Tove Lo: The Unstoppable Rise of the Swedish Pop Sensation

Just before the world was thrust into the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself at the Palladium Concert Hall in Los Angeles, eagerly awaiting a performance by the Swedish singer-songwriter, Tove Lo. Her “Sunshine Kitty” tour was concluding, and despite performing with a broken foot, Tove Lo delivered an unforgettable set, marking my last weekend of normalcy with a bang. Born Ebba Tove Elsa Nilsson, Tove Lo has garnered a massive following, thanks to her unique blend of grunge-infused pop anthems, electronic beats, and candid lyrics.

Tove Lo’s journey to stardom began in the suburbs of Stockholm, where she grew up in a supportive, humble home. Her stage name, Tove Lo, has an intriguing origin. Fascinated by a lynx named Tova at her local zoo, she was nicknamed Tove Lo, with “Lo” meaning lynx in Swedish.

Her teenage years, however, saw a dramatic shift as she embraced rebellion, dyeing her hair pink and immersing herself in the grunge scene, inspired by Kurt Cobain. “I fell in love with the Kurt and Courtney story, even though I was only 12. I had all the posters on my bedroom wall – the black and white one of him where he has loads of eyeliner. I was fascinated by grunge and it started there. Growing up so safe, I think I was looking for something else,” she shared in an interview with BBC.

Tove Lo’s big break came with the release of her 2013 single, “Habits,” a raw and relatable breakup anthem. Initially written as a poem during a tumultuous period in her relationship, the song resonated with many for its honesty. In an interview with Paste Magazine, she reflected, “I wrote that song right before we ended it. It was over, but not over. I knew what I wanted to sing in the chorus, and tried to write it with tons of different people, but they never got it. Finally, I was like, okay, I’m just going to be honest and vulnerable, and just tell it like it is.” “Habits” became a sleeper hit, gaining significant popularity a year after its release and topping charts, including the Billboard Hot 100 and Canadian Hot 100.

Riding the wave of her breakthrough success, Tove Lo released her debut album, “Queen of the Clouds,” in 2014. The album, themed around the phases of a relationship—sex, love, and pain—debuted at number 14 on the Billboard 200, selling 19,000 copies in its first week. She also featured on Swedish DJ Alesso’s single “Heroes,” further solidifying her rising star status. Tove Lo supported Katy Perry on her 2014 tour and embarked on her first headlining tour the following year.

From 2016 to 2018, Tove Lo released her second and third studio albums, “Lady Wood” and “Blue Lips,” respectively. “Lady Wood,” released in October 2016, showcased a darker, techno sound. The artist described it as “the first installment of a double album about chasing all kinds of rushes.” The follow-up, “Blue Lips,” continued this narrative, exploring themes of climaxes and comedowns. During this period, she also collaborated with Nick Jonas on the single “Close” and with Flume on “Say It,” further cementing her place in the pop music landscape.

In September 2019, Tove Lo released her fourth studio album, “Sunshine Kitty.” The album’s lead single, “Glad He’s Gone,” earned a Grammy nomination for Best Music Video, marking Tove Lo’s first Grammy nod for her solo work. She also collaborated with Finneas, Billie Eilish’s brother, on the singles “Bikini Porn” and “Passion and Pain Taste the Same When I’m Weak,” included in the deluxe edition of “Sunshine Kitty.”

The pandemic brought significant changes to Tove Lo’s life. She married her long-time boyfriend and spent time quarantining with fellow songwriter Charli XCX, hinting at potential new music. In late 2020, Tove Lo made her acting debut in “The Emigrants,” a film adaptation of Vilhelm Moberg’s 1949 novel about Swedish emigrants to America in the 1840s and 50s.

Tove Lo’s candid artistry and fearless approach to music and fashion make her a standout figure in the pop music world. Her journey from rebellious teenager to international pop sensation is a testament to her talent and authenticity. As she continues to evolve and push boundaries, fans eagerly await the next chapter in Tove Lo’s remarkable career.