Fresh off her MuuMuse-approved NYC debut at the Hiro Ballroom on September 30th, one of my favorite UK imports, Ellie Goulding is at the cusp of a planned U.S. domination. OK OK. Domination might be TOO strong of a word, considering Ellie's only done two shows so far here in the states, but I have high hopes for this 23 year old English singer. It seems as if the stars might be aligned for me getting to see Goulding live.
September 21st saw the release of the 4-track EP, An Introduction To Ellie Goulding, through Cherrytree Records, home to Lady Gaga, Robyn, and many other influential electro-pop artists from all over the world. The EP gives U.S. audiences a little taste of what her debut album Lights, (produced by the uber-talented Starsmith) has to offer. In her native UK, Goulding's debut album shot up to #1 and her popular single "Starry Eyed" has received over 10 million views so far on YouTube. Garnering a whole mess of praise in the UK from NME, Q, and winning The Critics Choice Award at the 2010 Brit Awards is just the beginning for this talented "electro-folk-acoustic-pop" singer/songwriter. Starting out as a support act for electro pop/rock acts Little Boots and Passion Pit, Goulding has come a long way indeed, selling out her third UK headlining tour. According to a press release:
"Ellie’s songs mix heartfelt emotion with other-worldly atmospherics,In addition to her headlining show in New York City, Goulding dazzled West Coast audiences on September 28th, doing a live set at The Roxy. Ellie will be back in 2011 to support the "special" release of her debut album in America. Download a free track called "Wish I Stayed" HERE and watch the video for the infectious single "Starry Eyed" below. Also be sure and download the EP now. See the "Introduction" tracklisting below. Also available for download is a live EP of Goulding's iTunes Festival performance this year in London. Ellie overload! Here's hoping this next tour brings her out East again.
spinning electronica into dreamy warmth. If you see her live, you can expect to see her play guitar and drums."
Tracklisting:
1. Starry Eyed
2. Guns and Horses
3. The Writer (Live Acoustic Version)
4. LightsCheck out Ellie Goulding on the web: