A voice cuts through the noise. It belongs to a new kind of star. This artist emerged not from a major label machine but from the heart of London’s club scene.
Her story is one of genuine craft. Born in 1991, she built her sound on soul and house foundations. Years of vinyl digging and late-night DJ sets shaped her unique vision.
As both a skilled vocalist and a hands-on producer, she refused to follow trends. Her work reflects a deep respect for music’s roots. This authenticity resonated far beyond the underground.
The breakthrough came with stunning force. Eliza Rose achieved a historic number one hit in the UK. She became the first female DJ to top the charts in two decades.
Her journey proves persistence breaks barriers. It shows the power of an artist who writes and performs her own truth. This is how a record shop employee became a BRIT-nominated force.
Uncovering the Early Beginnings and Influences
The roots of her sound stretch back to the vibrant streets of Dalston. This part of East London pulsed with diverse music, shaping her ears from a young age.
Her formal education in music started early, but not in a classroom. At just 14, she began working at Flashback Records.
This immersion in vinyl culture was foundational. It built a knowledge base that takes most DJs years to acquire. Digging through crates, she developed a deep love for soul and jazz.
These genres provided the melodic heart of her future work. Singing came naturally from her youth. DJing followed as a practical step.
Buying records meant she needed a way to play them. This turned passion into a developing skill. By her late teens, she had saved enough to start her own collection.
This marked the true start of her journey into the club scene. She blended this hands-on learning with formal training. College and university courses in music production added technical discipline to her crate-digging expertise.
Formative Years in London and Dalston
These early years built a unique confidence. Her 2015 debut EP showcased this fusion. It drew from neo-soul and vocal jazz, highlighting her skills as a vocalist.
This release was a clear statement of artistry. It came before house music took center stage in her career. The underground club scene of London was her training ground.
| Period | Milestone | Primary Influence |
|---|---|---|
| Childhood / Early Teens | Exposure to Dalston’s music scene; began singing | Soul, Jazz |
| Age 14 | Started work at Flashback Records | Vinyl Culture |
| Late Teens | Began DJing, building personal record collection | Club Culture |
| College/University | Studied music production formally | Technical Craft |
| 2015 | Released debut neo-soul/jazz inspired EP | Vocal Artistry |
Early Exposure to Soul, Jazz, and DJ Culture
The connection between these influences was direct. Soul and jazz gave her music its emotional depth. DJ culture provided the rhythm and energy.
This combination would later define her signature house sound. It was a blend of raw feeling and dancefloor drive. Eliza Rose built her craft from the ground up.
Eliza Rose: Chart-Topping Breakthrough and Impact
The beat arrived as a simple message, a spark that would ignite a historic run. Producer Interplanetary Criminal sent over the instrumental. The artist responded with lyrics inspired by Pam Grier’s fierce character in the film Coffy.
This collaboration resulted in “B.O.T.A. (Baddest of Them All).” The track quickly became an underground smash. It dominated London club nights before its explosive reception at Glastonbury Festival in 2022.
The Viral Success of “B.O.T.A. (Baddest of Them All)”
Momentum built steadily from the dancefloor to the national charts. “B.O.T.A.” entered the UK Singles Chart on July 29, 2022. It climbed relentlessly, claiming the number one spot that September.
This wasn’t just a viral moment. It was a crafted anthem. The production by Interplanetary Criminal provided swagger. Her vocal delivery added empowering bite.
The song bridged underground culture and mainstream appeal perfectly.
Historic Milestones and Industry Firsts
The achievement was monumental. Eliza Rose became the first female DJ to top the UK charts since Sonique in 2000. This ended a 22-year gap.
Her track was the number one single during a pivotal moment in British history. It held the top spot on the day Queen Elizabeth II died and King Charles III’s reign began.
By December 2022, “B.O.T.A.” was certified platinum. It became the 1,400th number one hit in UK chart history. The smash also charted highly in Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
This success reshaped conversations about women in electronic music. It proved dance music could dominate the charts with authenticity and power.
Collaborations, Awards, and Industry Recognition
Her chart success opened doors to work with dance music’s elite. These partnerships showcased her versatility as both vocalist and producer.
Key Collaborations with Calvin Harris, The Martinez Brothers, and More
The 2023 single “Body Moving” paired her with Calvin Harris. This collaboration blended her house sensibility with his polished production. The track reached #34 on the UK chart and earned silver certification.
She connected with The Martinez Brothers on “Pleasure Peak” in August 2023. This track bridged UK sound with New York’s deep house legacy. It demonstrated her fluid movement between underground aesthetics and accessible hooks.
Her 2024 work with MJ Cole on “Business as Usual” honored British dance history. Each collaboration proved her ability to elevate diverse projects.
Accolades, Nominations, and Media Acclaim
Recognition followed swiftly with BRIT Award nominations in 2023. She was nominated for Best Dance Act and Song of the Year.
At the MOBO Awards, she earned a Best Dance/Electronic Act nomination. Her performance alongside Sonique symbolized a generational torch-passing.
Major publications like The Guardian, Pitchfork, and British Vogue celebrated her impact. This media support recognized her cultural significance beyond chart numbers.
Final Reflections on a Trailblazing Journey
Authenticity, not industry machinery, fuels the most compelling artistic breakthroughs. Eliza Rose stands as living proof that UK underground culture still creates genuine stars. Her rise came without manufactured hype or major label backing.
The journey from Dalston record shops to BRIT nominations took years of dedicated craft. This artist built her foundation through radio shows and club sets. She refused to chase trends, staying true to her musical identity.
Her success opened doors for female producers long underrepresented in electronic music. The impact extends beyond chart numbers to cultural change. Eliza Rose represents a new generation with complete creative control.
Her story reminds us that longevity comes from respecting the craft. The underground and mainstream can coexist when an artist refuses to compromise. This balance defines her lasting significance in modern music.
