Butterfly: The Ethereal Voice of UK Electronic Pop

Butterfly is the stage name of British electronic pop singer and songwriter Leanne Summers, known for her atmospheric soundscapes and emotive vocals. Emerging from the vibrant London scene in the late 2000s, she achieved mainstream success with her platinum-certified sophomore album, "Chrysalis," which debuted at number three on the UK Albums Chart.

Early career

Born in Manchester in 1988, Leanne Summers began writing music as a teenager before moving to London to study sound design. Adopting the moniker Butterfly, she self-released a series of well-received digital EPs starting with 2009's "Metamorphosis EP." Her blend of downtempo electronica and haunting pop melodies caught the attention of independent label Aether Records, which signed her in 2011.

Breakthrough

Butterfly's breakthrough arrived in 2014 with the release of her second studio album, "Chrysalis," on Aether Records. Propelled by the hit single "Wings (Clip My Wings)," the album sold over 300,000 copies in the UK, earning a platinum certification and solidifying her place in the electronic pop landscape. The album's success led to prominent festival slots and a sold-out headline tour across Europe.

Key tracks

Wings (Clip My Wings) — This 2014 single became her signature hit, peaking at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart and receiving heavy rotation on radio.

Paper Sky — The lead track from her 2017 album "Gossamer," this song showcased a more expansive, cinematic production style.

Fading Echo — A collaboration with producer Solace, this 2019 track marked a venture into deeper ambient house territories.

Silhouettes — Featured in several major television series, this song from "Chrysalis" significantly expanded her international audience.

Following "Chrysalis," Butterfly's third album, 2017's "Gossamer," debuted at number five on the UK chart and spawned several successful singles. She has since collaborated with notable producers like Jon Hopkins and RÜFÜS DU SOL, blending her ethereal style with progressive house and techno influences. Her most recent work, 2022's "Horizon Line," saw her experimenting with more organic instrumentation while maintaining her core electronic pop sound.

Fans of Butterfly's immersive electronic pop should also explore London Grammar for similarly powerful vocals over atmospheric soundbeds. Purity Ring shares a fascination with dark, textured pop production and metaphorical lyrics. The dreamy synth-work of Grimes offers a more experimental parallel, while the emotive songwriting of M83 aligns with Butterfly's cinematic scope.

The music of Butterfly is a staple on our network's electronic and alternative pop radio stations. Her tracks are frequently featured on chillout streams, modern synth-pop rotations, and independent music radio stations that champion nuanced electronic artists.

Listeners can discover the evocative electronic pop of Butterfly on radio stations featured across onairium.com. Tune in to hear her key tracks and latest releases as part of our curated programming dedicated to groundbreaking artists in the genre.