Caroline Polachek

Caroline Polachek, born on June 20, 1985, in Manhattan, New York City, is an American singer, songwriter, and producer known for her unique musical style that blends pop, experimental sounds, and avant-garde influences. Raised in Tokyo until the age of six, Polachek later moved to Greenwich, Connecticut. Her father, James Montel Polachek, was a scholar of Chinese history and a classical musician, while her mother, Elizabeth Allan, has Scottish and English roots. Growing up surrounded by traditional Japanese music, Polachek’s eclectic upbringing had a lasting impact on her creative journey.

In 2005, Polachek co-founded the indie pop band Chairlift while attending the University of Colorado. The band’s breakthrough moment came in 2008 with their hit “Bruises,” which was featured in an Apple commercial, bringing them widespread attention. After several successful albums, Chairlift disbanded in 2017, allowing Polachek to pursue a solo career.

Her solo debut album, Pang (2019), was met with critical acclaim, showcasing her avant-pop sound and experimental approach to music. In 2023, she released Desire, I Want to Turn Into You, an album that solidified her position in the music industry and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album.

Polachek has also collaborated with artists such as Blood Orange, Charli XCX, Flume, Oneohtrix Point Never, and contributed to Beyoncé’s “No Angel.” Her innovative and genre-defying approach continues to earn her a dedicated following and critical praise across the globe.