Haze: The Atmospheric Voice of UK Electronic Pop

Haze is the stage name of British electronic pop singer and producer Helena Hayes, known for her ethereal vocals and immersive soundscapes. Emerging from the vibrant London scene, she achieved mainstream recognition with her 2018 debut album 'Neon Clouds', which charted in the UK Top 20 and spawned a certified Gold single.

Early career

Born in Manchester in 1992, Helena Hayes began writing music as a teenager, experimenting with digital audio workstations. After moving to London to study sound design, she started uploading her self-produced tracks online under the moniker Haze in 2014, catching the attention of the independent label Circuit Records.

Her first official release was the 2015 EP 'Fading Signal', a collection of lo-fi electronic tracks that developed a cult following on streaming platforms. This early work established her signature blend of melancholic pop melodies with textured, ambient production, leading to her first major-label publishing deal.

Breakthrough

Haze's breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the single 'Echoes in the Static'. The track became an unexpected viral hit on social media, leading to a signing with major label subsidiary Atlas Electronic. Her subsequent debut album, 'Neon Clouds', was released in 2018 and entered the UK Albums Chart at number 17.

The album's success was solidified by the single 'Glow', which reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart and was later certified Gold for sales exceeding 400,000 copies. This period marked Haze's transition from an underground internet artist to a fixture on alternative radio playlists across Europe.

Key tracks

Echoes in the Static — This 2017 single was her viral breakthrough, showcasing her haunting vocal style over a minimalist, pulsing beat.

Glow — The certified Gold single from 'Neon Clouds' that became her first Top 20 hit and a staple of her live performances.

Neon Clouds — The title track from her debut album is a fan favorite that perfectly encapsulates her atmospheric production and lyrical themes of urban isolation.

Fault Line (feat. RIVRS) — This 2020 collaboration with producer RIVRS expanded her sound into darker, more rhythmic territory.

Silver Lines — The lead single from her 2021 sophomore album 'Distant Signals', noted for its more polished, dance-oriented production.

Her second album, 'Distant Signals', released in 2021, debuted at number 9 on the UK chart, outperforming her first. The album featured collaborations with producers like RIVRS and vocalist Isla June, demonstrating a confident evolution in her electronic pop sound. Haze has since performed at major festivals including Glastonbury's John Peel Stage and has been playlisted extensively on BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music.

For fans of Haze's brand of emotive electronic pop, our station also features music from similar UK artists. London Grammar shares a focus on soaring, atmospheric vocals and expansive soundscapes. The xx explores a similarly minimalist and moody electronic aesthetic with intimate lyrics. Mura Masa operates in the same sphere of inventive, genre-blending UK electronic production. FKA twigs pushes avant-garde pop boundaries with a comparable artistic vision.

Haze's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly across modern alternative and electronic-focused stations. Her tracks are regularly featured on cutting-edge online radio streams and independent music radio stations that champion forward-thinking pop, ensuring her sound reaches a dedicated global audience.

Listeners can discover the immersive electronic pop of Haze on a variety of radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to hear her key tracks and latest releases as part of our curated music rotation.