You So" and a cover of Minnie Riperton's "Inside My Love".
In 2012, Delilah went on her first headline tour across the United Kingdom. She also had the amazing opportunity to open for the legendary artist Prince during his tour in Australia.
After becoming an independent artist, Delilah continued to work on new music. She has worked with Prince on his album Art Official Age and released new songs. In 2024, she released the single "If I Stay" with the group Disciples.
Musical Style
Delilah's music is a mix of many different styles. Her album From the Roots Up includes sounds from dub, dubstep, acoustic, and drum & bass music. She describes her own style as "dark, soulful, melodic pop."
Music critics have compared her to artists like Sade and The xx. Delilah has said she is inspired by a wide range of musicians, including:
- Portishead
- Ella Fitzgerald
- Nine Inch Nails
- Chaka Khan
- Aaliyah
These artists helped shape her unique sound and the songs she creates.
Discography
Albums
Title | Album details | Peak UK Chart Position |
---|---|---|
From the Roots Up |
|
5 |
Mixtape
- 2-4am (2012): A free collection of 8 songs released on her website.
Main Singles
Title | Year | Peak UK Chart Position | Album |
---|---|---|---|
"Go" | 2011 | 17 | From the Roots Up |
"Love You So" | 118 | ||
"Breathe" | 2012 | 87 | |
"Inside My Love" | 60 | ||
"If I Stay" (with Disciples) |
2024 | — | TBA |
As a Featured Artist
Title | Year | Peak UK Chart Position | Album |
---|---|---|---|
"Time" (Chase & Status featuring Delilah) |
2011 | 21 | No More Idols |