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Uffie
Uffie
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Key Information

Anna-Catherine Hartley (born December 9, 1987), known professionally as Uffie (/ˈʌf/), is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, DJ, and fashion designer formerly signed to French electronic music record label Ed Banger Records.

Uffie's music incorporates synthpop,[1] acid house,[2] alternative dance,[3] and "somewhere between electro, rap and nu skool".[2] She is perhaps best known for her single "Pop the Glock", as well as "TThhEe PPaARRtTYY", her collaboration with Justice which appears on their Grammy nominated album Cross. Some of her live performances have been described as "Warholian".[4][5]

In 2010, Uffie released her debut album Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans, which was included on several year-end critics' lists and was nominated in the French Victoires de la Musique for Best Electronic Album.[6][7]

Following a hiatus, Uffie independently released her EP Tokyo Love Hotel in 2019.[8]

Biography

[edit]

Uffie was born Anna-Catherine Hartley in Miami, Florida,[3] to a Japanese mother and an English father.[9][10] She moved to Hong Kong with her family at the age of four,[11] where she spent her formative years.[9] According to Hartley, Uffie is a nickname her father gave her, and comes from the French word "œuf", which means "egg".[11] She recalls: "[W]hen I was little it started as 'Enough'. My parents were always saying 'Enough!' Then my dad figured, 'Hey, enough is un œuf, is a petite œuf' [...] So by the time my memory begins they were all calling me Uffie."[12] During her teens, Uffie moved with her mother to Fort Lauderdale and then back to Miami, where she was arrested for vandalism at the age of 15, causing her mother to send her to live with her father in Paris.[13]

Uffie studied fashion in Paris and attended the International School of Paris. In 2005, Uffie booked Feadz for a party she was organizing, and the two began a relationship shortly after. Feadz constantly pressured Uffie to provide vocals for some of his tracks and finally in late 2005 Uffie wrote "Pop the Glock" while on holiday and released it as a Myspace demo. Record label Arcade Mode gave the song a limited promo release in January 2006 with the B-side "Ready to Uff" which Feadz's labelmate Mr. Oizo produced. Soon after the release Uffie was signed to the French electronic music label Ed Banger Records by Busy P. Uffie then began dating graffiti artist and photographer André Saraiva, and the two were married in August 2008. The couple divorced in the summer of 2009, before the birth of their daughter Henrietta[14] in October 2009. She took a brief hiatus from work, which gave her time to find herself and mature as an artist[15] and finish her full-length debut album, Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans.[16]

Career

[edit]

2005–2008: Early years

[edit]
Uffie, 2007

In early 2005, Feadz, who was Uffie's boyfriend at the time, convinced her to provide vocals on his track "Uffie & Me" for his EP Forward 4, which was when she began to develop an interest in making music. Later that year, she wrote and recorded "Pop the Glock", which was produced by Feadz and began to shop the demo around to various record labels. "Pop the Glock" became her first single and was given a limited promo release on Arcade Mode in January 2006. Busy P, the owner of Ed Banger Records, heard the single and quickly signed both Uffie and Feadz to the label. "Pop the Glock" and its B-side "Ready to Uff" were both given an official release titled Pop the Glock/Ready to Uff on February 27, 2006 through Ed Banger Records. Both songs contained elements of electro and rap. The release also featured a remix by SebastiAn.[17]

In February 2007, the song "Dismissed" was included on Ed Rec Vol. 2, an Ed Banger Records label compilation.[18] Two more new tracks from Uffie, "Hot Chick" and "In Charge", leaked to blogs before being released as a double A-side in November 2006.[3] The EP Suited and Looted was released in June 2007 by Ed Banger Records, containing the single "F1rst Love" and "Brand New Car". Canadian electronic duo Crystal Castles featured vocals sampled from Uffie on the track "Make It Hott", although it was never officially released, it can be found through various audioblogs. Also in 2007, Uffie collaborated with labelmates Justice on the song "TThhEe PPaARRtTYY", from their debut album .[19]

Uffie contributed the song "Robot Oeuf" to the compilation Ed Rec Vol. 3, released on May 26, 2008.[20] It was also included in the soundtrack to Pedro Almodóvar's 2009 film Broken Embraces, starring Penélope Cruz.[21] In late 2008, she worked with Mr. Oizo on the track "Steroids", included on Mr. Oizo's album Lambs Anger. A remix of "Steroids" also appears on Mr. Oizo's 2009 EP Pourriture.

Uffie has been described as a muse for French DJs,[4] and her style was described as being "often performed in a wannabe English accent" with "a deliberately staid anti-flow delivery that walks a fine line between electro and nu-skool rap."[22]

2009–2010: Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans

[edit]

Uffie's record label Ed Banger Records first stated in late 2006 that her debut album would be released mid-to-late 2007, then sometime in 2008.[9] Her debut album, titled Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans, was eventually released June 15, 2010 in Europe and June 22, 2010 in the United States.

The title track "Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans" heavily samples The Velvet Underground's 1970 song "Rock & Roll"; during an interview with The Quietus in July 2010, Uffie claimed that it was "fucking difficult" to deal with Lou Reed while getting the sample cleared. When asked if he had heard the song, she stated, "Yes he has, he had to clear it. And it was a very not nice experience dealing with him, I have to say [...] I don't know what this guy's problem is but on the credits I think it even says something like he wrote it. He gets everything."[23]

The music video for "Pop the Glock" was directed by Nathalie Canguilhem,[24] was shot in the house that was used in the Academy Award-winning 1997 film Boogie Nights.[25] The video premiered on October 3, 2009.[16] Following the music video release, "Pop the Glock" was re-released as a single on November 30, 2009 as promotion for her then-upcoming album, reaching number 89 in France.[26] The new release includes three remixes by Mirwais, Felix da Housecat and Ellen Allien.[27] On October 8, 2009, The Guardian featured Uffie as "New Band of the Day", and announced that Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans would be officially released in the spring of 2010 and that she had covered a version of Siouxsie and the Banshees' 1978 song "Hong Kong Garden", which was included on the album.[28]

Uffie confirmed through her official Facebook page that Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans would be released on June 15, 2010 in Europe by Ed Banger Records.[29] It was also confirmed in early April 2010 that Uffie had signed with major label Elektra Records to distribute her work internationally who released Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans on June 22, 2010.[29]

Uffie and Mr. Oizo teamed up once again on "MCs Can Kiss", the first single from Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans. The single was released digitally on January 12, 2010 and was officially released as a 12" vinyl on February 1, 2010 through Ed Banger Records.[30] "MCs Can Kiss" received positive reviews from critics, and it was described as "an old school soundclash of heavy beats and sharp rhymes" that "shows off the French-American's ballsy schtick to full effect."[31][32] "MCs Can Kiss" peaked at number 97 on the French Singles Chart,[26] as well as number 48 on the Japan Hot 100.[33] On March 11, 2010, a remix of "MCs Can Kiss" by Beastie Boys member Mike D was made available as a free download from Uffie's official website.[34]

During an interview on February 12, 2010 on Kissy Sell Out's BBC Radio 1 radio show, Uffie premiered a new track called "Illusion of Love", which features guest vocals from Mattie Safer, formerly of the band The Rapture. She explained that "Illusion of Love" is much more mature than her previous work and is by far the slowest track she has ever made.[35]

On April 15, 2010, "ADD SUV" premiered on BBC Radio 1. The song features Pharrell Williams and was produced by Mirwais. A music video began to shoot for "ADD SUV" starring both Uffie and Williams on April 9, 2010 and was released shortly before her debut album release. The single received positive reviews from the New York Post,[36] Prefix Magazine[37] and Spin.[38] Following anticipation around "ADD SUV", the song debuted at number one on The Hype Machine.[39] It was also announced that "ADD SUV" would be released as an EP (including remixes by Armand Van Helden and Hudson Mohawke) on May 17, 2010, prior to Uffie's debut album release.[40] "ADD SUV" reached number 31 on the UK Dance Singles Chart and number 28 on the UK Independent Singles Chart.[41][42]

Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans peaked at number seven on both the French Digital Albums Chart and the Belgian Heatseekers Albums Chart.[43][44] It then stayed on the French Albums Chart for a total of 12 weeks.[44] In the US, it reached number 17 on the Dance/Electronic Albums and number 32 on the Heatseekers Albums.[45] It also peaked at number 18 on the UK Dance Albums Chart and number 31 on the UK Independent Albums Chart.[46][47] Singles "F1rst Love", "Pop the Glock", "MCs Can Kiss", and "ADD SUV" also managed to chart in various countries such as Belgium, France, Japan, and the UK.

Also in 2010, Uffie, who was originally studying to be a fashion designer in Paris, announced her partnership with clothing brand Diesel to design a 12-piece collection that ranges from a structured leather-and-denim corset jumpsuit to an oversize ombre bag.[48] The collection was made available at Diesel stores and selected contemporary stores worldwide in November 2010.[49]

In August 2010, Ed Banger Records confirmed through their Facebook page that Uffie's next single to be released would be "Difficult", produced by Uffie's fellow labelmate and friend SebastiAn.[50] It was later announced that "Difficult" would be released as an EP on October 18, 2010 through Ed Banger Records, Because Music and Elektra Records, containing remixes from SebastiAn and Azari & III. A music video for the single was released on October 6, 2010 and was directed by French filmmakers AB/CD/CD.[51][52] The remix provided by SebastiAn, titled "2006 Parties Remix", was released to critical praise and reached number one on The Hype Machine the day of being released.[53]

Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans was placed at number 35 on Drowned in Sound's list of the 50 best albums of 2010[54] and was also included as one of the top albums of 2010 by several other publications.[55][56][57][58][59][60] The album was also nominated in the French Victoires de la Musique for Best Electronic Album[7] and was awarded a silver certification from the Independent Music Companies Association, indicating sales of at least 20,000 copies throughout Europe.[61]

2011–2015: Hiatus

[edit]

The Fred Falke remix of "Illusion of Love" was released digitally in France on March 14, 2011, in promotion of the action fantasy film Sucker Punch,[62] although it was not included on the film's soundtrack.

Uffie's cover of Tom Tom Club's 1981 song "Wordy Rappinghood", produced by labelmate DJ Mehdi, was released digitally on April 18, 2011.[63]

In February 2012, Uffie announced she was working on her second album, and hoped to have the lead single being released early 2013.[64] In February 2012, in an interview Uffie stated that she had many projects in the works including her album, a film, and the possibility of the release of an EP later in 2012.[65] In June 2013, she announced that she had been living in Los Angeles[66] and had just welcomed the birth of her second child.[67] In October that same year, Uffie announced via her (now defunct) Twitter account that she was retiring from "Uffie". Later that week, UffieFrance, an Uffie fansite posted an email correspondence with Anna Hartley where she explains "I am moving in to different projects under different alias... I will continue music just with a new project".[68]

2016–2021: Return to music

[edit]

In February 2016 Uffie started working on a new EP in Los Angeles studio New Wave Records with Mat Bastard of Skip the Use band and Nathaniel Hoho, amongst others.[69]

On March 30, 2016, Uffie updated her long abandoned Facebook page. She stated in a series of responses to fans that she was planning new releases, in addition to a tour. Some new tracks, titled 'Tied Up' and 'Sassy' were previewed to fans.

Uffie appears as a featured artist on English singer Charli XCX's mixtape Number 1 Angel, released digitally on March 10, 2017, then on cassette and vinyl on April 20, 2018.

In 2017 Uffie performed live in Phoenix as a headliner for the VIVA PHX! festival where she performed a mix of old and new songs with a new band.[70] Later in the year she performed at the 10th Anniversary Hard Festival in LA.[71]

In May 2018, Uffie released "Drugs", her first single in seven years[72] and also appeared as a featured artist on Galantis' single "Spaceship", which reached number 36 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Chart.[73]

Her single, "Papercuts", was included in Paper Magazine's best songs of 2018.[74]

A documentary focused on Uffie's life and career, chronicling the period of time during her hiatus, premiered at the 2019 FIPA film festival in France.[75][76]

Tokyo Love Hotel, her first full-length project since her 2010 debut album, was released on February 22, 2019.[77]

Uffie co-wrote the title track to Pink's Hurts 2B Human album.[78]

Uffie teamed up with Jam Sutton to create an "augmented reality experience" for her single "Ego", co-written with Ariel Pink. The project began as a "sculptural piece exploring the ego" inspired by the work of Carl Jung's shadow theory and contains a marble sculpture by Sutton, depicting Uffie with a mythological serpent. The statue can be viewed in an immersive experience in the Jam Sutton Studio App and was used as the cover art for the single as well as a music video.[79]

2022–present: Sunshine Factory

[edit]

Uffie released her second album Sunshine Factory in 2022 through Carpark and Company Records, which was co-produced by Chaz Bear of Toro y Moi. It was described by the artist as a nightclub-themed fantasy of post-pandemic escape.

Later that year, she co-wrote and provided vocals on "Serotonin Moonbeams," the first new single by The Blessed Madonna since 2017.

In 2023, she released the double A-side Oopsie/Alchemy via Smartdumb.

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Details Peak chart positions
US
Dance

[80]
UK
Dance

[81]
FRA
[82]
BEL
(WA)

[83]
GER
[84]
GRC
[85]
SWI
[86]
Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans 17 18 59 76 77 43 62
Sunshine Factory
  • Released: May 20, 2022
  • Label: Company, Carpark
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download

Extended plays

[edit]
List of extended plays
Title Details
Pop the Glock / Ready to Uff
  • Released: February 2006[87]
  • Label: Ed Banger
  • Format: LP
Tokyo Love Hotel
  • Released: February 22, 2019[77]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download

Singles

[edit]

As lead artist

[edit]
List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
BEL
(FL)

[88]
BEL
(WA)

[83]
FRA
[82]
JPN
[89]
UK
Dance

[81]
UK
Indie

[81]
"Hot Chick"[90] 2006 Non-album single
"F1rst Love" 2007 18 18 Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans
"Pop the Glock" 2009 89
"MCs Can Kiss" 2010 97 48
"ADD SUV"
(featuring Pharrell Williams)
31 28
"Difficult"[91]
"Wordy Rappinghood"[63] 2011 Non-album single
"Drugs"[92] 2018 Tokyo Love Hotel
"Your Hood"[93] Non-album singles
"Sideways"[94]
"Papercuts"[95] Tokyo Love Hotel
"Sadmoney" 2019
"No Take Me Backs" Non-album singles
"Mine"[96]
"Weed & Drum Machine"[97]
"Ego"[98]
"FroYo for Your Tears" 2020
"Cool" 2021 Sunshine Factory
"Dominoes"[99] 2022
"Where Does The Party Go?"[100]
"Sophia"[101]
"Oopsie" 2023 Non-album singles
"Alchemy"
"Poolside Goth" 2025
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
[edit]
List of singles as a featured artist, showing year released and album name
Title Year Album
"Fais Rentrer Les Euros"
(M.I.T.C.H. featuring Uffie, Feadz, DJ Raze, Soper and Shone)[102]
2008 Non-album single
"TThhEe PPaARRtTYY"[103]
(Justice featuring Uffie)
2009
"Spaceship"
(Galantis featuring Uffie)[104]
2018 Non-album single

Guest appearances

[edit]
List of non-single appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name
Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"Uffie & Me" 2005 Feadz Forward 4 EP
"Dismissed" 2007 None Ed Rec Vol. 2[105]
"Low Life (LA Riots Mix)" Steve Aoki, Scanners, LA Riots Pillowface and His Airplane Chronicles[106]
"Robot Oeuf" 2008 None Ed Rec Vol. 3[107]
"Make It Hott" Crystal Castles Non-album song[108]
"Steroids" Mr. Oizo Lambs Anger[109]
"That's What She Said" 2012 Jin Akanishi Japonicana[110]
"Babygirl" 2017 Charli XCX Number 1 Angel
"Serotonin Moonbeams" 2022 The Blessed Madonna Serotonin Moonbeams
"Looking Down from Space" 2023 OTR Be Quiet, They're Listening

Music videos

[edit]
List of music videos, showing year released and director
Title Year Director(s)
"Pop the Glock" 2009 Nathalie Canguilhem[111][112]
"ADD SUV"
(featuring Pharrell Williams)
2010
"Difficult" AB/CD/CD[113]
"Cool" 2021 Mynxii White
"Where Does The Party Go?" 2022 Jocelyn Woods[114]
"Sophia" Gareth Peck & Miko[115]

Remixes

[edit]
List of remixes, showing year released and original artist
Title Year Other artist(s)
"Drinks" 2020 Cyn[116]
"20MGs"
(together with Lokoy)
2023 Milk & Bone[117]
"Girl Party"
(together with Lokoy)
2024 MGNA Crrrta

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Uffie, born Anna-Catherine Hartley on December 9, 1987, in , , to a Japanese mother and a British father, is an American-French , rapper, DJ, and fashion designer renowned for her brash, playful electro-rap style that blended hip-hop with electronic music during the bloghouse era. Raised in and , she rose to international underground prominence in 2006 with her debut single "Pop the Glock," produced by Feadz and released on the influential French label , which became a viral hit on and exemplified the label's raw, party-driven electro sound. Her career gained further momentum through collaborations with Ed Banger artists, including a feature on Justice's 2007 track "TThhEePPaARRtTYY" from their Grammy-nominated album Cross, solidifying her role as a key figure in the French electro movement alongside producers like SebastiAn and Mr. Oizo. Uffie's debut studio album, Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans, arrived in 2010 via Ed Banger and Because Music, featuring guest appearances from Pharrell Williams and earning a nomination for Best Electronic Album at the Victoires de la Musique awards; the record captured her irreverent lyrics and hedonistic themes amid tracks like "ADD SUV" and "MCs Can Kiss." Following a hiatus from 2011 to 2015, during which she focused on fashion design and motherhood, Uffie relocated to Los Angeles and resumed music with the 2019 EP Tokyo Love Hotel and her sophomore album Sunshine Factory in 2022 on Company Records, showcasing matured production with collaborators like Chaz Bear of Toro y Moi and NNAMDÏ and a shift toward synth-pop and house influences. She has continued with recent releases, including the 2025 EP Violence is the Answer as of November 2025. Her work has influenced subsequent pop-rap artists and continues to highlight her as a trailblazer in electronic music's fusion with hip-hop.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Uffie, born Anna-Catherine Hartley on December 9, 1987, in , Florida, grew up in a multicultural household shaped by her parents' diverse backgrounds. Her mother is Japanese, while her father is English, originally from , which instilled an early sense of cultural fusion in her family life. This heritage, combined with frequent relocations, contributed to her formative experiences amid varied environments. Her father, who worked in the clothing industry, affectionately nicknamed her "Uffie" as a ; it originated from his playful association of the word "enough" (which her parents often said) with the French word œuf (). The family dynamics were marked by her parents' separation when she was young, after which she primarily lived with her mother, further emphasizing the blend of Eastern and Western influences in her upbringing. Born in , Uffie relocated to with her family when she was four years old, where she lived until age eight, including time on a boat that exposed her to an international from a young age. The family then returned to the , where she lived in (including and nearby Fort Lauderdale), , and , highlighting the transient nature of her childhood and fostering a multicultural identity that drew from both American roots and global exposures.

Move to Paris and early influences

At the age of 15, Uffie relocated from the to following her parents' separation, joining her father who had moved there earlier. This move, part of her multicultural upbringing shaped by time in and , placed her in a dynamic European environment. She lived with her father during this period, immersing herself in the city's expatriate community. Upon arrival, Uffie enrolled in an international school in , though she did not complete her formal education there. Limited details exist on her academic pursuits at the time, but she briefly studied at , a prestigious school, aligning with her emerging interests in design influenced by her father's career in textiles. In , Uffie engaged deeply with the city's youthful subcultures, encountering the burgeoning scene through underground club nights and DJ events that defined the early Parisian nightlife. This exposure blended with hip-hop elements she had absorbed during her time in Florida, fostering a hybrid amid the diverse, street-oriented scene. Her teenage years also involved hobbies like , which connected her to urban rebel aesthetics, and experimentation, where she drew from bold street styles and international trends.

Career

2005–2008: Discovery and early releases

In 2005, at the age of 17, Uffie (born Anna-Catherine Hartley) uploaded her debut track "Pop the Glock" to MySpace from Paris, where she had recently moved, quickly gaining attention in the underground electronic music scene for her sassy rap style over electro beats. This online exposure led to her discovery by Ed Banger Records founder Busy P (Pedro Winter), who signed her to the label later that year, positioning her as a key voice in the burgeoning French electroclash movement. Her official debut came in early 2006 with the release of the double A-side 12" single "Pop the Glock" / "Ready to Uff" on , produced by Feadz, which captured her playful, irreverent persona and helped solidify her buzz within international club circuits. The track "Pop the Glock," in particular, became an underground anthem, blending hip-hop flows with gritty electro production and earning remixes that amplified its reach. In 2006, Uffie built momentum through live performances, including her appearance at the Eurockéennes de Belfort festival in France alongside acts like and , and she contributed to the label's growing reputation in the scene with her raw energy on stage. Early key collaborations emerged with Ed Banger producers, such as Feadz on her initial singles and budding work with Mr. Oizo and SebastiAn, who shaped her sound through remixes and shared label sessions that infused her tracks with experimental edge. By 2008, her MySpace-driven fame had translated into a , with bookings across Europe and Asia, marking her as a provocative figure in the bloghouse era.

2009–2010: Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans

In 2009, Uffie began finalizing her debut album Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans, a project that spanned approximately four years of intermittent recording sessions with producers affiliated with , including Feadz, Mr. Oizo, SebastiAn, and Mirwais. The collaborative process emphasized her signature electro-rap style, blending sharp beats and autotuned vocals with playful, satirical lyrics drawn from her experiences in the music scene. Key tracks like "ADD SUV," featuring , and "MCs Can Kiss My Ass" highlighted this approach, with the former delivering a high-energy collaboration on and luxury, and the latter serving as a bold diss track against rival MCs. The album was released on June 14, 2010, through and , marking a culmination of Uffie's early career momentum. It achieved moderate commercial success, peaking at number 17 on the US Dance/Electronic Albums chart and number 18 on the Dance Albums chart, reflecting its niche appeal within electronic music circles. Critically, the record was praised for its vibrant, irreverent electro-rap energy, with reviewers noting its catchy, self-referential tracks that fused old-school rap influences with ferocious electro-pop elements, though some critiqued the occasionally uneven production. Standout reception highlighted its playful attitude, far removed from mainstream pop conformity, positioning it as a bold statement in the French electro scene. To promote the album, Uffie embarked on an intensive touring schedule across and the in 2010, including performances at major festivals like the and club shows that underscored her live charisma. Key singles received accompanying music videos, such as the surreal, Pharrell-assisted clip for "ADD SUV" and the edgy visual for "Difficult" directed by , which amplified the album's themes of and through stylized, narrative-driven aesthetics. Following the release and promotional push, Uffie transitioned away from to pursue independent projects.

2011–2015: Hiatus and retirement announcement

Following the release and promotional tour for her debut album Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans in 2010, Uffie entered a period of hiatus, driven by a desire to step away from the intense party-centric lifestyle associated with her early career and to pursue a more normal existence. This break was profoundly influenced by personal milestones, including the birth of her son in 2011 and the subsequent death of her mother, which prompted her to prioritize family and emotional recovery over music production. Relocating from back to the , she settled initially in , to focus on motherhood and even enrolled in biology classes, marking a deliberate shift toward domestic life and away from the spotlight. By 2013, as she navigated her mid-20s and another , Uffie formalized her withdrawal from performing and recording under her , announcing the retirement of the "Uffie" persona via . In a now-defunct post, she declared the end of that chapter, citing exhaustion from the non-stop touring and a need to "breathe" in a life that no longer aligned with her personal growth. This decision was eased by her lack of attachment to fame or financial pressures from music, allowing her to embrace a quieter existence in after further moves, including a brief stint in following her divorce. During this hiatus, Uffie largely abstained from solo releases but began exploring behind-the-scenes contributions, including songwriting, though these remained low-profile and secondary to her family commitments. This phase solidified her transition from frontwoman to a more private figure, setting the stage for eventual re-engagement with music on her own terms.

2016–2021: Return to music and Tokyo Love Hotel

After a period of hiatus that provided her with on her career, Uffie began her gradual return to music in by reactivating her accounts and teasing upcoming projects. In early of that year, she announced her imminent return to the studio via , marking her first public engagement with fans in years. She spent the following months in and , collaborating with producers like to record several demos, including tracks titled "Tied Up," "Uffie's Pirate Ship," and "Halloween," with plans for a sophomore album. Throughout this period, Uffie focused on songwriting for other artists as a way to rebuild her creative confidence and adapt to the evolving music industry. Her credits included contributions to Pink's 2019 album , co-writing the title track featuring , as well as work for , , and . This behind-the-scenes role allowed her to refine her songwriting structure while staying connected to pop and electronic scenes. She also made guest appearances, such as on Charli XCX's 2017 mixtape track "Babygirl" from , blending her signature playful rap style with Charli's energy. Uffie's first solo release in seven years came in May 2018 with the single "Drugs," an electro-pop track that signaled her independent pivot away from major labels. She followed this with additional singles like "Papercuts" later that year and "Sadmoney" in early 2019, building anticipation for her comeback. On February 22, 2019, she independently released the EP Tokyo Love Hotel, a seven-track project produced with collaborators like Ammar Malik and distributed via her own imprint. The EP explored themes of maturity, heartbreak, and burnout, moving beyond her early bloghouse irreverence toward introspective synth-pop; standout tracks included "Neuneu," a glitchy reflection on emotional detachment, and "No Regrets," which grappled with post-breakup resilience. Critics praised the EP for its evolved sound, noting how it balanced nostalgic electro elements with personal depth, as in Paper magazine's description of Uffie in a "more mature place" after years of hedonistic anthems. The EP's release coincided with Uffie's re-entry into live performances, including her first Bay Area show in years at the Festival in in March 2019, where she debuted material from Tokyo Love Hotel alongside classics like "Pop the Glock." She continued touring with DJ sets and full shows throughout 2019 and 2020, appearing at events like the France Rocks Summer Fest in New York. In September 2019, she dropped "Weed & Drum Machine," a nod to her bloghouse roots produced with , further showcasing her blend of club-ready beats and wry lyricism. By 2021, Uffie signed to Company Records (founded by ) and released the single "cool" in September, a groovy, hook-driven track that highlighted her ongoing evolution with its ironic take on detachment and desire.

2022–present: Sunshine Factory and recent releases

In 2022, Uffie released her second studio album, Sunshine Factory, on May 20 through Company Records. The record, co-produced by Chaz Bear of and Lasse Lokøy, features Canadian artist Peaches on the interlude track "peaches (interlude)". The album delves into themes of post-pandemic escape and personal growth, envisioning a magical, fictional "Sunshine Factory" as an alternate reality for misfits yearning for relief from reality's pressures, including reflections on breakups and early career memories. Uffie described the project as evolving her songwriting toward more structured pop elements infused with humor, moving beyond her raw, youthful style from the mid-2000s. In 2023, Uffie issued the double single "Oopsie / Alchemy" on August 25 via smartdumb Records, blending experimental hip hop and elements that earned niche acclaim in electronic music communities. The tracks accumulated steady streams on platforms like , with "Alchemy" surpassing 100,000 plays within its first year, though they did not achieve major chart positions. On April 2, 2025, Uffie dropped the single "Poolside Goth," produced by , which explores dark electronic pop vibes reminiscent of her mid-2010s work. The release was promoted through announcements and an official video, generating buzz in indie and pop circles. Uffie continues as an active , performing live shows such as her October 24, 2025, appearance in , while pursuing production work and occasional songwriting for other artists.

Artistry

Musical style

Uffie's core musical style is characterized by electro-rap, blending hip-hop rhythms with electronic beats and elements, often described as a fusion of electro, rap, and nu skool influences. Her early work, particularly on the 2010 album Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans, features clubby electro-trash beats with heavy synths and low-key grooves, creating high-energy party anthems suited to the aesthetic of the late 2000s French electro scene. Her vocal delivery is marked by a monotone, matter-of-fact rap style delivered in an unbothered , frequently enhanced with copious to achieve a processed, detached effect that underscores the irreverent tone of her lyrics. These lyrics are playful and superficially rebellious, focusing on themes of , , and youthful bravado with a naively insolent edge that fits the electro-rap framework. Production in this era emphasizes pulsating basslines and glossy electronic textures, evoking euphoric club environments. Over time, Uffie's style has evolved from the raw party anthems of the toward a more genre-fluid pop-rap in the 2020s, incorporating emotional depth and diverse sonic palettes while retaining electronic foundations. On her 2022 album Sunshine Factory, this shift is evident in the integration of and influences with electro-house beats, featuring alt-rock guitars, reverb-heavy sing-raps, and frenzied drums that create a hazy, escapist vibe. Later productions move toward organic-feeling layers, blending sparkle and pulsing rhythms with fuzzed-out vocals, reflecting a maturation from sleazy bloghouse roots to party lyricism; this continued in 2023–2025 releases like The Ecstasy and the single "Poolside Goth," maintaining dark electronic pop elements.

Influences and collaborations

Uffie's musical style was profoundly shaped by the French electro scene, particularly through her affiliation with the collective, which emphasized high-energy, distorted electronic sounds reminiscent of pioneers like and . Growing up exposed to her father's eclectic tastes, including acts like and reggae icon , she blended these with the raw, party-driven aesthetics of ‘80s cokewave electro and early hip-hop influences such as L’Trimm's playful, bass-heavy tracks like "Cars That Go Boom." Additionally, female-fronted electro-punk artists like Peaches and provided a blueprint for her irreverent, sexually charged lyricism, while the chaotic DIY energy of the mid-2000s bloghouse movement—fueled by uploads and underground club culture—infused her work with a fusion of indie, hip-hop, and elements. Early in her career, collaborations with Ed Banger producers were pivotal, starting with Feadz, who produced her breakout 2006 track "Pop the Glock" and served as her initial creative partner, helping craft her signature electro-rap sound. SebastiAn, another label staple, contributed production to several tracks on her 2010 debut album Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans, enhancing its glitchy, club-ready edge. These partnerships within the Ed Banger ecosystem not only amplified her exposure but also embedded the label's aggressive, sample-heavy aesthetic into her music, as seen in her on Justice's "TThhEePPaARRtTYY" from their 2007 album †, where her vocals added a hedonistic rap layer to their distorted electro-funk. Later collaborations expanded her genre fusion, bridging underground electro with mainstream pop and hip-hop. Pharrell Williams featured on "ADD SUV" from Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans, bringing Neptunes-style production that tempered her raw delivery with polished, futuristic beats, a partnership born from mutual admiration during her early tours. While direct work with remains tied to shared MySpace-era scenes rather than formal releases, her interactions with figures like him underscored the bloghouse crossover that influenced her trajectory toward broader electronic and rap hybrids. Subsequent partnerships included features with on "" (2017), production from on Sunshine Factory (2022), and on "Poolside Goth" (2025), further merging electro with and alternative influences. Overall, these alliances propelled Uffie's evolution from niche party anthems to a more versatile artistry, allowing her to merge electro's intensity with hip-hop's bravado and pop's accessibility.

Other ventures

Fashion design

Uffie, originally studying in before her music career gained prominence, drew early inspiration from the city's vibrant scene. In 2009, she collaborated with Japanese brand on an army-inspired backpack, marking her initial foray into apparel accessories. The following year, Uffie partnered with Diesel on a 12-piece capsule collection featuring worn vintage denim washes, leather elements, and sultry chic silhouettes that reflected her personal style. Her design aesthetic emphasizes blended with feminine touches, incorporating electro-inspired graphics, motifs, and for a playful, textured look. Uffie has consistently styled her own and tour outfits to match performance moods, opting for versatile pieces like baggy trousers with sheer tops, trench coats, or sexy dresses paired with heels and thrifted finds. In the 2020s, amid releases like her 2022 album Sunshine Factory, Uffie has upcycled thrifted items for stage wear and begun developing a suit collection, continuing to integrate into her creative output.

DJing and production

Uffie began incorporating DJ sets into her performances during the , initially at clubs in and , where she built a reputation for high-energy electronic mixes. Early appearances included slots at venues like La Machine du Moulin Rouge in and various LA nightlife spots, often blending her Ed Banger roots with contemporary club sounds. By the mid-2010s, she expanded to residencies and festival slots, such as headlining the VIVA PHX festival in Phoenix in 2017 and performing at the 10th Anniversary Hard Festival in later that year, where her sets drew crowds with nostalgic bloghouse vibes and fresh remixes. In parallel with her DJ work, Uffie has taken on production roles for other artists, particularly through songwriting credits on pop tracks. Notable contributions include co-writing songs for artists like , , , , and , allowing her to extend her electro-pop influence into mainstream projects while maintaining a behind-the-scenes presence. Her production approach emphasizes playful, irreverent lyrics and beats that echo her own style, often collaborating remotely to fit her evolving career priorities. Uffie's DJ sets typically feature electronic and hip-hop mixes, with an emphasis on live remixing techniques to keep performances dynamic and improvisational. She frequently uses software like for seamless track layering, vocal chops, and on-the-fly edits, creating extended blends that transition from classic French touch tracks to modern hip-hop influences. Examples include her 2021 TRAKTOR x livestream from , a 2024 guest spot at a DJ Assault residency in , a July 2025 set at Boiler Room in , and an October 2025 performance at The Fonda Theatre in , showcasing her ability to adapt sets for diverse crowds. Following her 2011–2015 hiatus and announcement of retirement from music to prioritize family, Uffie repositioned DJing as her primary creative outlet in the post-2016 period. This shift enabled her to stay engaged in the scene without the demands of full album cycles or live vocals, balancing performances with raising her children while occasionally weaving in new material during sets.

Discography

Studio albums

Uffie's debut studio album, Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans, was released on June 14, 2010, by and . The album embodies the and bloghouse aesthetics of the late 2000s French electronic scene, with themes centered on hedonistic nightlife, playful sexuality, and casual rebellion, often delivered through Uffie's autotuned and ironic lyrics. Production was handled by key figures from the Ed Banger collective, including Mr. Oizo, SebastiAn, Feadz, and Mirwais, who crafted sharp, bass-heavy beats that blend hip-hop influences with elements. The album's artwork features a minimalist design with Uffie in attire against a stark background, emphasizing its raw, streetwise vibe, while packaging included standard CD and vinyl formats with lyric inserts highlighting the project's DIY ethos. Critically, Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans received mixed reviews, earning a Metacritic score of 48 out of 100 based on 11 publications, with praise for its energetic production but criticism for Uffie's unpolished delivery and perceived lack of depth. Commercially, it achieved modest success in niche electronic markets, reflecting its cult appeal rather than mainstream breakthrough. Singles like "Pop the Glock" served as promotional anchors, building on Uffie's earlier mixtape buzz. Uffie's sophomore album, Sunshine Factory, arrived on May 20, 2022, via Company Records, marking her return after a 12-year gap. Recorded over several years during periods of personal transition, the album was co-produced by Chaz Bear () and Norwegian producer Lasse Lokøy, incorporating a collaborative process that blended Uffie's electro roots with , , and textures to evoke a post-pandemic "escape" into a fantastical nightclub realm for outsiders. Themes revolve around euphoric highs and hazy aftermaths, structured as a metaphorical journey through a party—from entry to comedown—with interludes like Peaches' on "" adding humorous, conversational flair; additional contributions came from NNAMDI on select tracks. The artwork adopts a vibrant, surreal aesthetic in black, pink, and brown tones, depicting Uffie in a dreamlike club setting, while special editions featured colored vinyl (smoke and bone) in eco-friendly packaging to enhance its collectible, immersive appeal. Reception for Sunshine Factory was similarly mixed, with awarding it 5.9 out of 10 for its bright but unfocused energy, noting strengths in individual tracks amid a lack of cohesive concept. In the streaming era, the garnered steady plays on platforms like , contributing to Uffie's renewed visibility without charting in major territories, as its promotion relied on viral singles and live rather than traditional radio. Compared to Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans, Sunshine Factory shifted from physical sales in underground scenes to digital streaming dominance, with the former's modest commercial performance underscoring era-specific indie viability while the latter's metrics highlight broader accessibility but diluted commercial impact in a saturated market. Both albums prioritize thematic over chart ambition, cementing Uffie's niche as a provocative electronic voice.

Extended plays

Uffie's extended plays serve as key interim releases in her discography, bridging her early singles and later full-length albums with focused collections of tracks that highlight evolving themes and production styles. Her debut extended play, Pop the Glock / Ready to Uff, was released in 2006 on as a limited-edition pink vinyl 12-inch single, limited to a small pressing that quickly became a collector's item among fans of the French electro scene. Recorded when Uffie was 17, it features the raw, playful tracks "Pop the Glock" produced by Feadz and "Ready to Uff" produced by Mr. Oizo, alongside remixes including SebastiAn's version of the title track, capturing her initial foray into irreverent, party-driven rap over pulsating beats. This release marked her emergence from demos and established her as a provocative voice in underground electronic music. Following a period of hiatus after her 2010 debut album, Uffie independently released Tokyo Love Hotel on February 22, 2019, as a digital EP self-distributed through her own channels, reflecting a more introspective shift amid her relocation influences. Drawing thematic inspiration from Japanese love hotels and urban nightlife, the seven-track project explores post-party melancholy, relationships, and self-reflection across songs like the hazy opener "Drugs," the regret-tinged "No Regrets," the synth-driven "Sadmoney," the minimal "Sharpie," the emotive "Papercuts," "My Heart," and additional cuts blending alt-pop with subtle electro elements. Clocking in at around 20 minutes, it incorporates singles from the preceding year alongside new material, produced in collaboration with various independent artists, and underscores her transition to a more autonomous, bedroom-pop aesthetic.

Singles as lead artist

Uffie's singles as lead artist span her early breakthroughs and her later independent releases, often blending rap-inflected vocals with electronic production. Her debut single, "Pop the Glock," marked her entry into the French electro scene, while subsequent tracks like "ADD SUV" expanded her reach through high-profile collaborations and radio play. More recent output reflects a shift toward on smaller labels. "Pop the Glock," written by Uffie and produced by Feadz, originated as a demo in 2006 before its official re-release as a 12-inch vinyl single on November 30, 2009, via . The track sampled Audio Two's "Top Billin'" and peaked at number 89 on the French Top Singles chart, where it charted for two weeks. Its music video, directed by Nathalie Canguilhem and premiered on October 3, 2009, features Uffie at a chaotic with cameos including , capturing the raw, party-centric energy of bloghouse culture. "ADD SUV," featuring guest vocals from and produced by Mirwais, was released on May 24, 2010, as the third single from Uffie's debut album Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans. It debuted at number one on and reached number 31 on the UK Dance Singles Chart on June 20, 2010. The single premiered on on April 15, 2010, and was promoted through remixes by artists like , emphasizing its electro-pop accessibility and ties to Uffie's fashion-inspired persona. In 2023, Uffie released the double A-side single "Oopsie / " on August 25 via label smartdumb, marking her return to solo after a period of collaborations. "Oopsie" explores themes of fleeting romance and self-sabotage over upbeat beats, while "" delves into personal transformation with elements, produced by Lokoy, Uffie, and . "Poolside Goth," produced by , arrived as a standalone single on April 2, 2025, through the ambient tweets . The track merges summery synths with darker, goth-tinged lyrics, evoking a of and , and aligns with Uffie's ongoing in electronic music. Uffie's contributions as a featured artist on singles have spanned her career, often blending her distinctive rap-inflected vocals with electronic and house productions from prominent collaborators. One of her earliest high-profile features came on the 2009 single "Tthhee Ppaarrttyy" by the French electronic duo Justice, where she delivered playful, party-centric lyrics over the track's distorted electro beats, drawing from influences like Three 6 Mafia's "Stay Fly" and Britney Spears' "Me Against the Music." Released as a single from Justice's Grammy-nominated album †, the track highlighted Uffie's role in the Ed Banger Records scene and received critical acclaim for its energetic fusion of hip-hop and electro, though it did not achieve significant commercial chart peaks. In 2018, Uffie appeared on Galantis' "Spaceship," providing ethereal, soaring vocals that complemented the Swedish duo's uplifting sound, evoking themes of escape and new beginnings. The single, released via Records, garnered moderate streaming success, accumulating over 572,000 streams in its initial weeks, praised for its summery, anthemic vibe suitable for play. A more recent collaboration arrived in 2022 with The Blessed Madonna's "Serotonin Moonbeams," where Uffie contributed speak-sung verses about daydreams and r nostalgia, set against whistling synths and a pulsating groove. Issued as the producer's first solo single in five years on , it was lauded by critics as a vibrant return to form, with noting its joyful pop- energy and Stereogum calling it a "great new single." The track's production emphasized '90s influences, underscoring Uffie's enduring appeal in electronic music circles.

Guest appearances

Uffie has contributed guest vocals and features to various albums and compilations, often collaborating within the ecosystem and extending to independent electronic and pop projects. These appearances highlight her role as a rapper and vocalist on tracks produced by label associates or external artists, spanning electro, hip-hop, and experimental genres. The following table lists selected guest appearances, focusing on album and compilation tracks where Uffie provided vocals or raps, excluding her lead singles.
YearTrackAlbum/CompilationOther Artist(s)/ProducerRole/DescriptionSource
2007DismissedEd Rec Vol. 2Mr. Oizo (producer)Guest rapper on a high-energy electro track, part of the Ed Banger label's early compilation series showcasing collective talent.Ed Banger Records YouTube
2008SteroidsLambs AngerMr. OizoFeatured vocalist and rapper delivering playful, irreverent lyrics over glitchy electronic production on Oizo's third studio album.Mr. Oizo Bandcamp
2017BabygirlNumber 1 AngelCharli XCXGuest rapper adding sassy verses to a synth-pop track on XCX's PC Music-influenced mixtape, emphasizing themes of nightlife and excess.Genius Lyrics
2018Pop The Glock / Difficult (Orchestral Version)Ed Banger 15Orchestre Lamoureux, Thomas RousselReinterpreted guest performance on orchestral remixes of her earlier hits, featured in the label's 15th-anniversary compilation celebrating its catalog.Ed Banger Records
2024F.I.L.T.H.F.I.L.T.H.PVRIS, Sizzy RocketGuest rapper contributing bold, hedonistic bars to the title track of PVRIS's electronic mixtape, blending rock and pop elements.Hopeless Records via Apple Music
These collaborations underscore Uffie's versatility, from raw electro-rap in the late 2000s to more polished features in contemporary indie electronic scenes.

Music videos

Uffie's music video for "Pop the Glock," released in 2009 and directed by Nathalie Canguilhem, captures a lo-fi electro aesthetic through its raw, DIY energy and party-centric visuals. Shot in the iconic Hollywood mansion from the film , the video depicts Uffie and a group of friends engaging in chaotic, hedonistic antics amid neon lights and urban grit, emphasizing themes of youthful rebellion, confidence, and bravado. The 2010 video for "ADD SUV," featuring and also helmed by Canguilhem, unfolds as a playful of a high-speed flirtation and chase through the sun-drenched streets of . Uffie and Williams share dynamic interactions in luxury cars and urban settings, blending electro-rap energy with fashion-forward styling—Pharrell's influence shines through oversized silhouettes and bold accessories, while Uffie's looks incorporate edgy, glamorous elements that underscore the song's satirical take on . In more recent years, Uffie has continued exploring innovative visuals, such as the 2019 augmented reality project for "Ego" in collaboration with visual artist Jam Sutton, which integrates sculptural marble elements and interactive digital overlays to delve into themes of self-perception and identity. For her 2025 single "Poolside Goth," produced with , a lyric video was released featuring stylized gothic imagery juxtaposed against summery poolside motifs, evoking a surreal fusion of dark and playful aesthetics.

Remixes

Uffie's tracks from her early electro-rap era were frequently reinterpreted through remixes that amplified their club and dancefloor appeal, often shifting the raw, gritty production toward more polished or genre-specific sounds. The 2009 EP Pop the Glock (Remixes), released by , exemplifies this, compiling four versions of her breakthrough single: the original produced by Feadz, a pop-infused take by Mirwais emphasizing melodic hooks, Felix da Housecat's "Pink Enemy" remix with extended breaks for sets, and Ellen Allien's "Bang the Glock" mix infusing rhythms. These variants, totaling 19 minutes, were distributed digitally and highlighted the track's versatility beyond its hip-hop sampling roots. Later singles continued this trend, with "ADD SUV" featuring receiving club-oriented es by in 2010, including vocal and instrumental edits that heightened the electro-funk energy for mainstream dance audiences; these appeared on expanded digital releases via Ed Banger. In a more contemporary vein, her 2022 single "Sunshine Factory" spawned a EP on Company Records, featuring edits by DJ_Dave (adding glitchy breaks to "anna jetson"), Alex Chapman's house rework of "sophia," and Ty Sunderland's upbeat spin on "where does the party go?," collectively extending the track's dreamy pop into varied electronic subgenres across an 8-minute digital package. Uffie has also contributed as a remixer, applying her electro sensibilities to tracks by other artists, often in with producer Lokoy. Her 2020 remix of Cyn's "Drinks" transformed the original indie-pop into a bouncy, synth-driven party anthem with playful vocal layers, included on the EP The Mixed Drinks Collection via Unsub Records. In 2023, the "Uffie & Lokoy Romantic " of Milk & Bone's "20MGs" introduced warmer, atmospheric textures to the original, released as a standalone digital single on Bonsound that emphasized emotional depth over the source's tension. Building on this, 2024 saw Uffie and Lokoy deliver high-energy electronic overhauls: their of Loyal Lobos' "Autosabotear" amplified the reggaeton-inflected pop with pulsating basslines and Uffie's ad-libbed flair, issued as a digital single on ; similarly, the "Uffie & Lokoy " of MGNA Crrrta's "Girl Party" infused elements and rapid-fire beats into the track's rebellious vibe, available digitally via Future Classic. These efforts underscore Uffie's evolution as a , blending her signature irreverence with collaborative electronic innovation.

References

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