At only 18 years of age, female pop solo-artist Amelia Lily has already experienced an eventful rise into the UK music charts. With her powerful voice and unique look, it should be intriguing to watch where her obvious talents will take her next.

Amelia began her musical career at the young age of 12 by singing, teaching herself guitar and writing songs, later posting videos of herself onto YouTube. Her big break came at 16 when she auditioned for X Factor 2011 and, mentored by Kelly Rowland, progressed to the live shows. Although initially eliminated after her first performance, a singular set of circumstances involving the disqualification of Frankie Cocozza and the chance for the public to reinstate a contestant, caused Amelia to rejoin the show and ultimately finish in third position (behind Little Mix and Marcus Collins).

Since then, Amelia has dropped 3 singles – ‘You Bring Me Joy’ (#2 in the UK charts), ‘Shut Up (and Give Me Whatever You Got)’, and ‘Party Over’ – all intended to come from her debut album ‘Be a Fighter’ scheduled for release in spring 2013. While she cited rock-pop musical influences such as Pink and Katy Perry, the sound of these singles was pure electro/dance-pop. Paired with her definite rock voice the effect was incongruously more Natalie Horler singing for Eurodance act Cascada than the more likely Anastacia. It is therefore unsurprising that Amelia has now held back her first album in order to focus on writing more rock-oriented material. We look forward to the results!

Pop Scoop! stopped Amelia for a brief chat right before her set at Sundown Festival. She spoke about the spark that got her into music, the imminent “new beginning/new me” to her musical style (although who she’s currently working with in the studio remains strictly hush-hush!), and the importance of social media for her.

Check out the cool backstage pics of Amelia from Sundown Festival 2013 by photographer Neil Burton below: