Originally from Oldham, England, Karen Elson left home at 16 to pursue a modeling career and later taught herself to play guitar. After 10 years of "hiding behind smoke and mirrors" as a model, she takes ownership of her creative voice as a singer and songwriter with The Ghost Who Walks. Her songs are dark: her cool, clear voice floats over a murky bed of organ and pedal steel guitar.
Elson's songs really bloom on her debut, which were produced by her multi-tasking rock-star husband, Jack White. Her sound and look are highly stylized, and her gothic lyrics and effortless vocals are delivered with a captivating elegance.
Tracey Tanenbaum guest hosts this World Cafe session in which Elson describes the creative differences between her modeling and musicianship, as well as her gradual transition from listening to making music. Click the link above to hear the performance.
This World Cafe performance originally aired on August 4, 2010.
Copyright 2010 XPN
