Emile Sandé

Emeli Sandé is a British soul and contemporary R&B singer and songwriter from Sunderland, England, and raised in Alford, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Born in 1987, she signs to Virgin Records and begins her recording career in 2009. She uses her middle name professionally after deciding not to record under Adele Sandé, because of the growing prominence of Adele.

Career

Sandé first gains chart attention as a writer and guest vocalist on other artists’ records. She writes and appears on Chipmunk’s debut single Diamond Rings, which reaches number six in the UK Singles Chart, and later sings on Wiley’s comeback single Never Be Your Woman, which reaches number eight. She then features on Professor Green’s 2011 UK number one single Read All About It.

Her first solo single, Heaven, reaches number two in the UK Singles Chart. Her debut album, Our Version of Events, is released in 2012 and includes the singles Next to Me, Daddy and My Kind of Love. The album becomes the UK’s biggest-selling debut album of 2012.

Writing, collaborations and performances

Sandé also writes for and collaborates with other artists, including Let Go, Let It Rain, Susan Boyle and Cheryl Cole. Before establishing herself as a solo artist, she already has chart success through her work with Chipmunk and Wiley.

She appears at the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony and performs Abide with Me. She also takes part in Band Aid 30.

Recognition

The Times describes Sandé as “The Voice of 2012”. The New York Times comments on her voice as “clear and brassy and weapons-grade”. Other artists including Alicia Keys and Adele express admiration for her work.