The English songstress is a powerhouse with a heart of gold. Known for the control in her range, she navigates from her breathy tone to a killer vibrato seemingly effortlessly. As a singer-songwriter, Ellie Goulding has produced numerous chart topping hits.
From her debut album “Lights,” which charted at #1 in the UK and went on to sell over 1.4 million records globally, to claiming the final #1 UK hit of the decade back in 2019 with her rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “River,” Goulding has proven her talent to be timeless.
She has created music for the television phenomenon “Game of Thrones,” Netflix series “Our Planet,” and Hollywood blockbusters like “Fifty Shades of Grey.” The British gem also performed for the Royals, singing at the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Earlier this year, the global superstar celebrated the 10-year anniversary of “Lights.”
New Music
In anticipation of her next studio album, set to release in June, Goulding has been slowly releasing singles. From “Sixteen” to “Worry About Me,” Goulding’s new music showcases catchy lyrics and pop beats intermixed with different genres.
“Sixteen” is a nostalgic track that brings us to her childhood. Reminiscing on teenage life, the single celebrates friendship, the good times, and the mischievous happenings of those younger years.
“Worry About Me” brings out the attitude. Featuring multi-platinum artist and producer blackbear, the two collaborate to create this tongue in cheek hip hop track.
When speaking to Goulding, she says, “it’s about that guy–or that girl–who just always seems to pop back up when things are going good. They’re waiting in the wings just so that they can always stay on your mind. I wrote it when I was single and was happy being single. It’s not meant to be savage or whatever else–it’s just saying, ‘you don’t need to worry about me–I’m over it’.”
[Press Photo: Ellie Goulding and blackbear on the set of music video “Worry About Me”]
Dealing with the uncertain times of 2020
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we asked Goulding about the challenges of being a musician set to release a new album in this atmosphere of uncertainty.
“It has been quite challenging–for everyone though. Initially there was an incredible camaraderie and supportive network between musicians and artists. We saw people rallying together, having bursts of inspiration.”
“Now, we’re realizing that we’re in this for the long run. How do we continue to be inspired? Or continue to inspire? For an artist who is just about to release an album, it is difficult. There are definitely a lot of challenges: not being able to travel, to play live shows, or see fans. Right now we’re just trying to figure out the best way to navigate these weird times and hopefully get to the point where I can be playing the new music on Instagram Live or Facebook.”
“I’ll tell you this though. I was already trying to figure out how to play shows and tour without a large carbon footprint. So, I guess I would definitely be accomplishing that with the live stream concerts.”
Goulding is a passionate advocate for environmental protection and a champion of solutions to the climate crisis. She serves as a UN Environment Ambassador.
Supporting The Marylebone Project and other frontline charities, she is also an advocate for the homeless crisis.
Ellie speaking at Talanoa Dialogue for Climate Ambition [Photo Courtesy: Ellie Goulding]