Estelle may be a born-and-raised West London girl, but 27-year-old Estelle Swaray is right at home amid the energy of New York, her newly adopted city. She's got the self-determination with a bit of swagger -- the get-up-and-go hustle. And this is one singer / songwriter / producer / rapper who is not afraid to take risks. The brief period since moving to NYC from London in May 2007 has been an absolute whirlwind, as Estelle gears up for her re-entry into the musical landscape with Shine, her second album. She's the first artist to release under John Legend's new Homeschool label, in partnership with Atlantic Records. It's also Estelle's debut on a major label, and an American one at that! But with Homeschool's philosophy of artist control and good soul music, her affiliation with the label is at the essence of what she's all about. "All my songs are 100% my life," says Estelle. Whereas her 2004 debut album, The 18th Day, was totally self-created, Shine marks the first time Estelle has brought other producers and artists into the creative process with her, and she's excited by the scope of the music that has come out of these collaborations. Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Wyclef Jean, will.i.am, Mark Ronson and Cee-Lo & Jack Splash all lend their talents to the album, which is executively produced by John Legend. Shine is an original mix of sounds. Where Senegal meets London and hops the pond. Where funk shimmies up against reggae and R&B. Somewhere out of this world is where you'll find Estelle.

Upcoming Tour Dates
April 22 - Ft Lauderdale, FL The Culture Room
April 26 - Brookville, NY - CW Post - Long Island University
April 28 - New York, NY - Highline Ballroom
May 1 - Los Angeles, CA - Temple Bar

"American Boy" feat. Kanye West