This week’s local artist spotlight goes to singer/songwriter, Karen Elson. Born in Oldham, England, Elson began her career as a model throughout her teenage years. She has since been captured in countless campaigns and has walked runways for Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Valentino, and Gucci. Aside from modeling, Elson has always had a huge passion for music. In her mid-twenties, she decided to begin to pursue it publicly. Because of this, in 2005, Elson decided to move to Nashville where she spent years singing and songwriting. Finally, in 2010 she released her debut album, “The Ghost Who Walks.” Elson has since released a second album called, “Double Roses” in 2017 and has collaborated with artists such as Father John Misty, Benmont Tench and Laura Marling.
In December of 2020, Elson released an EP full of covers, titled, “Radio Redhead, Vol. 1.” This features her beautiful rendition on songs such as “Believe” by Cher, “Lay Your Love On Me” by ABBA, and “We’ll Meet Again” by Vera Lynn. The EP takes listeners through time and space with her unique take on several classic hits. Our top pick on the EP that we wanted to highlight is her cover of the pop hit, “Dancing on My Own”, originally sung by Swedish singer, Robyn.
Instead of recreating Robyn’s upbeat, synth pop feel of the track, Elson decided to strip the song down with hauntingly beautiful vocals, and acoustic instrumentation. By taking this approach, she truly captured the heartbreak of rejection presented in the lyrics of the song.
” So far away but still so near
The lights come on, the music dies
But you don’t see me standing here
I just came to say goodbye”
lyrics from “Dancing On My Own”, originally written and performed by Robyn
We’ll be playing “Dancing on My Own” throughout the week as we feature Karen Elson as our Local Artist of the Week. Catch it live on-air at 100.1 FM on your dial or streaming live at lightning100.com!
