10 FOR 10: ELLIE GOULDING

Of all the artists tipped by MTV this year, it is probably fair to say that 19 year-old Ellie Goulding stands out the most. Having already released one single (the resolute Under The Sheets) she has won praise for her brand electro-folk-acoustic-pop from all quarters. The BBC, no less, voted her as their number one artist to watch in their Sound of 2010 poll and she has picked up what is sure to be the first of many Brit Awards - the much coveted Critics’ Choice Award, previously handed out to Adele and Florence and the Machine.

You can vote for Ellie here, as part of MTV’s 10 for 10 campaign. We wanted to know more about the singer they are all talking about, so caught up with Ellie for a chat about what 2010 holds for her…

Happy New Year Ellie! How did you spend Christmas and New Year?

Thanks very much indeed, same to you. I spent it in Ireland, and then Hereford, and then back in London.

You’re part of the MTV 10 for 10 campaign in which fans can vote for the artist they think is going to make it big this year - tell us why people should vote for you?!

Well this is great news. Er, I suppose, vote for me because I’m a good person!

How does it feel to be tipped for big things in 2010?

It feels lovely. Not too much pressure considering. It is a good feeling but it hasn’t stopped me carrying on doing my own little thing.

You’ve been award the Critics’ Choice Brit Award, following in the footsteps of Florence and the Machine and Adele. Has this come as a surprise?

I didn’t have a clue, I really didn’t. I felt like I hadn’t made anything to show people yet. But it was out of my hands! The album is all done so I’m not under any pressure. I feel good about getting a thumbs up from music critics and now I hope to get one from fans. That would be nice.

What made you want to get into music?

The realisation that I could write a song and perform it and express myself in a completely individual way and have people believing you and what you sing about. I think it was that. Before, I just didn’t really know how to be me properly and felt like I wasn’t real, and then I knew how to make myself real- by singing my own songs.

How would you describe your music to first time listeners?

Dark and delicate. Pop and folk collided with a big boom box!

You’ve toured with Little Boots and worked with Frankmusik and Passion Pit - has this given you a good basis for your own solo career?

I feel like the artists I’ve been involved with have been for very good reasons, Little Boots and Frankmusik work very hard at what they do, they are proud and so they should be. The same with Passion Pit. Artists and producers I have been involved with until this point will stay with me with gratitude and gratefulness but the new year has given me a different kind of strength and made me realise that I’m alone in this and always have been.

You’ve been compared to Bon Iver, Imogen Heap and Bjork - do you see yourself fitting in the same bracket as these artists?

I am immensely proud to be compared to them, I love all three of these artists dearly. All are wonderful, wonderful artists and the kind of musicians I am grateful for them being around. Bon Iver saved me in a lot of ways.

What other artists do you admire - who inspires you to make music?

The most inspirational person I’ve met is Burial. He is such a gentle, fascinating, wonderful human being who taught me a million things at once without even realising it. If only there were more people in the world like him.

Your second single, “Starry Eyed”, is out in February - what is it about?

It’s about everybody being so euphoric that nothing seems to matter anymore, whether past grievances or fear of the future. Everyone’s got stars in their eyes. I like this song; it takes me away from everything that’s going on at the moment.

What can we expect your debut album?

Some heartbreaking songs and some good tunes to run to! And some tribal drums at the end. For real!

Do you have any New Year resolutions?

Feel like doing the London Marathon and some good live shows.