In early 2002, Heap and English record producer Guy Sigsworth formed the electronic duo Frou Frou and released their only album to date, Details (2002). She released her debut album, an alternative rock record, I Megaphone, in 1998. After being discovered by manager Mickey Modern while attending the BRIT School, Heap signed to independent record label Almo Sounds at the age of 18 and later began working with experimental pop band Acacia.

She began writing songs at the age of 13 and, while attending boarding school, taught herself music production. Heap classically trained in piano, cello, and clarinet starting at a young age. Her work has been considered pioneering in pop and electropop music. Imogen Jennifer Jane Heap ( / ˈ ɪ m ə dʒ ə n ˈ h iː p/ IM-ə-jən HEEP born 9 December 1977) is a British musician, singer, songwriter and record producer.