Ellie Goulding Talks 2013 Tour, Being 'A Bit More Adventurous'

The Associated Press, Friday, December 28, 2012, 8:00pm (PST)

Billboard --

Ellie Goulding brightened up 2012 with the surprise U.S. success of "Lights." Now the singer's looking forward to bringing her shine on the road.

Her sophomore set, "Halcyon," bowed at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 upon its October release, with the album landing just months after 2011 single "Lights" -- from her debut album of the same name -- made a belated trip to the Hot 100's No. 2 spot.

"What we'd say in the UK is mental," she said of her wild year. "Just because I have written and finished my record this year, and been around the world promoting it."

Look for Goulding to stay on the road in 2013, kicking things off with her performance on ABC's "New Year's Rockin' Eve."

"Next year is going to be so much [touring], so many shows," she said. "It's just going to continue."

While it may be too early to look toward a follow-up album, she'd like to keep making new music in one form or another amid her busy schedule.

"I'd like to do a side-project thing," she said. "I might be bringing out something next year. We'll see how much time I have."

One more thing she'd like to make room for in 2013: sky-diving.

"I want to be a bit more adventurous next year," she said. "I need to man up."

ABC's "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Monday (Dec. 31) with a two-hour tribute to the late Dick Clark. At 10, host Ryan Seacrest takes over in Times' Square with performances set from Justin Bieber, OneRepublic, Jason Aldean, The Wanted, Brandy and many others. Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas will host the festivities in Los Angeles.

_ _ _ _

Find more online: Billboard.com