Eliot Sumner

Eliot Sumner – Life, Music & Identity

Eliot Sumner (born July 30, 1990) is an English musician, songwriter, producer, and actor. Explore their journey from I Blame Coco to solo work, acting roles, identity, and memorable words.

Introduction

Eliot Paulina Sumner (born July 30, 1990) is an English singer, songwriter, music producer, and actor. They first came to public attention under the stage name I Blame Coco, and more recently release music under their own name. They are the child of musician Sting and actress/producer Trudie Styler.

Beyond music, Sumner has appeared in films and television, including The Gentlemen, No Time to Die, and the Netflix/Showtime series Ripley.

Early Life & Background

• Sumner was born in Pisa, Italy (in Tuscany) on July 30, 1990.

• They grew up primarily in Wiltshire, England, attending Bryanston School and later the Fine Arts College in London.

• Their family home included Lake House, near Stonehenge, a place where Sumner spent time outdoors, in woods, and in solitude.

• They were given their first guitar around age 4 or 5.

• From a young age, Sumner was drawn to songwriting: by age 15 they were already composing songs.

Musical Career

Beginnings & I Blame Coco

• At age 17, Sumner signed a multi-year deal with Island Records.

• Their debut album, The Constant (2010), was released under the name I Blame Coco.

• The music of I Blame Coco fused elements of pop, electronic, ska, punk, and alternative styles.

• The debut single “Caesar” featured Swedish pop artist Robyn.

• Another single, “Self Machine,” followed in mid-2010.

• After The Constant, Sumner adopted their own name for musical releases (Eliot Sumner).

• In 2014, they released an EP titled Information, and in 2016 a full album of the same name.

Side Projects & Electronic Work (Vaal)

• Sumner also explored work under the moniker Vaal, working in electronic genres like techno, breaks, trip-hop, and darker musical textures.

• Under Vaal, they released the album Nosferatu in 2019.

Collaborations & Other Contributions

• They have featured on tracks by other artists: e.g. “Splash” with Sub Focus.

• They also performed a cover of “Creep” (Radiohead) with Clint Mansell for the Filth film soundtrack (2013).

Acting & Screen Roles

• Sumner had early small roles: in Me Without You (2001) and Stardust (2007).

• Their more prominent acting credits include The Gentlemen (2020) and the James Bond film No Time to Die (2021).

• In 2024, they joined the Ripley series, in a recurring role playing a character named Freddie (a male role).

• They also appear in Infinite Storm as a hiker character.

• Sumner is cast in a Swedish crime/thriller series Vargasommar (also styled Cry Wolf) as “Kat” (a hitwoman).

Identity, Personal Challenges & Views

• In 2009, Sumner suffered a serious head injury that resulted in a fractured skull and loss of sense of smell (anosmia).

• In December 2015, Sumner publicly stated that they did not believe in gender labels and do not identify with a specific gender.

• They prefer gender-neutral pronouns (they/them).

• In various interviews, Sumner has expressed that they wish to be recognized first as a musician and not be constrained by categories.

Artistic Style & Influence

• Sumner’s music draws from a kaleidoscope of influences: punk, electronic, alternative, pop, ska, and dark textures.

• Their work under Vaal pushes into experimental and underground electronic territory.

• Their lyrics often reflect emotional introspection, identity, and tension between light and dark.

• The blending of performance and identity (in both music and acting) is central to their artistry.

Selected Quotes

Eliot Sumner isn’t as widely quoted as many public figures, but here are some statements that reflect their philosophy:

“I don’t believe in gender labels.”

On identity: they have said they prefer to be simply called a “musician” rather than being boxed into categories.

These words underscore Sumner’s resistance to constraints and desire for fluidity in self-definition.

Lessons & Takeaways

1. Reinvent and evolve
   Sumner’s shift from I Blame Coco to releasing work under their own name, and further into Vaal, shows a commitment to personal authenticity and growth.

2. Embrace intersectionality of art & identity
   For Sumner, music and acting are not separate from identity—they inform and reflect it.

3. Challenge norms
   Their rejection of strict gender labels, their experimentation in genres, and their willingness to defy expectations encourage others to question norms.

4. Turn adversity into expression
   After a traumatic injury and loss of smell, Sumner continued creating, showing resilience and artistic faith.