iaam exclusive
“It's important to remember that some of the best songs in the world are just written on guitars and piano - it's important to write your own material.”
Ellie Goulding, Singer, Songwriter and Guitarist
iaam would like to introduce you to a truly genuine, inspiring and down to earth pop star, Ellie Goulding! Having already conquered her native Britain with the biggest and fastest selling debut album of 2010, Lights-- premiering at No. 1 on the U.K. album chart, four hit singles she co-wrote, and a BRIT award -- singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding is ready to make a similar splash in America with her sparkling electro-folk-pop sound. This week, she performed on David Letterman’s show and John F. Kennedy International Airport at T5 JetBlue Terminal. Here is the quote from her sponsor JetBlue: “JetBlue’s Live From T5 concert series is one great example of how we’ve found new and different ways to engage our customers, and we’re so thrilled that big name artists like Ellie Goulding can help create a uniquely enhanced experience for those traveling through our Terminal 5 at JFK. JetBlue is more than an airline; we’re a brand that resonates with people.” It is nice to see brands like Nike & JetBlue are endorsing her! Goulding also received the honor of being the only live performer at the royal wedding of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton last year. Following the U.S. release of her album Lights, Goulding did a national tour which included TV performances on Saturday Night Live, Live with Regis and Kelly and Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
iaam: How do feel about performing live at Jetblue customer lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)?
Ellie: I'm excited, I've never been to the terminal, I've heard it's awesome. I've never played in an airport before, it's going to be interesting!
iaam: How do you describe your music?
Ellie: I would describe my music as pop music.
LIGHTS
iaam: What inspired you to write “Lights” & “Starry Eyed”?
Ellie: Lights is about my childhood and about my fear of sleeping without lights on and it feels like reminiscing about bits of my childhood. Starry eyed is about feeling a type of euphoria that isn't to do with drugs or alcohol or anything like that. It's about that feeling you feel when you first fall in love with someone - everybody feels it at some point (hopefully!).
iaam: How did you get into running 6 miles a day? Why do you stay with it?
Ellie: I get really depressed if I don't run, every time I finish a run I feel like I'm in a heightened euphoric state. Running is my favorite form of exercise - I feel my whole body changing every time I run.
iaam: How has your fashion style evolved from teen years to now?
Ellie: My fashion sense evolves every day I think, the more I see the world, the more I come to the US. The more I develop my music the more I develop my style I suppose. I've started to take fashion much more seriously now than I ever did.
STARRY EYED
iaam: What was your life like growing up? How have you overcome adversity in your life?
Ellie: Absolutely, I had parts of my childhood that were really tough. My parents divorced when I was really young and I still don't see my dad. We were pretty poor growing up so now I feel so grateful and so lucky to be in the position that I am.
iaam: What is your advice for aspiring artists?
Ellie: To not be disillusioned by the way music is presented today on YouTube etc. I think it's really important to go back to the classic art of writing songs on guitars and piano. It's important to remember that some of the best songs in the world are just written on guitars and piano - it's important to write your own material. Then whatever happens afterwards you can decide how to dress the music afterwards. That said, sometimes I am just inspired by a beat or sound that didn't come from the guitar or piano.
iaam: Who are your favorite music icons?
Ellie: Bjork, Patti Smith and Rihanna - all for very different reasons.
iaam: What do you do for fun?
Ellie: I like to read and learn as much as I can. I also like the occasional cocktail.
iaam: Where do you see yourself in five years from now?
Ellie: Still performing and touring (I hope!).
Follow Ellie Goulding on Facebook and join her million+ fans. Get latest news and updates from her. Her twitter handle is https://twitter.com/#!/elliegoulding. Check out her website www.elliegoulding.com and you can also buy her music on itunes.
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Malini Hoover
