La Roux is currently understood as a stage name of performer Eleanor Jackson, although originally it referred to duo of Eleanor and her former partner Ben Langmaid.
Langmaid and Jackson started as acoustic music duet, trying to imitate artists like Joni Mitchell. Then they switched to synthpop and adopted new name, based on Eleanor’s tomboy image. While premier single “Quicksand” was released by Kitsune Music in late 2008, this label had its limitations so for a more ambitious release duet had to switch to Polydor Records. In cooperation with them, a number of singles was released, including “In for the Kill”, which got covers from such famous artists as Skrillex, and “Bulletproof”. Self-titled debut album hit the shelves on June of 2009. Selling around 500,000 copies in United Kingdom alone, it became second fastest-selling debut in that year after Susan Boyle’s piece. This album got Grammy Award in nomination of Best Electronic/Dance Album. After success of this magnitude, duet felt a lot of pressure, with fans expecting them to deliver new album of same quality. Thus, production of “Trouble in Paradise” took longer than expected, with Eleanor taking hints from indie rock bands while writing it. It was released in summer of 2014, with Langmaid leaving the duet during promotion phase of release.
