If the last two years let a new wave of female pop stars take over the charts, then 2010 shows no sign of letting that trend up. We've already spoken to two of the hopes for next year - Daisy Dares You and Marina & The Diamonds - and now new London resident Ellie Goulding has taken on the Listen Up challenge. You might have caught her on Jools Holland a couple of weeks ago, but if not, allow yourself to be introduced to one of our favourite new talents for the year ahead. Ellie's debut single, 'Under The Sheets' is out today.
Hello Ellie. Congrats on Under The Sheets - it's ace. Introduce yourself to the lovely Londonistas!
Thank you very much on your congratulations, it is great that I can finally let people hear something of mine. Who I am? I am a musician from Hereford, I am a girl, I am 21, I like to make music and play my guitar, I am quite small, I recently went blonde and I've just been on tour with Little Boots.
So you're new to the capital - what does your hometown do better than London and vice versa?
I'm not sure that Hereford does much better than London. I was going to say that there is more anonymity but actually its the opposite. I think it would be safe to say that Hereford does things like "organic" (because its basically in the countryside); Hereford does quietness and calm better because there isn't much to stress you out and there isn't much to take in.
As much as I write a lot about where I come from because I am very much a country girl at heart, London does inspiration better, even just walking down a street, there is a lot of life soul in the glummest of spots if you look hard enough. It does music better, and a social life! I was always sceptical about moving from the countryside down to London and it has been hard, but coming back from New York recently made me realise just how much I am starting to appreciate London! It felt like home for the first time.
Hurrah for that. Any tips for fellow newcomers to the city?
Hmm. When I first came to London I only felt comfortable to use the underground because buses were "complicated" but when you get used to them they are ever so handy. Stay safe at night time and always keep an eye on new exhibitions and theatre and the like, soooo much going on!
Whereabouts in London are you based? What's brilliant and what's totally horrible about it?
I reside in Ravenscourt Park in a flat alone where at the moment I am not spending much time because of tour and other commitments, but it is cute and suits me perfectly. What's brilliant is that I get to jog around the beautiful park in the morning, what's horrible is that there isn't a Sainsbury's near by. Outrageous.
If we had a moment spare hanging round Ravenscourt Park then, what would we do?
It sounds boring, but get a boat down the Thames from Embankment to Greenwich for a fiver. Me and my friends keep doing it and never get bored. There's a lot to see, its cheap and you can go for a nice meal in Greenwich at the end of it. It's very pretty there. The boat does reach epic speed if you're lucky.
What London location has been the most significant in the lifetime of Ellie Goulding?
I couldn't answer you honestly as it has been a whirlwind time here so far, but Highbury and Islington was where i moved to first and when I move again it will no doubt be back there, it is truly beautiful and friendly these days. You must go to the sweet shop on Upper Street!
You're playing your first proper London gig at Cargo in December, but is there anywhere unusual you'd like to play?
Not really, but Union Chapel is pretty incredible. I play there soon with Florence and the machine, Erik Hassle and Golden Silvers.
What about somewhere a bit more grubby - have you ever busked?
I can honestly say I have never busked but I absolutely would because it has crossed my mind so many times. At university I was holding down two jobs as it was but it wasn't enough! So I thought I might go busking and make a few quid.
What about going dancing, have you got a favourite clubnight in town?
I am a bit of a recluse and don't go out much at the moment, which is sad but also it means I stay in and write, and reflect. It is a busy time and I'm not even at the beginning my adventure yet! I spend any free time training in the gym or out running. I'm really not a club person, but I do like quiet nights in pubs with my friends. My local pub in Hereford was perfect for that. It's not quite the same in London but I am starting to find pubs and places I keep going back too.
What other new London bands / artists should we be checking out?
Mumford and Sons, Marina and the Diamonds , Starsmith and Erik Hassle.
And finally what's your London secret?
If I told you it wouldn't be secret anymore, but it involves lots of flowers.
