British pop singer Ellie Goulding has proven to be one of the biggest breakout artists of 2012. While female performers like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry are known for their over-the-top presence in the music industry, the British born singer is down-to-earth and understated.

On July 10, Goulding released her new single, "Hanging On," via her Sound Cloud account. The catchy cover song (Active Child recorded the original version) features rapper Tinie Tempah.

"Here's the beginning of my new journey. Enjoy and share responsibly," she Tweeted after uploading the song for free.

Now the singer has announced that her sophomore album, "Halcyon" will be released on October 8. But fans hoping for some new material sooner are in luck. The first single off the album, "Anything Could Happen" will drop on September 30.

"Halcyon" gave Goulding the chance to work with boyfriend and dub step sensation Skrillex. She also collaborated with electronic dance trio Swedish House Mafia.

Though the edgy Brit made her U.S. debut a year ago with the dance track "Lights," it was only recently that the song began climbing the Billboard charts-reaching number four.

Since making her UK debut in 2010, Goulding has gained recognition for her breathy vocals and unconventional look. While electro pop singers often lack the singing chops to perform live, she has consistently exceeded expectations at acoustic sets.

In 2011, she was invited to perform at the Royal Wedding. Goulding modestly recalled the career defining moment in an interview with TIME,

"I'm always kind of at a loss for words when I talk about it. It was just a really surreal, exciting, beautiful thing to do. I never thought in a million years I'd be playing my album tracks to the future king of England."

With the release of "Halcyon," Goulding could enjoy a similar success story as Adele. Much like the Grammy winning "21," the album was inspired by heartbreak. Many of the songs were insired by her breakup with Radio One DJ, Greg James.

"This album for me is a journey from dark into light from confusion to understanding," she told GigWise. "I didn't set out to write a break-up record but I think it became one."

Billboard Lady Gaga Royal wedding United kingdom