If you've ever found yourself humming "I gotta stay high all the time" while mixing your morning shake, you're not alone. Tove Lo's breakout anthem became a global sensation—and its journey from a Swedish songwriter's notebook to international ubiquity is a story of persistence, reinvention, and perfect timing.
TL;DR: The original version of Tove Lo's "Habits (Stay High)" was released on October 15, 2013 as part of her debut EP Truth Serum. The game-changing Hippie Sabotage remix dropped on March 3, 2014, propelling the song to the top of the charts and turning Tove Lo into an international star. This complete timeline breaks down every key moment, from writing sessions to viral fame.
And yes—whether you're building better habits in the gym or in life, the right fuel matters. We'll cover that at the end, including top-rated protein powders like Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder, Vanilla Ice Cream to keep your own habits on track.
Table of Contents
The Origin of "Habits"
Before the fame, Tove Lo—born Tove Ebba Elsa Nilsson—was a songwriter for hire in Stockholm. She had already written for artists like Icona Pop ("We Got the World") and Girls Aloud. But she wanted her own voice.
The inspiration for "Habits" came from a painful breakup. Tove Lo has described the song as a raw, unapologetic look at how people cope with heartbreak—through drinking, partying, and staying "high" to avoid the emotional crash. The hook was born from a late-night writing session with producers Ludvig Söderberg and Jakob Jerlström (the duo known as The Struts).
What makes "Habits" stand out is its brutal honesty. Tove Lo doesn't sugarcoat the self-destructive behavior. She sings about "getting high" and "having a few" not as celebration, but as survival. It's vulnerability set to a pop beat—and that contrast became its superpower.
The song was initially written in 2012 and recorded in early 2013. It was included on her debut EP Truth Serum, which served as a preview of what would become her debut album Queen of the Clouds.
Initial Release and Quiet Beginnings (October 2013)
The original version of "Habits" was released on October 15, 2013 in Sweden, as part of the Truth Serum EP. At this point, the song was a modest domestic hit. It charted in Sweden but barely made a ripple internationally.
Key details of the original release:
- Label: Universal Music Sweden
- Producer: The Struts
- Length: 3:29 (original version)
- Album: Truth Serum (EP), later included on Queen of the Clouds
Tove Lo performed the song at small venues across Scandinavia. The music video—directed by Motellet—featured a gritty, intimate visual of Tove Lo in a messy apartment, drinking whiskey and dancing alone. It matched the song's raw energy.
But the song's peak position on the Swedish Singles Chart was only number 13. It seemed destined to be a cult favorite rather than a global smash. That changed when two producers from Arizona decided to remix it.
The Hippie Sabotage Remix and Explosion (March 2014)
The duo Hippie Sabotage (Kevin and Jeff Saurer) discovered the original "Habits" online. They loved the melody but felt the production could be more atmospheric and trap-influenced. They crafted a remix that slowed the tempo, added a haunting beat, and emphasized Tove Lo's vocal delivery.
The remix was uploaded to SoundCloud on February 26, 2014, and officially released as a single on March 3, 2014. Within weeks, it went viral.
Why the remix worked:
- Slower, more hypnotic tempo allowed the lyrics to breathe
- Minimalist beat gave the song a dark, cinematic feel
- Hippie Sabotage's existing fanbase helped spread it on YouTube and social media
- Relatable theme of using substances to cope resonated with a generation
The remix version was soon picked up by radio stations in the United States. Tove Lo signed with Island Records, and "Habits (Stay High)" was re-released as a global single in May 2014.
The official music video for the remix—directed by Motellet again but with new footage—accumulated millions of views on Vevo. Tove Lo's candid performance, including scenes of her smoking and drinking, added to the authenticity that fans craved.
Chart Performance and Cultural Impact
By mid-2014, "Habits (Stay High)" was inescapable. On the Billboard Hot 100, it peaked at number 3 on September 6, 2014, and stayed on the chart for 40 weeks. It reached number one on the Pop Songs chart and became one of the best-selling singles of the year.
| Chart | Peak Position | Date Achieved |
|---|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 | 3 | September 6, 2014 |
| Billboard Pop Songs | 1 | August 23, 2014 |
| UK Singles Chart | 6 | September 2014 |
| Australian ARIA | 3 | August 2014 |
| Swedish Singles Chart | 13 (original), 6 (remix) | 2013/2014 |
Beyond the numbers, the song became a cultural touchstone. It was parodied on Saturday Night Live, featured in countless YouTube vlogs, and used in TV shows like Grey's Anatomy and The Vampire Diaries. The phrase "stay high" entered the lexicon as shorthand for escapism.
How "Habits" Changed Tove Lo's Career
Before the song exploded, Tove Lo was struggling to break into the international market. After the remix, she went from opening for Katy Perry on the Prismatic World Tour to headlining her own world tour. Her debut album Queen of the Clouds (released September 2014) reached number 14 on the Billboard 200.
Career milestones directly tied to "Habits":
- First Grammy nomination (Best Pop Solo Performance, 2015)
- Co-writing credits for other artists increased dramatically
- Established her "raw and honest" brand that would define later hits like "Talking Body" and "Cool Girl"
Tove Lo has often said that the song's success felt surreal. In interviews, she describes the remix as "a gift" that allowed her to reach an audience she never imagined. The song's longevity—streaming numbers still grow every year—proves its staying power.
For those looking to build their own career habits, Tove Lo's 'Habits' Song Release: How It Became a Hit offers a deeper dive into the strategic moves behind the scenes.
The Song's Legacy and Enduring Relevance
Nearly a decade later, "Habits (Stay High)" remains a staple of playlists, cover songs, and remixes. In 2023, it surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify, making it one of the most-streamed songs by a female artist from the 2010s.
Why it endures:
- Timeless theme of coping with loss—every generation experiences heartbreak
- Memorable melody that works in both original and remix forms
- Cultural resonance with mental health conversations—the song's honest portrayal of unhealthy coping mechanisms opened dialogue
- Viral moments on TikTok and Instagram keep it alive for new listeners
Tove Lo herself has evolved, but she never distances herself from the song that launched her. She still performs it live, often with emotional intensity. The song's message—that it's okay to admit you're struggling—aligns with the values of Success Guardian: building a better life starts with acknowledging where you are.
Another related read: The Release Date of Tove Lo's 'Habits' and Its Impact on Her Career examines how this single shaped her artistic direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly was "Habits (Stay High)" released?
The original song was released on October 15, 2013, as part of the Truth Serum EP. The Hippie Sabotage remix that became a global hit was released on March 3, 2014. The remix was later included on Tove Lo's debut album Queen of the Clouds on September 30, 2014.
Who produced "Habits (Stay High)"?
The original version was produced by The Struts (Ludvig Söderberg and Jakob Jerlström). The Hippie Sabotage remix was produced by the duo Hippie Sabotage (Kevin and Jeff Saurer).
Did "Habits (Stay High)" win any awards?
While it didn't win a Grammy, it was nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 2015 Grammy Awards. It did win several international awards, including a BMI Pop Award for Most Performed Song.
What is the meaning behind the song?
Tove Lo wrote "Habits" after a breakup to express the messy, self-destructive coping mechanisms people use to avoid emotional pain. The title "Stay High" refers to staying intoxicated to numb the feelings. It's a brutally honest look at unhealthy habits.
Is the song based on true events?
Yes. Tove Lo has confirmed that the lyrics are autobiographical, drawn from her own experiences with heartbreak and partying. She used writing as a form of therapy.
How did the Hippie Sabotage remix come about?
The duo discovered the original on SoundCloud and felt it had potential. They created their remix and uploaded it. Tove Lo and her label loved it, and they officially released it as a single. It quickly went viral on YouTube.
What chart position did "Habits (Stay High)" reach?
It peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 1 on the Pop Songs chart, and reached the top 10 in over 15 countries worldwide.
Did Tove Lo write any other hit songs?
Yes. She has written several other hits, including "Talking Body," "Cool Girl," "Disco Tits," and co-wrote "Love Me Like You Do" for Ellie Goulding. She also wrote for artists like Lorde and Dua Lipa.
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