Sigala
Sigala is the professional pseudonym of Bruce Fielder (born 1 November 1992), an English DJ, record producer, remixer, and songwriter from Norwich, Norfolk.[1][2] He is known for his energetic house-pop and dance tracks that blend tropical house, future house, and commercial pop elements, often featuring collaborations with prominent vocalists.[3] Sigala gained international recognition with his debut single "Easy Love" in 2015, a track sampling the Jackson 5's "ABC" that debuted at number 71 on the UK Singles Chart before surging to number one the following week.[4] Over his career, Sigala has amassed eight top-ten singles on the UK Singles Chart, including "Sweet Lovin'" (peaking at number three), "Say You Do" (number five), "Came Here for Love" (number six), and "Lasting Lover" with James Arthur (number ten), alongside 14 top-forty entries and over seven million units sold in the UK (including streaming equivalents as of 2025).[5][6] His music has earned certifications such as seven platinum and nine gold singles in the UK, reflecting his commercial success in the dance and pop genres, including the BRIT Billion award in June 2025 for surpassing 1 billion streams in the UK.[7] Notable collaborations include works with artists like Ella Henderson ("We Got Love"), Paloma Faith ("Lullaby"), Rita Ora ("Anywhere"), and more recently, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jonita Gandhi on "Hello" (2025), which highlights his ongoing evolution toward feel-good, anthemic productions.[8][9] Sigala's debut studio album, Brighter Days (2018), released via Ministry of Sound, features 16 tracks with guest appearances from talents such as Nile Rodgers, Ella Eyre, and French Montana, and topped the UK Dance Albums Chart while receiving a silver certification from the BPI.[10][11] The album encapsulates his signature sound of uplifting melodies and infectious hooks, contributing to his reputation as a key figure in modern UK dance music.[12] Beyond production, Sigala has performed at major events and festivals worldwide, emphasizing mental health advocacy in the industry following personal challenges and the influence of peers like Avicii.[13]Early life
Upbringing in Norfolk
Bruce Fielder, known professionally as Sigala, was born on 1 November 1992 in Norwich, Norfolk, England.[14] He grew up in a rural English countryside setting, where the isolated environment encouraged self-entertainment through creative pursuits.[15] Details about his parents and any siblings remain limited in public records, respecting their privacy, though his family provided early encouragement for his musical interests without being professional musicians themselves.[16] He chose the stage name Sigala from his great-great-grandfather's surname, an old family name from his mother's side.[15] Fielder's initial exposure to music came from his home environment, where his parents' collection of Queen records filled the house, fostering a casual appreciation for rock and pop.[15] At age eight, his parents gifted him a small keyboard for Christmas after noticing his interest, sparking an immediate obsession that led to formal keyboard lessons.[16] He quickly progressed, performing a solo piece at a school concert and developing a strong foundation in piano and keys, which became central to his creative development.[15] During his teenage years, Fielder explored music more socially by joining local bands in Norfolk, often inspired by Queen and other rock acts, as a casual way to experiment and perform.[2] These experiences, including playing in a high school band called Circus, allowed him to hone his showmanship—such as performing blindfolded on fast-paced tracks at talent shows—while discovering influences like drum and bass artists such as Chase & Status and rock bands including Foo Fighters and Metallica.[15][16]Education and musical beginnings
Sigala, born Bruce Fielder, attended Reepham High School in Norfolk during his secondary education.[17] He later pursued initial music studies at City College Norwich, where his engagement with music was largely driven by a desire to meet his parents' expectations rather than personal passion.[18][15] This formal structure, however, sparked self-directed exploration, helping him recognize his deeper interest in music production over traditional performance.[15] Building on a childhood foundation in piano, Fielder enrolled in the Commercial Music BA Honours program at the University of Westminster in London.[19] There, he initially joined a band and performed at several unpaid gigs, but soon shifted focus toward electronic production techniques.[19] During his studies, he began experimenting with production software and creating remixes, honing skills in digital audio workstations that aligned with the program's emphasis on contemporary music creation.[19] Fielder graduated in 2013 with First Class Honours, having developed a practical understanding of commercial music production that laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.[20][21]Career
Pre-fame work
After graduating from the University of Westminster with a degree in commercial music, Bruce Fielder, who had moved to London from Norfolk to attend the university, remained in the city to establish himself in the music industry.[2] He began working as a freelance producer and remixer, collaborating with other artists to hone his skills in dance and electronic music production.[22][15] One of his early notable contributions was co-writing and co-producing the track "Good Times" for Ella Eyre in collaboration with the drum and bass duo Sigma, which marked a significant step in building his professional reputation.[2][22] To further develop his portfolio, Fielder created uncredited remixes for various projects and performed house DJ sets at local London clubs, gaining practical experience in live performance and audience engagement.[2][8] In 2015, Fielder adopted the pseudonym Sigala, derived from an ancestral family name on his mother's side, to establish a distinct artistic identity separate from his personal name and focus on his solo productions.[23][2] This rebranding allowed him to present his music under a unique moniker while drawing on the technical expertise he had accumulated through years of behind-the-scenes work.[22]2015–2018: Breakthrough and Brighter Days
Sigala's breakthrough came with the release of his debut single "Easy Love" on 4 September 2015 through Ministry of Sound Recordings, which samples the Jackson 5's 1970 hit "ABC" and blends it with a tropical house beat.[24][25] The track entered the UK Singles Chart at number 71 based on streaming data alone before surging 70 places to debut at number 1 the following week, marking Sigala's first chart-topper and spending three weeks at the summit.[26][4] Building on this success, Sigala released follow-up singles that solidified his presence in the UK charts. "Sweet Lovin'", featuring Bryn Christopher, arrived in November 2015 and peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart, earning platinum certification for over 600,000 units sold.[27] In 2016, "Give Me Your Love", a collaboration with John Newman and Nile Rodgers, reached number 9, while "Ain't Giving Up" with Craig David climbed to number 6, both contributing to Sigala's growing reputation for upbeat, collaborative dance anthems.[5] These releases were supported by high-profile festival appearances, including sets at Tomorrowland in Belgium in 2016 and 2017, which helped build international hype around his summery sound.[28][29] Sigala's momentum culminated in the release of his debut album, Brighter Days, on 28 September 2018 via Ministry of Sound and Columbia Records. The 16-track collection featured previous hits alongside new material, including the single "Lullaby" with Paloma Faith, which peaked at number 6 on the UK Singles Chart and received a nomination for British Single at the 2019 BRIT Awards.[30][31][32] The album debuted at number 14 on the UK Albums Chart and was later certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry for sales exceeding 300,000 units, reflecting Sigala's transition from viral remixes to an established dance-pop artist.[5][33][34]2019–2023: Singles, album delays, and setbacks
Following the success of his debut album Brighter Days, Sigala continued releasing standalone singles that maintained his presence in the UK charts. In late 2018, he collaborated with Ella Eyre, Meghan Trainor, and French Montana on "Just Got Paid", which peaked at number 11 on the UK Singles Chart in early 2019.[5] The track, characterized by its upbeat house production and party anthem vibe, served as a lead single bridging his debut era into new material. Later that year, Sigala signed with the relaunched Arista Records, signaling a shift toward more collaborative projects.[35] In 2020, Sigala teamed up with James Arthur for "Lasting Lover", a dance-pop track sampling MGMT's "Time to Pretend" that reached number 10 on the UK Singles Chart.[5] The song's emotional lyrics about enduring love resonated widely, earning it the Most Performed International Work award at the 2022 APRA Music Awards in Australia.[36] This release marked a high point amid growing anticipation for his sophomore effort, though it also highlighted Sigala's pivot toward vocal-driven collaborations. The year 2021 saw the release of "You for Me" with Rita Ora, a summery house track that debuted and peaked at number 23 on the UK Singles Chart.[5] Despite moderate commercial success, it underscored Sigala's consistent output of feel-good, radio-friendly singles during a transitional phase. Building on this momentum, "All By Myself" arrived in October 2022, featuring Alok and Ellie Goulding; the collaboration peaked at number 58 on the UK Singles Chart and explored themes of self-empowerment through electronic beats.[37] Sigala first teased his second studio album, titled Every Cloud, in late 2022, with pre-orders opening for a planned March 2023 release through Ministry of Sound.[35] Intended as a 20-track project featuring artists like Rita Ora, James Arthur, and David Guetta, it aimed to evolve his signature sound with more introspective elements. However, the album faced repeated delays, initially pushed to September 2023 due to production challenges, including outdated tracks written years prior that no longer aligned with his vision.[6] As a compromise, Sigala released Every Cloud – Silver Linings on 3 March 2023, a 11-track compilation serving as the first half of the full album and including recent singles like "All By Myself".[38] The project debuted modestly but received positive reviews for its vibrant energy, though it was positioned as a temporary measure amid ongoing hurdles. Sample clearance issues ultimately proved insurmountable for several tracks, leading to further postponements.[39] By November 2023, Sigala announced the full Every Cloud album had been scrapped entirely, citing the prolonged delays as rendering the material unrepresentative of his current artistic direction.[39] This decision prompted a creative hiatus, during which he reflected on his process and prepared for future releases, marking a period of professional reevaluation after years of consistent single drops without a cohesive follow-up to his debut.2024–present: Revival, new releases, and streaming milestone
In 2024, Sigala marked a significant resurgence in his career with the release of "It's a Feeling," a collaboration with Trevor Daniel and 24kGoldn, issued on July 5 via Ministry of Sound Recordings. The track introduced a grittier edge to his signature euphoric sound, as Sigala described it as a deliberate shift to infuse summer vibes with heightened energy and attitude. This single heralded what he termed a "bold new era" in his production approach, following a period of creative recalibration.[40][41] Building on this momentum, Sigala released the holiday single "With You" featuring Ely Oaks on December 6, 2024, also through Ministry of Sound, capturing an addictive, feel-good essence suited for the festive season. In December 2024, Sigala released the compilation album The Collection, featuring 22 tracks including his recent singles and career highlights.[42] That same month, he performed at London's O2 Arena during Capital's Jingle Bell Ball on December 7, delivering a high-energy set that showcased his evolving live presence alongside artists like Clean Bandit and Teddy Swims. These efforts underscored his return to consistent output and prominent UK stages.[43][44] Entering 2025, Sigala continued his prolific streak with two major singles in October. "Hello," featuring Leigh-Anne and Jonita Gandhi, dropped on October 3 via Ministry of Sound, blending pop sensibilities with dance elements and marking his first release of the year as a euphoric anthem uniting global talents. Later that month, on October 24, he teamed up with Robin Schulz and Zoe Wees for "AM to PM," a Warner Music track designed for non-stop play, emphasizing seamless transitions from day to night in its upbeat production. These collaborations highlighted Sigala's international appeal and genre-blending prowess.[45][46] Mid-year accolades further cemented his revival, as Sigala received the BRIT Billion Award on June 6, 2025, from the British Phonographic Industry for surpassing one billion streams in the UK across his catalog. In September, he contributed to the Ministry of Sound: Ibiza Closing 2025 DJ mix, curating a 23-track compilation that captured the season's closing party energy, including remixes like his take on "Riptide" with Jaxomy and Ilan Kidron. This project reinforced his role as a key figure in electronic dance compilations.[7][47] By late 2025, Sigala expanded his live footprint with select US tour dates, including performances at The Grand in Boston on November 8 and Trio in Charleston on December 12, signaling growing stateside interest amid his renewed creative surge. These shows featured sets blending recent hits with fan favorites, solidifying his streaming milestone as a launchpad for broader global engagement.[48]Musical style and influences
Production style and genre
Sigala's production style is rooted in house and dance-pop genres, emphasizing upbeat rhythms and nostalgic samples that evoke 70s and 80s motifs to create an infectious, feel-good energy. His debut single "Easy Love" exemplifies this approach by interpolating the Jackson 5's 1970 soul hit "ABC," layering it over a tropical house-inspired beat with bright synths and percussive grooves to blend retro accessibility with contemporary dance appeal.[49] This sampling technique recurs throughout his catalog, transforming classic hooks into modern anthems that prioritize euphoria and crowd engagement over experimental abstraction. Central to his sound are production techniques such as layered vocals for harmonic depth, prominent piano hooks for melodic catchiness, and high-energy drops that build tension through structured arrangements of tension and release. Tracks like "Sweet Lovin'" showcase these elements, with multi-tracked ad-libs and choir-like vocal stacks enhancing the celebratory vibe, while piano riffs provide a rhythmic backbone that transitions seamlessly into bass-heavy choruses.[50] Sigala's early reliance on mashups—remixing pop snippets with house beats—further defines his method, allowing for quick, collaborative iterations that amplify replay value and radio-friendliness.[15] Over time, his style has evolved from the sunny, tropical house leanings of his 2015-2018 breakthrough era to a more mature electro-pop direction in later releases, incorporating denser electronic textures and global rhythmic influences. For example, while early works favored light, summery drops, singles from 2019 onward integrate bolder synth progressions and subtle genre fusions to maintain chart viability without losing core dance-pop exuberance.[41] This progression is bolstered by frequent collaborations with vocalists such as Ella Eyre and Rita Ora, whose featured performances add emotional layers and broaden commercial reach.[51]Key influences and evolution
Sigala's musical style draws heavily from soul, funk, disco, and rock, genres that shaped his early years as a pianist and influenced his approach to upbeat, sample-driven dance tracks.[52] His breakthrough single "Easy Love" (2015) exemplifies this through its prominent sample of The Jackson 5's "ABC," blending classic Motown energy with modern house production to create infectious, nostalgic party anthems.[25] While contemporaries like Calvin Harris and Disclosure pioneered similar sample-based electronic sounds in the mid-2010s, Sigala's work reflects a parallel evolution in UK dance music, emphasizing joyful, genre-fusing hooks over club purism.[53] Sigala's music evolved notably from the exuberant party anthems of his 2018 debut album Brighter Days, which featured high-energy collaborations like "Came Here for Love," following delays in his planned second album Every Cloud (scrapped in 2023 due to sample clearance issues). In 2024–2025, he embraced a "bold new era" shifting toward rave-inspired club music, influenced by early electronic sounds like Clubland X-Treme Hardcore as well as artists such as The Prodigy, Pendulum, and NERO.[41][54] This change emphasizes live performance-oriented tracks, as heard in singles like "It's A Feeling" (2024).[41] Post-2023, Sigala adapted to streaming platform dynamics by prioritizing shorter, TikTok-friendly singles designed for viral appeal, aligning with broader industry shifts toward concise formats under three minutes to maximize algorithmic exposure.[55] Releases like "With You" (2024) and "Hello" (2025) reflect this strategy, focusing on hook-driven structures that thrive in short-form social media while maintaining his signature upbeat vibe, helping him achieve the BRIT Billion Award for over 1 billion UK streams in June 2025.[13][56][57]Personal life
Mental health and sobriety
In 2024, Sigala, whose real name is Bruce Fielder, publicly discussed his struggles with anxiety and industry burnout in interviews, highlighting the toll of the nocturnal lifestyle associated with DJing and touring. He revealed experiencing daily panic attacks for an extended period, particularly in the years following his university education but before his breakthrough success. Fielder attributed much of his awareness to the 2018 death of Avicii (Tim Bergling), whose openness about mental health issues and substance abuse profoundly impacted him, prompting a reevaluation of his own lifestyle choices to avoid similar pitfalls.[13] Fielder adopted sobriety in the early 2020s as a means to cope with escalating stress, particularly amid professional setbacks like the cancellation of a planned album release in 2023 due to licensing issues. He has credited this decision with enhancing his performance quality and overall well-being, stating that he "perform best when I’m sober" and views it as a protective measure against the excesses common in the EDM scene. This shift coincided with a period of hiatus in 2023–2024, during which the lost year of album production allowed him to prioritize recovery and creative recharge.[13] Through these experiences, Fielder has advocated for mental health awareness within the electronic dance music community, emphasizing self-care and the importance of boundaries in high-pressure environments. As of 2025, this mindset continues to influence his productions, including the single "Hello" with Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jonita Gandhi. His reflections serve as a cautionary narrative, influenced by Avicii's tragic end, underscoring how breaks and lifestyle changes can foster long-term sustainability in the industry.[13][58][9]Privacy and public image
Bruce Fielder, known professionally as Sigala, has consistently used his stage name to maintain a separation between his personal life and artistic identity, rarely appearing in the public eye under his real name. This pseudonym, derived from an old family surname, allows him to focus on music production and performances while preserving privacy, as he has described himself as a "normal guy with a pretty normal upbringing" who prefers to stay behind the scenes.[59][23] In interviews, Sigala limits discussions of family or romantic relationships, directing conversations toward his creative process, collaborations, and upcoming releases rather than personal anecdotes. He avoids personal appearances in music videos and publicity photos, emphasizing that his goal is to let the music speak for itself without seeking widespread celebrity recognition. This approach stems from his introverted nature, often described as that of the UK's "shiest popstar," enabling him to evade the pressures of fame that affected peers like Avicii.[13][59][15] Sigala cultivates a positive public image as an approachable and dedicated artist through active engagement with fans on social media and during live performances, where he is most recognized and interacts directly with audiences. Following his 2015 breakthrough with "Easy Love," he responded to rising fame by prioritizing a strong work ethic over a celebrity lifestyle, committing to tireless studio efforts and high-energy shows to deliver value to supporters. His occasional social media updates, particularly during tours, provide glimpses into his professional world, fostering a sense of connection without compromising his private boundaries.[60][61][13]Awards and nominations
Awards
Sigala has received recognition for his commercial success through various music industry awards, particularly highlighting his songwriting and streaming achievements. In 2022, "Lasting Lover," a collaboration with James Arthur, won the Most Performed International Work at the APRA Music Awards, acknowledging its extensive global airplay and performance impact across international markets.[36] The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) has certified several of Sigala's releases, reflecting strong UK sales and streams; for instance, the single "Easy Love" achieved Platinum status, while the debut album Brighter Days earned Platinum certification.[62][63] In June 2025, Sigala was awarded the BRIT Billion for surpassing one billion streams in the UK across his catalog, underscoring his enduring popularity and longevity in the music industry.[7] In 2016, Sigala won the PPL Award for Most Played New Independent Act at the AIM Independent Music Awards, recognizing his breakthrough success with "Easy Love."[64]Nominations
In 2019, Sigala received a nomination for British Single of the Year at the BRIT Awards for his collaboration with Paloma Faith on "Lullaby," which highlighted the track's success as a prominent UK dance-pop release.[65][66] Sigala also garnered a nomination for Best Pop/Dance at the inaugural Global Awards in 2018, further acknowledging his contributions to contemporary dance music during his formative years.[67] These nominations elevated Sigala's profile in the UK music industry, drawing attention to his production style and collaborative potential early on.Discography
Albums
Sigala's debut studio album, Brighter Days, was released on 28 September 2018 through Ministry of Sound and Columbia Records.[30] The album consists of 16 tracks, blending dance-pop, tropical house, and future house elements, with collaborations featuring artists such as Ella Eyre, Rita Ora, Craig David, and Nile Rodgers.[12] It includes key singles like "Came Here for Love" and "Lullaby," which had previously achieved commercial success.[10] Brighter Days peaked at number 14 on the UK Albums Chart and number 1 on the UK Dance Albums Chart, spending 53 weeks on the former.[68] The album has been certified platinum in the United Kingdom by the BPI, denoting 300,000 units sold or streamed. Reception highlighted its energetic production and party-ready vibe, though some critics noted its formulaic approach to EDM tropes.[69] In 2023, Sigala released Every Cloud – Silver Linings as a compilation album on 3 March through Ministry of Sound, serving as a substitute for a larger planned project.[38] Originally intended as a 20-track second studio album titled Every Cloud, the full release was scrapped due to sample clearance issues and dissatisfaction with the material, leaving nine tracks unreleased; the compilation instead features 11 previously issued singles with guest appearances from artists including Becky Hill, Ella Eyre, and David Guetta.[70] It peaked at number 64 on the UK Albums Chart and number 1 on the UK Dance Albums Chart, with seven weeks on the main chart.[5] The project achieved moderate streaming success, bolstered by its collection of fan-favorite tracks, and was certified silver in the UK by the BPI for 60,000 units.[71] Reviews praised its feel-good energy and replay value for dance enthusiasts, positioning it as a solid retrospective rather than innovative material.[72] As of 2025, Sigala has not released a second full studio album.[56]Singles
Sigala's singles career began with a string of successful releases that established him as a prominent figure in UK dance music. His debut single, "Easy Love", released in 2015, topped the UK Singles Chart and became one of his signature tracks, sampling the Jackson 5's "ABC". This was followed by "Sweet Lovin'" in 2016, featuring Bryn Christopher, which peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart. These pre-album releases laid the foundation for his chart success, contributing to his accumulation of eight UK Top 10 singles by 2025.[5] During the era surrounding his debut album Brighter Days (2018), Sigala continued to deliver hits with collaborators. "Lullaby", released in 2018 with Paloma Faith, reached number 6 on the UK Singles Chart. The following year, "Just Got Paid" (2019), featuring Ella Eyre, Meghan Trainor, and French Montana, peaked at number 11 on the UK Singles Chart, showcasing his knack for upbeat, collaborative pop-dance anthems. These tracks highlighted his production style blending house elements with vocal hooks.[5][73] In the years following his initial album releases, Sigala maintained momentum with fresh material. "It's a Feeling", a 2024 collaboration with Trevor Daniel and 24kGoldn, marked his return to solo singles, emphasizing vibrant electronic production though it did not enter the UK Top 100. Entering 2025, "Hello" with Leigh-Anne and Jonita Gandhi, released in October, peaked at number 42 on the UK Singles Chart, blending pop and dance influences. Later that year, "AM to PM" with Robin Schulz featuring Zoe Wees, released in October, debuted amid growing streaming interest but had not yet achieved a significant chart peak by November. These releases underscore Sigala's ongoing evolution toward global collaborations and streaming-focused output.[74][75][5]| Single | Release Year | Collaborators | UK Peak Position | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Easy Love" | 2015 | None | 1 | Platinum (BPI) |
| "Sweet Lovin'" | 2016 | Bryn Christopher | 3 | - |
| "Say You Do" | 2016 | Imani, DJ Fresh | 5 | - |
| "Give Me Your Love" | 2017 | Nile Rodgers | 9 | - |
| "Came Here for Love" | 2017 | Ella Eyre | 6 | - |
| "Lullaby" | 2018 | Paloma Faith | 6 | - |
| "Just Got Paid" | 2019 | Ella Eyre, Meghan Trainor, French Montana | 11 | Platinum (BPI) |
| "Wish You Well" | 2020 | Becky Hill | 8 | - |
| "Lasting Lover" | 2020 | James Arthur | 10 | - |
| "It's a Feeling" | 2024 | Trevor Daniel, 24kGoldn | - | - |
| "Hello" | 2025 | Leigh-Anne, Jonita Gandhi | 42 | - |
| "AM to PM" | 2025 | Robin Schulz, Zoe Wees | - | - |