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Griff (singer)
Griff (singer)
from Wikipedia

Sarah Faith Griffiths (born 21 January 2001), known professionally as Griff, is an English singer-songwriter. In 2019, she released her debut single, "Mirror Talk", through Warner Records. This was followed by her debut extended play of the same name, released later that year. Griff was named the Rising Star at the 2021 Brit Awards, becoming one of the youngest winners in the category at 20.

Key Information

Later in 2021, she released her debut mixtape, One Foot in Front of the Other, to commercial success and critical acclaim. On 12 July 2024, Griff released her debut studio album, Vertigo, which peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart.

Early life and education

[edit]

Griff was born on 21 January 2001 as Sarah Faith Griffiths,[2] in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire.[3] Her father Mark Griffiths is the son of Jamaican immigrants who were part of the "Windrush generation" and her mother Kim is a first-generation migrant whose family moved to England amid the Vietnam War.[4] Griff has stated that she feels "more in touch with my Chinese side".[3] Griff's parents foster children and her experiences with the children were reflected in her single "Good Stuff".[5]

Griff stated that her earliest memory of loving music was being given an iPod Shuffle with the Taylor Swift album Fearless (2008) downloaded to it,[6] when she was around the age of eight.[7] She then taught herself to record and produce music on her older brother's laptop and used tutorials on YouTube to inform her on techniques.[3] While attending St Clement Danes School, Griff kept her musical life private, because she didn't know if she would be successful, stating: "no one likes that person at school who talks about how they want to sing".[3][4] After finishing her A Levels, she told teachers that she was taking a gap year, rather than informing them of her music ventures.[3] On using the stage name Griff, she stated: "Sarah Griffiths isn't that glamorous, I sound like I have a mortgage and 4 kids, it's very corporate".[7]

Raised an evangelical Christian, Griff has said of her own faith: "I guess if you grow up with Christian parents, you get to a point where you ask: “Okay, do I actually believe or am I just going through the motions?” And from a young age I felt like it was something I actually do believe and so it’s always been something that I’ve owned."[4]

Career

[edit]
Griff performing in Sydney, Australia in January 2024.

On 4 July 2019, it was announced that Griff had been signed to Warner Records.[8] On the same day, she released her debut single "Mirror Talk", accompanied by a music video. Annie Mac featured the song on BBC Radio 1 under the New Name playlist.[9] She stated that the writing process for the song took an hour.[3] Griff described the release as a career highlight, since it was released immediately after she had finished her A Level exams.[6] Billboard described the song as an "electrifying debut", and praised her "powerful voice and vulnerable lyrics".[8] In August 2019, Griff released her follow-up single, "Didn't Break It Enough",[10] accompanied by a music video in which the clothing worn was made by Griff herself.[11][12] She released the single "Paradise" in October 2019,[13] which was followed by the release of her debut extended play, The Mirror Talk, on 15 November 2019.[14] In December 2019, Griff released a cover of the Bangles' 1989 song "Eternal Flame".[15]

On 7 February 2020, Griff released the single "Good Stuff". Despite people thinking the song is about a romantic breakup, she clarified that the subject of the song is about missing children that her family fostered, since they felt like siblings.[16] In March 2020, a song titled "I Love You's", that Griff co-wrote, was released by American singer Hailee Steinfeld.[17] This was followed by "Forgive Myself", a song released by Griff on 29 May 2020,[18] described by NME as an "anthem".[19] In July 2020, Griff was nominated by The Ivors Academy for an Ivor Novello Rising Star Award,[20] and later that month, she released the song "Say It Again".[21] In October 2020, she was part of two collaborative songs; "1,000,000 X Better" with English band Honne,[22] and "Inside Out", a song with German DJ Zedd.[23] In January 2021, she released "Black Hole", which NME described as a "dark pop anthem".[24] On 19 March 2021, Griff won the Brit Award for Rising Star and performed "Black Hole" at the 2021 ceremony.[25] Later that day, she announced details of her debut mixtape, One Foot in Front of the Other, which was released on 18 June 2021.[26] Two months later, Griff followed up the mixtape with single "One Night".[27] In October 2021, she embarked on a tour across the United Kingdom in support of her mixtape.[28] She later did European and North American tour dates.[29]

In November 2021, Dua Lipa announced Griff as one of her three supporting acts for the European dates of the Future Nostalgia Tour in 2022.[30] In September 2022, she performed on eight dates of the +–=÷× Tour by Ed Sheeran.[31] In 2023, she also took part in the Music of the Spheres World Tour by British band Coldplay as opening act for a few European dates including Portugal, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands.[32]

In August 2023, after a break from music whilst on the Future Nostalgia Tour, Griff released the single "Vertigo".[33] The song was promoted by Taylor Swift on Instagram, who said she "loved" the song.[34] She released an EP to support the single, Vert1go Vol. 1, in October 2023.[35] Later that month, Griff announced her single "Astronaut", which was written in collaboration with Coldplay lead vocalist Chris Martin and released in December.[36] She released a third single "Miss Me Too" in February 2024, followed by an EP, ver2igo vol.2 in April 2024.[37][38] On 12 July 2024, Griff released her debut album, Vertigo, to generally positive reviews from critics.[39][40] In November 2024, Griff released a new single "Last Night's Mascara".[41]

On 20 June 2024, Griff was announced as an opener for Sabrina Carpenter's Short n' Sweet Tour.[41][42] On 22 June 2024, Griff opened for Taylor Swift as part of the Eras Tour in London alongside Paramore.[43]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
List of studio albums, with release date, and label shown
Title Album details Peak chart positions
UK
[2]
AUS
[44]
GER
[45]
IRE
[46]
SCO
[2]
Vertigo 3 27 75 93
[48]
2

Mixtapes

[edit]
List of mixtapes, with release date, selected chart positions, and label shown
Title Mixtape details Peak chart positions
UK
[2]
IRE
[46]
SCO
[2]
One Foot in Front of the Other
  • Released: 18 June 2021
  • Label: Warner
  • Format: CD, LP, cassette, digital download, streaming media
4 85 5

Extended plays

[edit]
List of EPs, with release date and label shown
Title EP details
The Mirror Talk
  • Released: 15 November 2019
  • Label: Warner
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Vert1go Vol. 1
  • Released: 20 October 2023
  • Label: Warner
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Ver2igo Vol. 2
  • Released: 5 April 2024
  • Label: Warner
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Singles

[edit]
List of singles, with year released, selected chart positions, certifications, and album name shown
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
UK
[2]
BEL
(FL)
Tip

[49]
IRE
[46]
NZ
Hot

[50]
NOR
[51]
"Mirror Talk"[9] 2019 The Mirror Talk
"Didn't Break It Enough"[10]
"Paradise"[13]
"Eternal Flame"[52] Non-album singles
"Good Stuff"[5] 2020
"Forgive Myself"[18]
"Say It Again"[21]
"1,000,000 X Better"
(with Honne)
"Inside Out"
(with Zedd)
"Black Hole" 2021 18 28 25 16 One Foot in Front of the Other
"One Foot in Front of the Other" [a]
"Shade of Yellow" 26
"One Night" 45 85 Non-album singles
"Head on Fire"
(with Sigrid)[55]
2022 44 35 33
"Vertigo" 2023 84 23 Vertigo[A]
"Astronaut"[36]
"Miss Me Too" 2024 22
"Anything"[56]
"It Could Have Been Us"
(with Christopher)[57]
Fools Gold
"Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow"
(with Aodhán King)[58]
Non-album singles
"Pure Imagination"[59]
"Last Night's Mascara"[41] 57 73
[60]
5 Vertigo (Tour edition)
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Other singles

[edit]
List of other singles, with year released, selected chart positions
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
UK
[2]
BEL
(FL)
Tip

[49]
"Love Is a Compass"
(Disney supporting Make-A-Wish)
2020 42 9 Non-album single

Music videos

[edit]
Title Year Director(s)
"Mirror Talk" 2019 Sylvie Weber
"Didn't Break It Enough" Rory DCS
"Paradise" Unknown
"Good Stuff" 2020 Imogen Snell and Riccardo Castaneo
"Forgive Myself"
"Love is a Compass" Maria Goulamhoussen
"Say It Again" Stephen Isaac-Wilson
"Black Hole" 2021 Joe Shaw and Eseosa Ohen (SOB)
"One Foot in Front of the Other" Stephen Isaac-Wilson
"One Night" ABCDCD
"Head on Fire" 2022 CC Wade
"Miss Me Too" 2024 Colin Solal Cardo

Songwriting credits

[edit]
Title Artist Year Album Notes
"I Love You's" Hailee Steinfeld 2020 Half Written Story Co-writer
"Angry Man" Kawala 2021 Paradise Heights Co-writer
"Happy Hunting Ground" Maisie Peters 2021 Trying: Season 2 Co-writer, performer
"Minute" Kim Petras 2023 Feed the Beast Co-writer

Tours

[edit]

Headlining

[edit]

2024 Tour

[edit]
Date City Country Venue Opening Act
2 January 2024 Brisbane Australia Fortitude Music Hall
3 January 2024 Sydney The Metro Theatre
6 February 2024 Los Angeles United States The Roxy Theatre
9 February 2024 New York City (Le) Poisson Rouge
10 March 2024 Stockholm Sweden Debaser Strand Amanda Cy
11 March 2024 Oslo Norway Parkteatret Scene
12 March 2024 Copenhagen Denmark VEGA
15 March 2024 Hamburg Germany Mojo Club CXLOE
16 March 2024 Berlin Heimathafen Neukölln
18 March 2024 Cologne Gloria
19 March 2024 Amsterdam Netherlands Tolhuistuin
21 March 2024 Brussels Belgium Botanique - Orangerie
22 March 2024 Paris France La Machine du Moulin Rouge
24 March 2024 Bournemouth United Kingdom O2 Academy Bournemouth
26 March 2024 Dublin Ireland 3Olympia Theatre
28 March 2024 Manchester United Kingdom Albert Hall
30 March 2024 Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom
31 March 2024 Birmingham O2 Institute
2 April 2024 Camden, London Roundhouse

Vertigo World Tour

Date City Country Venue Opening Act
13 August 2024 Brisbane Australia Princess Theatre Lyric
15 August 2024 Sydney Enmore Theatre
17 August 2024 Melbourne Northcote Theatre
19 August 2024 Auckland New Zealand Powerstation
13 September 2024 Washington United States 9:30 Club
16 September 2024 Philadelphia Theatre of Living Arts
17 September 2024 New York Terminal 5
20 September 2024 Boston House of Blues
21 September 2024 Montreal Canada Le National
22 September 2024 Toronto Danforth Music Hall
24 September 2024 Detroit United States Saint Andrew's Hall
26 September 2024 Chicago The Vic Theatre
27 September 2024 Minneapolis First Avenue
29 September 2024 Denver Ogden Theatre
30 September 2024 Salt Lake City The Depot
2 October 2024 Vancouver Canada Commodore Ballroom
3 October 2024 Seattle United States Showbox SoDo
4 October 2024 Portland Crystal Ballroom
6 October 2024 San Francisco Regency Ballroom
7 October 2024 Los Angeles The Wiltern
9 October 2024 San Diego The Observatory North Park
10 October 2024 Tempe The Van Buren
8 November 2024 Glasgow United Kingdom O2 Academy
9 November 2024 Birmingham O2 Academy
10 November 2024 Bristol O2 Academy
12 November 2024 Manchester Manchester Academy
13 November 2024 London Alexandra Palace
16 November 2024 Paris France Élysée Montmartre
18 November 2024 Cologne Germany Carlswerk Victoria
19 November 2024 Amsterdam The Netherlands Paradiso
20 November 2024 Antwerp Belgium De Roma
22 November 2024 Hamburg Germany Docks
24 November 2024 Berlin Huxleys
25 November 2024 Copenhagen Denmark Vega
27 November 2024 Munich Germany Theaterfabrik
29 November 2024 Lausanne Switzerland Les Docks
30 November 2024 Milan Italy Magazzini Generali
2 December 2024 Barcelona Spain Razzmatazz
3 December 2024 Madrid La Riviera

Supporting

[edit]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Organisation Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
BBC 2021 Sound of 2021 Herself Fifth [61]
Brit Awards Rising Star Herself Won [62][25]
MTV UK Push One to Watch Herself Nominated [63]
LOS40 Music Awards Best International New Act Herself Won [64][65]
MTV Europe Music Awards Best New Herself Nominated [66]
Best Push Herself Nominated [66]
BBC Radio 1 Hottest Record of the Year "Black Hole" Fifth [67][68]
Popjustice £20 Music Prize Best British Pop Single Nominated [69]
Brit Awards 2022 Best New Artist Herself Nominated [70]
Best Pop/R&B Act Nominated [70]
NME Awards NME Radar Award Won [71]
Best Collaboration "Head on Fire" (with Sigrid) Won [72]
Ticketmaster New Music Award New Music Award Herself Won [73]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ "Vertigo" is also included on the Vert1go Vol.1 while "Miss Me Too" is also included on Ver2igo Vol. 2.
  1. ^ "One Foot in Front of the Other" did not enter the UK Singles Chart, but peaked at number forty-five on the UK Singles Downloads Chart.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Sarah Faith Griffiths (born 21 January 2001), known professionally as Griff, is an English singer, songwriter, and record producer from Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. Raised by a Chinese mother who arrived in the UK as a refugee and a Jamaican father descended from the Windrush generation, she grew up in a Christian household that emphasized soul, R&B, and gospel music, with her parents teaching her in these genres from a young age. Griff taught herself music production in her bedroom using online tutorials and released her debut single, "Mirror Talk," shortly after completing her A-levels in textiles in 2019, marking the start of her professional career. Griff signed with in 2019 and rose to prominence during the through self-produced, emotionally vulnerable "bedroom pop" tracks that went viral on , including the 2021 single "," which amassed millions of streams and showcased her introspective songwriting style. Her breakthrough led to her placing fifth on the 2021 poll and winning the in 2021, making her one of the youngest recipients of the honor at age 20. That same year, she released her debut mixtape, One Foot in Front of the Other, a seven-track project that peaked at number four on the and explored themes of personal growth and vulnerability. Building on her early success, Griff has since supported major tours, including opening for Taylor Swift's at in 2024 and Coldplay's world tour, while grappling with despite her confident recordings. In 2023 and 2024, she issued the EPs vert1go vol. 1 and ver2igo vol. 2 as precursors to her self-produced debut studio album, Vertigo, released in July 2024, which delves into heartbreak and escapism and received critical acclaim for its genre-blending pop sound. In 2025, she discussed crafting new music and her creative evolution in interviews. Known for her DIY ethos—influenced by idols like and —Griff continues to evolve as a multifaceted artist, blending production, performance, and personal storytelling in her music.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Sarah Faith Griffiths, known professionally as Griff, was born on 21 January 2001 in , , . She grew up in a multicultural household as the daughter of a Jamaican father, Mark Griffiths, whose parents were part of the Windrush generation of immigrants from , and a Chinese mother, Kim, who was a first-generation migrant. This mixed heritage shaped her sense of identity from an early age, with Griff later reflecting on the challenges of navigating her Black and Asian roots while growing up in a predominantly white suburb, where she sometimes felt the need to minimize aspects of her background to fit in. Griff was raised in a supportive Christian alongside her two older brothers and a rotating group of foster siblings whom her parents welcomed into their home. Her father, a musician, and her mother, also a singer, fostered an atmosphere rich in music, exposing her to , R&B, and traditions that influenced her early worldview. This nurturing upbringing in the quiet town of provided a stable foundation, allowing her to explore her personal and cultural identities amid a close-knit dynamic.

Musical beginnings and education

Griff's early exposure to music was shaped by her family's influence, with her Jamaican father and Chinese mother introducing her to , R&B, and traditions, fostering a supportive environment for her creative pursuits. At the age of eight, she discovered Taylor Swift's album Fearless, which ignited her passion for and prompted her to begin writing songs as a personal outlet. This pivotal moment marked the start of her songwriting journey, blending emotional introspection with melodic structures inspired by Swift's storytelling style. Lacking formal music training, Griff became a self-taught musician, learning to play guitar and piano through independent practice while honing her production skills on her brother's laptop. She relied on online resources, including YouTube tutorials, to master recording and production techniques, often experimenting in her bedroom setup using software like Logic Pro. By the age of 16, she had progressed to creating full demos in this intimate space, refining her ability to layer vocals, instruments, and beats without professional guidance. Griff attended in for her , where she balanced academic demands with her growing musical interests, keeping her songwriting largely private from peers. She completed her A-levels in , , and textiles in 2019, deliberately postponing a record deal to prioritize her studies and avoid rushing into the industry. Throughout this period, her lack of structured underscored her resourceful, DIY approach, allowing her to develop a distinctive voice rooted in self-discovery rather than conventional training.

Career

Early releases and label signing (2019–2020)

Griff entered the music industry in 2019 with the release of her debut single "Mirror Talk" on 4 July, which she co-wrote and co-produced alongside Lostboy. The track, a self-empowering pop anthem addressing body image and self-doubt, marked her professional entry after years of bedroom production using borrowed software. Unveiled on BBC Radio 1's "New Music Friday" hosted by Annie Mac, it quickly garnered attention for its raw vulnerability and electronic production. The single's release coincided with Griff's signing to , a pivotal move that transitioned her from independent online uploads to major-label backing. This deal, announced exclusively by , enhanced her production resources, allowing collaboration with established producers like Lostboy and elevating the polish of her sound beyond self-taught demos. It also boosted visibility through Warner's promotional network, including an official and an acoustic version premiered by NYLON magazine in August 2019. Building on this momentum, Griff released her debut EP The Mirror Talk on 15 November 2019, featuring five tracks including the title song "Mirror Talk," "Paradise," "Sound of Your Voice," "Didn't Break It Enough," and "Moment." The EP expanded on themes of and resilience, with "Didn't Break It Enough" showcasing her knack for blending introspective lyrics with upbeat arrangements. Early buzz for these releases stemmed from Griff's social media presence, where snippets of her music had previously attracted industry scouts, leading to the Warner deal. "Mirror Talk" achieved modest initial streaming success, amassing hundreds of thousands of plays on platforms like Spotify within months, and helped position her as an emerging voice in UK pop. The EP's rollout further solidified this, with tracks like "Paradise" receiving playlist placements that introduced her to broader audiences.

Mixtape era and breakthrough (2021–2022)

In March 2021, Griff won the Rising Star Award at the , becoming one of the youngest recipients of the honor at age 20. The award, which recognizes emerging talent in British music, highlighted her rapid ascent following the success of her debut EP The Mirror Talk. She outperformed shortlist nominees and , solidifying her position as a promising pop artist. Later that year, Griff was named fifth on the BBC's Sound of 2021 list, a poll voted on by over 100 industry experts to predict artists. This recognition, coming shortly after her Brit win, amplified her visibility and contributed to a growing fanbase eager for new material. Her placement underscored the appeal of her introspective, bedroom-pop style, drawing endorsements from figures like . Griff released her debut , One Foot in Front of the Other, on 18 June 2021 through . The seven-track project, largely self-written and produced during the 2020 lockdown, debuted at number 4 on the and received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and sonic vulnerability. Standout tracks included the "," which peaked at number 18 on the UK Singles Chart and explored themes of emotional voids in relationships, as well as "Shade of Yellow" and the title track, blending alt-pop with R&B elements. The full tracklist comprised: "," "One Foot in Front of the Other," "Shade of Yellow," "Heart of Gold," "Remembering My Dreams," "," and "Walk." Building on the mixtape's momentum, Griff issued additional singles in late 2021 and early 2022, including "One Night" on 26 August 2021, a track delving into late-night introspection and heartbreak. The song premiered on and resonated with fans for its raw portrayal of inner turmoil. In January 2022, she featured on "Head on Fire," a collaboration with and (also featuring ). Throughout 2021 and 2022, Griff's rising profile led to increased media coverage and live performances that showcased her stage presence to expanding audiences. She performed "Black Hole" at the Brit Awards ceremony in May 2021, marking a high-profile live debut, and later headlined sets at festivals like TRNSMT in Glasgow and Reading and Leeds in 2022. These appearances, including a Glastonbury slot in 2022, helped cultivate a dedicated fanbase drawn to her authentic songwriting and energetic delivery.

EPs, debut album, and recent developments (2023–present)

In 2023, Griff released her EP vert1go vol. 1 on 20 October via Warner Records, marking a transitional phase in her career toward more introspective songwriting. The four-track project featured "Vertigo"; "Into The Walls," a nostalgic reflection on adolescent naivety; "19th Hour," which explores communication breakdowns in relationships; and "Astronaut," delving into feelings of isolation and emotional detachment. Overall, the EP captured an atmospheric and intimate mood, centered on the disorienting "vertigo" of heartache and personal vulnerability. Building on this momentum, Griff followed with ver2igo vol. 2 on 5 April 2024, expanding the thematic world of her upcoming album. The four-track EP included "Miss Me Too," addressing heartache and resilience after loss; "Hole In My Pocket," examining fleeting connections; "Pillow In My Arms," a brooding take on solitude; and "Cycles," co-produced by , which reflects on repetitive emotional patterns with an uplifting resolve. Themes of loss and loneliness persisted, but the collection introduced a sense of growth and amid disorientation, blending classic pop production with abstract dance elements. Griff's debut studio album, Vertigo, arrived on 12 July 2024 through , compiling tracks from the preceding EPs alongside six new songs. The album debuted and peaked at number 3 on the , her highest charting release to date. It navigates themes of heartbreak, self-doubt, and introspection, portraying the dizzying highs and lows of young adulthood, including mourning past selves and finding clarity amid industry pressures and existential anxiety. Critics praised its polished pop sound, which balances rueful anguish with moments of reassurance, solidifying Griff's evolution from mixtape artist to a mature pop force. In November 2024, Griff released the single "Last Night's " on 8 November, a post-album track that continued her exploration of emotional residue. The song uses as a for lingering anxieties, , and the in , evoking melancholy and self-discovery through glittery yet gut-wrenching production. It received positive reception for its cathartic energy and precision, with Griff performing it on shows like in early 2025. By 2025, Griff's career had shifted toward larger-scale performances, including opening slots on stadium tours for artists like Taylor Swift's and Sabrina Carpenter's Short n' Sweet Tour, exposing her to massive audiences and honing her stage presence. She headlined her own Vertigo World Tour across , the , , and in late 2024 and early 2025, with additional support dates for at venues like the . In interviews, Griff hinted at future projects, including new music written during tour downtime and a creative reset focused on experimentation beyond Vertigo's sound, emphasizing hands-on production and personal growth.

Musical style and influences

Genre and songwriting approach

Griff's music is primarily classified within the pop genre, blending R&B and electronic elements to create a contemporary sound marked by introspective and emotionally resonant . This fusion allows for dynamic tracks that balance melodic accessibility with deeper personal expression, often featuring sparse electronic production and R&B-inflected vocals. Her songwriting approach originated in the bedroom pop tradition, where she began crafting music in an intimate, self-directed environment as a teenager. Griff employs an open-ended, interpretive style that prioritizes general feelings of self-discovery and life challenges over specific details, fostering broad relatability through ambiguous narratives. Central themes include in heartbreak, the complexities of relationships—encompassing romance, family, and friendships—and profound , drawing from personal experiences to convey universal emotional truths. In production, Griff maintains significant hands-on involvement, co-writing and producing most of her tracks using self-taught techniques honed in her bedroom setup. She favors minimalistic arrangements that emphasize simplicity and emotional intimacy, relying on intuitive melodies and un-technical methods to avoid overcomplication while amplifying lyrical depth. This DIY ethos underscores her control over the creative process, enabling raw honesty in her output.

Key inspirations and evolution

Griff's primary musical inspiration has been , particularly the accessibility and storytelling in albums like Fearless, which made songwriting feel approachable during her formative years. She has cited Swift's influence on her own narrative-driven lyrics, blending personal vulnerability with pop melodies. Early exposure to R&B and soul shaped her sound, with artists such as , , and serving as foundational influences from childhood, introduced through her family's music collection. As she transitioned into pop, she drew from contemporaries like and for their introspective styles, while incorporating elements of and Olivia Rodrigo's emotional rawness to emphasize themes of heartbreak and self-doubt. Additional touchstones include Stevie Wonder's melodic complexity and Beyoncé's bold production, reflecting a broad palette that evolved from self-taught experimentation. Griff's artistic evolution began with DIY production in her teenage bedroom, where she taught herself music software like Logic using tutorials on her brother's computer, creating intimate, home-recorded tracks. Over time, this shifted toward more collaborative and polished work, incorporating professional production techniques while retaining her hands-on approach, as seen in her progression from early self-released singles to fuller, layered compositions. Her adaptation to live settings marked further growth, moving from a reluctance to perform—"I’ve never been in love with the idea of writing songs for other people to hear"—to confidently engaging massive audiences, informed by opening for major acts and refining her stage presence. As of 2025, she continues evolving by working on her second album in , drawing additional inspiration from literature such as to explore themes of identity, and released a tour edition of Vertigo in December 2024 featuring the new track "Last Night’s Mascara." Her multicultural heritage—as the daughter of a Chinese refugee mother and a Jamaican Windrush-generation father—profoundly influences her lyrical diversity, infusing themes of identity, belonging, and familial love with nuanced cultural perspectives. This background fueled her creativity through exposure to soul, R&B, and , with her Jamaican paternal influences particularly shaping her affinity for Black music genres and emotional depth in songwriting. A sense of not fully fitting in during youth further drove her toward music as an outlet, enriching her exploration of vulnerability and relationships across diverse cultural lenses.

Discography

Studio albums

Griff's debut studio album, Vertigo, was released on 12 July 2024 through Warner Records. The album marks her first full-length project following a series of EPs that built anticipation for her major-label transition. Comprising 14 tracks, Vertigo explores themes of emotional turmoil, self-discovery, and the dizzying aftermath of heartbreak, blending synth-pop with R&B and electronic elements. Key tracks include the title song "Vertigo," which delves into post-breakup vertigo; "Miss Me Too," addressing lingering regrets; and "Astronaut," reflecting on isolation and growth. The album's production, co-helmed by Griff alongside collaborators like Sam Tsang, Lostboy, and Cirkut, emphasizes introspective lyrics set against pulsating beats and atmospheric soundscapes. Upon release, Vertigo debuted at number three on the , marking Griff's highest charting project to date and signaling her rising commercial presence. Critically, the album received praise for its vulnerability and pop craftsmanship, with highlighting how it captures "the highs and lows of a young woman discovering her potential." Reviews from When The Horn Blows described it as a "sensational debut" that finds "reassurance and clarity amidst a sea of self-doubt and industry pressure," while noted its proficient nod to influences like but critiqued a perceived lack of distinct personality in the songwriting. Overall, Vertigo solidified Griff's reputation as an emerging voice in contemporary pop, chronicling personal evolution with emotional depth.

Mixtapes

Griff's debut mixtape, One Foot in Front of the Other, was released on 18 June 2021 through Warner Records, marking a pivotal moment in her early career as it followed her win for the BRITs Rising Star Award earlier that year. The seven-track project explores themes of heartbreak, healing, and personal growth, blending pop sensibilities with introspective lyricism that showcased her songwriting prowess. Key tracks on the include the "Black Hole," a melodramatic that highlighted Griff's and emotional depth, achieving significant streaming traction and contributing to the project's overall momentum. The title track, "One Foot in Front of the Other," offers an uplifting contrast with its major-key optimism, symbolizing resilience and forward movement amid adversity. Other notable songs like "Shade of Yellow" and "Heart of Gold" further demonstrate her ability to craft relatable narratives over polished production. The mixtape achieved commercial success, debuting at number 4 on the and garnering critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of young adulthood's emotional complexities. Streaming platforms amplified its reach, with tracks like securing playlist placements on services such as Spotify's Hot Hits UK, which helped propel Griff toward mainstream breakthrough. This release solidified her reputation as an emerging talent capable of blending vulnerability with sonic innovation, setting the stage for subsequent projects.

Extended plays

Griff's extended plays represent pivotal transitional moments in her discography, bridging her early singles to more expansive projects like her debut studio album Vertigo. These releases showcase her evolving production style, from intimate bedroom pop to more layered, thematic explorations of emotion and relationships, while introducing key tracks that built anticipation for larger works. Her debut extended play, The Mirror Talk, arrived on 15 November 2019 through Warner Records, marking her first major project after signing with the label earlier that year. This five-track EP introduced Griff's signature blend of vulnerable lyricism and electronic-infused pop, with standout tracks like the titular "Mirror Talk" and "Paradise" highlighting themes of self-reflection and youthful introspection. The release established her as an emerging voice in UK pop, garnering early critical attention for its raw, personal storytelling. In October 2023, Griff issued Vert1go Vol. 1, a three-track EP released on 20 October via , functioning as the first installment previewing her forthcoming album Vertigo. Featuring the singles "Vertigo," "Into The Walls," and "19th Hour," the project delves into dizzying emotional highs and lows with atmospheric, cinematic production that emphasizes her growth toward more experimental soundscapes. This EP served as a transitional bridge from her mixtape era, teasing the thematic vertigo of love and loss central to her full-length debut. Building directly on its predecessor, Ver2igo Vol. 2 followed on 5 April 2024, also through , as the second volume expanding the Vertigo universe with four tracks. Including "Miss Me Too," "Hole In My Pocket," "Pillow In My Arms," and "Cycles" (the latter co-produced by ), the EP deepens the album's narrative through introspective explorations of post-breakup resilience and cyclical emotions, solidifying its role in sequencing toward the complete record. Together, the two Vertigo volumes compile eight tracks that form the backbone of her 2024 album, underscoring their strategic function in her artistic progression.

Singles as lead artist

Griff's debut single as a lead artist, "Mirror Talk", was released on 8 July 2019 through , serving as the title track for her self-titled debut later that year. In 2021, she released "Black Hole" on 18 January, which became her breakthrough hit, peaking at number 18 on the UK Singles Chart and earning a gold certification from the for sales and streams exceeding 400,000 units. Later that year, on 26 August, "One Night" followed, reaching number 45 on the UK Singles Chart and later appearing on her debut One Foot in Front of the Other. "Vertigo", released as a single on 1 September 2023, marked the lead track from her 2024 debut album of the same name and peaked at number 84 on the UK Singles Chart. Her most recent single, "Last Night's Mascara", arrived on 8 November 2024 as a standalone release, debuting at number 57 on the UK Singles Chart. "Last Night's Mascara (acoustic version)" was released on 29 January 2025. Griff's early collaborations highlighted her versatility in blending pop with electronic and alternative elements. In October 2020, she featured on Zedd's "Inside Out," a track that showcased her emotive vocals over pulsating synth-driven production, peaking at number 12 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. The song's by 3SCAPE DRM earned a nomination for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical at the 2022 , underscoring its impact in the dance music sphere. That same month, Griff collaborated with British electronic duo HONNE on "1,000,000 X Better," a feel-good about emotional uplift, which resonated with fans through its infectious and harmonious layering. The track further established her as a sought-after collaborator in the UK pop scene. In January 2022, Griff teamed up with Norwegian singer for "Head on Fire," an empowering single exploring infatuation's intensity, which debuted at number 44 on the UK Singles Chart and spent nine weeks there. The collaboration won Best Collaboration at the 2022 , praised for its dynamic vocal interplay and relatable lyrics. A remix featuring and amplified its reach, blending additional indie-pop flair.

Songwriting credits for other artists

Griff has contributed her songwriting talents to several tracks by other artists, showcasing her versatility beyond her own . These collaborations highlight her ability to craft emotionally resonant pop songs that align with diverse artists' styles, further solidifying her position as an emerging force in the music industry. One notable early credit is the 2020 single "I Love You's" by , where Griff co-wrote the track, which samples Annie Lennox's "No More 'I Love You's'" and explores themes of and healing after heartbreak. Released as part of Steinfeld's EP , the song peaked at number 48 on the Digital Song Sales chart, demonstrating Griff's knack for contributing to commercially successful pop releases early in her career. In 2023, Griff co-wrote "Minute" for ' debut album Feed the Beast, a high-energy pop track emphasizing fleeting romantic encounters. This contribution came amid Petras' rising prominence following her Grammy-winning collaboration with , and Griff's involvement underscores her growing network among top-tier pop acts. These songwriting credits have notably enhanced Griff's reputation within the industry, positioning her as a sought-after collaborator who can blend introspective lyrics with infectious melodies—a style rooted in her own songwriting approach. By lending her pen to established artists like Steinfeld and Petras, Griff has gained visibility and credibility, paving the way for potential future partnerships and affirming her role in shaping contemporary pop songcraft.

Live performances

Headlining tours

Griff's initial headlining tour in 2024 consisted of a series of intimate shows across and the , marking her first major run as a lead act following the release of her EP vert1go vol. 1. The tour kicked off on March 10 at Debaser Strand in , , and included stops at Parkteateret in , (March 11); Mojo Club in , (March 15); Heimathafen Neukölln in , (March 16); Tolhuisten in , (March 19); Botanique Orangerie in , (March 21); O2 Academy in (March 24); Olympia Theatre in , (March 26); Albert Hall in (March 28); in , (March 30); O2 Institute in Birmingham (March 31); and Roundhouse in (April 2). These shows featured a setlist blending tracks from her One Foot in Front of the Other and newer material, including staples like "One Night," "," and "Shade of Yellow," with an emphasis on her raw vocal delivery and personal storytelling. Reception was warmly positive, with critics noting Griff's confident stage presence and the electric connection with audiences in smaller venues, helping to build anticipation for her full-length sophomore album. The Vertigo World Tour, launched later in 2024 to promote her album Vertigo, represented Griff's most ambitious headlining effort to date, spanning multiple continents with a production showcasing dynamic lighting, spiral motifs inspired by the album's theme, and high-energy performances. Beginning with Australian and New Zealand dates in August—such as The Princess Theatre in Brisbane (August 13) and Enmore Theatre in Sydney (August 15)—the tour expanded to North America in September, hitting venues like 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. (September 13), House of Blues in Boston (September 20), Terminal 5 in New York (September 17), and The Wiltern in Los Angeles (October 7), before returning to Europe in November for shows at Alexandra Palace in London (November 13) and Docks in Hamburg, Germany (November 22), concluding on December 3 in Madrid, Spain. Many dates sold out, including the Los Angeles and New York performances, drawing crowds eager for Griff's blend of pop anthems and introspective ballads. Setlists for the Vertigo World Tour typically opened with the title track "Vertigo" and included album cuts like "19th Hour," "Hiding Alone," "Pillow in My Arms," "So Fast," and "Tears for Fun," alongside earlier hits such as "One Night," "Head on Fire," and "Shade of Yellow," often closing with an encore of "" for its uplifting vibe. Acoustic interludes and crowd interactions, like mid-set walks into the audience, added intimacy to larger arenas. Reviews praised the tour's emotional resonance, with outlets highlighting Griff's soaring vocals, thematic depth exploring heartbreak and growth, and ability to evoke a "dizzying" atmosphere that mirrored the album's concept; for instance, her show was described as a captivating mix of sorrow and joy, while the London date at was lauded for its mesmerizing visuals and heartfelt delivery. Sold-out status across legs underscored her rising global appeal, with audiences responding enthusiastically to the tour's polished yet vulnerable execution.

Opening acts and festival appearances

Griff has served as an opening act for several prominent artists, gaining exposure to large audiences early in her career. In 2022, she supported on the , performing across multiple dates in . That same year, Griff opened for during his Mathematics Tour (+–=÷× Tour), on select European dates. In 2023 and 2024, she joined on select dates of their Music of the Spheres World Tour, sharing stages at major venues worldwide. Her opening slots continued with high-profile tours in 2024. Griff performed as an opener for Taylor Swift's at in on August 15, 2024, marking a significant milestone in her rising profile. Later that year, she supported on the North American leg of the Short n' Sweet Tour, including arena shows in cities like and New York. In addition to tours, Griff has made notable appearances at major music festivals. She performed at the in 2022, delivering sets on the Stage that showcased her electro-pop sound to thousands of attendees. That summer, Griff also took the stage at , playing on August 26 at Reading's Little John's Farm and the following day at ' Bramham Park, where she engaged crowds with hits like "Shade of Yellow." In 2025, she appeared at the in , further solidifying her presence in the festival circuit.

Awards and nominations

Major awards won

In 2021, Griff won the Brit Award for Rising Star, an accolade recognizing emerging British talent and previously awarded to artists such as Adele and Sam Smith; at age 20, she became one of the youngest recipients in the category's history, with the win announced on 19 March and collected during the ceremony on 11 May. This victory highlighted her rapid ascent following viral hits like "Black Hole," solidifying her status as a key figure in contemporary British pop. Later that year, on 11 November, Griff received the LOS40 Music Award for Best International New Act at the ceremony in , , celebrating her breakthrough on the global stage amid competition from established international newcomers. The award underscored her growing international appeal, particularly in , where her self-produced tracks had garnered significant streaming success and radio play. In 2022, Griff was honored with the NME Radar Award at the BandLab on 2 March in , an honor bestowed on innovative emerging artists and past winners including ; she accepted the prize onstage at , emphasizing her gratitude for the opportunity to create music professionally. This recognition affirmed her influence in the alternative pop scene, coinciding with high-profile collaborations and her expanding discography.

Nominations and other recognitions

Griff received a nomination for the inaugural Ivor Novello Rising Star Award in 2020, recognizing her as one of five emerging songwriters selected by The Ivors Academy and Apple Music. At the 2022 Brit Awards, she earned three nominations: British Breakthrough Act, British Pop/R&B Act, and British Artist of the Year. She was also nominated for MTV UK's Push One to Watch award in 2021, highlighting her potential as a breakthrough artist. In addition to her major award nods, Griff has been recognized through influential industry polls. She placed fifth in the BBC Sound of 2021, voted by over 100 music critics, journalists, and broadcasters as one of the year's promising talents. The following year, she appeared on the longlist for BBC Sound of 2022, alongside acts like and . She was featured in UK's Ones to Watch 2021 list, spotlighting 25 emerging UK artists, and included in NME's 100 list of essential new talents for 2021. Her music has achieved commercial certifications in the UK. The single "Black Hole" (2021) was certified Gold by the (BPI) for 400,000 units sold or streamed. Similarly, "One Night" (2021) received Silver certification for 200,000 units.

References

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