For the last half-decade, few voices in popular culture have been more evocative than Ellie Goulding's breathy, romantic soprano. She has inspired the love and devotion shared by everyone from Prince William and Kate Middleton (Goulding played her lush cover of Elton John's "Your Song" for their first dance at their wedding) to the Twilight Saga's Bella and Edward. But it's fans fortunate enough to score tickets to a concert who forge the most powerful connection with the British-born artist. Throughout her short career Goulding has proved to be the rare singer-songwriter who is as comfortable in the electronic sphere as she is with an acoustic guitar. She showed that to great effect as the lead vocalist in Calvin Harris's summer 2013 hit "I Need Your Love", which reached #1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club chart. Indeed it's her uncanny ability to bring a folk singer's romantic vision and vulnerability to the dance floor that's set Goulding apart since her first album Lights debuted at #1 on the UK album chart in 2010 and identified her internationally as one to watch. It's also the reason why Goulding has worked so well touring with acts as diverse as Chris Matthews Band, U2, Bruno Mars, and Katy Perry. Her latest record Halcyon, and its reissue Halcyon Days, shows Goulding at the height of her confidence and personal expression, proving that the sharp beats and aggressive pop synths that she so clearly adores only serve to strengthen her powerful voice, not diminish it.
