THE husky voice of Elles Bailey is becoming a well known feature around the west country but she wasn’t born with it, nor does she smoke three packets of cigarettes a day.

Elles’ bluesy dusky tone came about when she was just three-years-old and fell seriously ill. She had to have a tube inserted into her throat for a couple of weeks to allow her to breathe and, at such a young age, it changed her vocal chords.

Today the singer/songwriter is making good use of her distinctive voice. She is based in Bristol and will popping up to Swindon on Thursday, February 26, as part of her first UK and European tour, promoting her new EP.

Elles will be dropping in to the Beehive on Prospect Hill in Old Town, when she will be singing songs from the new EP entitled Who Am I To Me, which is released on Monday, February 23.

Elles’ special guest on the EP was Spencer Ludwig, a trumpeter with US band Capital Cities, who have recently opened for Katy Perry’s Prismatic Tour and scored a top ten hit with their single Safe and Sound.

Elles producer, Brian Banks also has some top credentials working with Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie.

The singer’s gig in Swindon begins at 8.30pm and is entry is free. For more details call 01793 523187.

- Flicky Harrison