Imogen Heap’s Headlock hits UK Top 40 again after 20 years, fuelled by viral TikTok trend

British artist Imogen Heap has seen her 2005 single Headlock re-enter the UK Top 40 this week, two decades after its initial release. The track, which is part of Heap’s second album Speak for Yourself, has surged in popularity due to its use in viral TikTok videos created by fans of the 2024 psychological horror video game Mouthwashing. Currently positioned at number 39, Headlock has also made significant climbs on Spotify’s Viral 50 charts across 58 countries and now boasts over 1.5 million daily streams.

The revival of the track coincides with the song rights reverting back to Heap after a 20-year license to Sony. Reflecting on this serendipitous timing, Heap expressed her gratitude: “So incredibly grateful to have this new energy coming into my life from new and old fans surrounding Headlock. Timing is immaculate, as after 20 years of this song being licensed to Sony as part of the Speak for Yourself album, it’s just reverted back to me! Thank you Universe!”

Heap, renowned for her innovative use of technology in music, including the development of the MiMu gloves for gestural music control, has remained a significant influence in the music industry. Her work has inspired a wide array of artists, from Billie Eilish to Ariana Grande, who recently described Heap as her “idol” and “my number one favourite musician, songwriter, producer of all time” in an interview with W Magazine.

Outside of her musical achievements, Heap has been actively involved in music technology projects aimed at supporting creativity and flow. These projects are largely non-profit and are designed to integrate with her family life and artistic endeavours. Heap’s engagement with technology extends to her recent exploration of AI, creating a persona named Mogen to manage her AI-generated representations.

Heap’s recent activities also include a collaboration with FKA Twigs on Spotify’s Countdown To series, where they discuss Twigs’s latest album EUSEXUA. Additionally, Heap plans to release a clip from her first in-depth conversation with an AI, part of Will.i.am’s FYI.lip project, later this month.

As Heap enters this new chapter, she is enthusiastic about returning to music production and live performances. “That return is now and I’m so excited to say YES to the kid in me, who’s bursting to collaborate and make SO MUCH music. I’ll be regularly doing this all in real time, over monthly live-streamed events. The gloves are on, for the love of music,” she stated, signaling a vibrant and interactive phase in her career.

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Image: Fiona Garden

For further information, visit Imogen Heap’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Headlock here: