In a press conference about the launch, Ellie Goulding revealed behind the scenes of the project and also commented on the relationship between music and her mental health.
In almost 15 years of career, Ellie Goulding has released four successful albums and created several hits acclaimed by the public. Baby’s first-time mother Arthur Ever Winterthe 36-year-old singer released her fifth studio album this Friday, April 7th.
Excited to talk about her new project and a steaming mug of tea in hand — because coffee has been heightening her anxiety —, Ellie Goulding spoke to journalists about the record one February afternoon. And the Rolling Stone Brazil was present in the conversation.
“Higher Than Heaven it’s the album I’m most excited for, it’s the one I’ve been most honest with”, reveals the singer, with a smile on her face. “I have a song with that title and I couldn’t think of a better name that could send people to this ideal world, above the sky. I thought it was perfect for this album.”
Long awaited, the album hits the platforms after some programming changes. Initially scheduled for the beginning of February, the release ended up being postponed to the end of March, while some singles appeared as gifts for fans.
Partnership with Big Sean“easy lover” came first, in July 2022, followed by “let it die”, in October of the same year. Months later, after the announcement that the album would be delayed for a while, “live a savior” was released as a single on February 1st.
Finally, a few days before the arrival of the record — and shortly after the release of “miracle”, single from Calvin Harris which features the vocals of Goulding —, the public got to know the track “By the End of the Night”, last Wednesday, 22. Classified by Ellie as a “power ballad”, the track talks about “that kind of feeling you have for someone”.
“I imagine it’s like being on another planet, in a love story. In the 80s, you didn’t even know what the songs were about, but you wanted to dance. A lot of the songs were sad, but you didn’t feel sad. She has a 1980s vibe, yeah.” “The music I listen to has a lot of 80s influence, there are a lot of songs I listened to when I was little that were great power ballance.”
the songs that Goulding listened to in the past and heard during the production of the album, they were also great inspirations for the release. “Making this album, I was listening to a lot of electronic and classical music, the ones that resonate with you. My music is always a combination of everything I’ve heard since Pearl Jamuntil Destiny’s Child.”
I think I like to make music that people can relate to and that takes them into another world. When I got into the studio to make another album, coming out of lockdown, we wanted to create this world full of love, passion and desire. Other artists have done the same thing, so I don’t think it’s a coincidence,” he explained.
It was with that same positive energy that Ellie composed “Better Man”, another track on the disc. “It’s the realest song on the album. She talks about how the music business is dominated by men and I wanted to express that I feel like I’m the ‘better man’. It’s a very real concern, but there’s also the ‘let’s put this all aside, because now it’s just love’ side.”
attraction of Rock in Rio in 2019, Goulding was pregnant during the production of Higher Than Heaven, which brought an even more emotional charge to the album. For the singer, however, the birth of her first child in May 2021 and motherhood had a different impact on her life as an artist, which will serve as inspiration for future releases.
“I don’t think being a mother has changed the way I look at my career that much, but that will come out a lot on the next album. I’ve been very careful about talking about motherhood, so I haven’t been able to put it into words yet. That’s why there’s none of that on this album,” said the singer. “But it’s good to sing about that kind of love, so it might come out on a next album, because it’s something that changes your whole life.”
Stating that she still intends to make classical music, very inspired by the tracks she herself has been listening to, Ellie Goulding ended the conversation by answering a question from Rolling Stone Brazilabout mental health — a topic that the singer has openly discussed in interviews, especially after dealing with her own diagnosis of anxiety.
“Music has saved me so many times in my life and helped me through so much. I don’t think I would be the person I am if I didn’t have the music that I listened to in my teens,” she recalled. “I have anxiety and it has been very debilitating. I’m very open about it because it’s been so challenging, but it’s who I am, it’s my personality and that can bring good things sometimes. I cannot see this as an enemy.”
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Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
