Ellie Goulding’s journey to stardom began in 2009 when the British singer/songwriter released her debut single, Under the Sheets.
Just a year later, she was named the winner of the prestigious BBC Sound of 2010, propelling her into the spotlight as one of the UK’s most exciting new artists.
Her rise was meteoric. With a unique blend of electro-pop and folk influences, Goulding captured audiences worldwide and solidified her place with her debut album, Lights.
The title track quickly became a defining hit, climbing the charts and marking the beginning of a stellar career.
Over the years, Goulding’s ethereal voice, heartfelt lyrics, and innovative production established her as a powerhouse in the music industry. With chart-topping albums like Halcyon and Delirium, she continued to deliver hits, including anthems like Burn, Love Me Like You Do, and On My Mind.
Yet her impact on popular culture doesn’t begin and end with a melody. In 2017, she was awarded the UN Foundation’s Global Leadership Award and named Humanitarian of the Year in 2022 for her climate activism. In 2024, she received the Playing For Change Impact Award and The Conservationist of the Year Award from The Perfect World Foundation.
As 2024 unfolds, the now 38-year-old remains a dynamic force, teasing new music and captivating fans with her ongoing commitment to her artistry and activism. Rumors of a forthcoming album and continued global influence suggest that Goulding’s story is far from over.
STRIPLV: It’s unbelievable that you’re not even 40, and your first album was released 14 years ago. What has fame and the music industry been like for you? GOULDING: Wow, time flies, doesn’t it? It’s been a wild ride, honestly. Fame is a double-edged sword; it opens doors, but it also comes with pressures. The music industry has changed so much since I started, and it can be tough to navigate. But I’m grateful for all the experiences, both good and bad. I think I’ve learned to stay true to myself and focus on the music rather than the noise around it. The industry can be brutal, but it’s also full of beauty and creativity and that’s what keeps me going. STRIPLV: As the mother of a young son, how has your life changed? Do you now dedicate less time to music, or does motherhood help you focus more now that a little human relies on you? GOULDING: Motherhood has definitely changed me in ways I never expected. It’s like my perspective shifted overnight – everything feels more meaningful. I do have less time, but I think I’ve become better at using the time I do have. I’m more focused when I’m working on music because I want to make the most of every moment, both with my son and with my career. It’s been a balancing act, but I feel more inspired than ever. Having him has given me a new sense of purpose and a different kind of drive. STRIPLV: You’ve spoken about post-natal depression and also dealing with panic attacks and anxiety in the past and that a fitness regime and boxing have helped. Is this still your approach, or have you found anything different that can help? GOULDING: Fitness is still a massive part of how I cope with anxiety and mental health in general. Boxing really helps me focus and channel that energy, but I’ve also found that meditation and breathing exercises have been a game-changer, especially since becoming a mom. It’s about balance for me now, making sure I’m not pushing myself too hard but still giving myself the time to stay active. Mental health is such a journey and I’m always learning what works for me. Some days it’s fitness, some days it’s just having a moment to breathe. STRIPLV: You’ve had a love-hate relationship with the media. How unsettling and frustrating is that when you’re just trying to live your life? GOULDING: It’s incredibly frustrating, to be honest. Everyone deserves their privacy and it’s unsettling when that’s taken away, especially when people go to such lengths to invade your personal space. I understand the public interest, but there’s a line and when it’s crossed, it can be really damaging. When I went to Costa Rica, it was meant to be a peaceful escape, and it just turned into a chaotic situation. It makes you feel like you can’t exist without someone watching or selling your life. It’s something I’ve had to come to terms with, but it doesn’t make it any easier. It can be so overwhelming being in the limelight, particularly because you have to put everything on hold—family and friends. I’ve missed so many weddings and births. I think we all need time away from what drives us to reflect and refuel, and to come back brighter. STRIPLV: What inspired you when growing up? GOULDING: I wasn’t given much encouragement when I was young. My mom was quite tough when it came to love, but I think it gave me a good start. I was never sure if I had talent or would be famous. I am lucky, in a way, to have found a method of being able to channel those emotions and that pocket of frustration. Essentially, I write songs when I’m sad, and I’ve long come to terms with the fact that what I do as an artist depends on me being emotive and reflective. STRIPLV: Tell us more about your cocktail business SERVED... GOULDING: SERVED is something I’m really passionate about! It’s all about creating a premium, sustainable, and delicious RTD (ready-to-drink) that’s good for you and the planet. We wanted to make something that felt light and refreshing, but still with that kick, you want from a drink. The ingredients are all-natural, and we’ve been really mindful of the environmental impact at every step of the process. It’s been fun to explore a different kind of creativity through business and I love the idea that people can enjoy something I’ve helped create outside of music. STRIPLV: How flattering is it that your collaboration with MAC cosmetics is one of their best-selling products ever? GOULDING: Oh, that’s a bit of a flashback, as it was about seven or eight years ago, but yeah, very flattering! I’ve always loved makeup and experimenting with different looks, so to have the chance to collaborate with MAC was a dream. The fact that it’s done so well is just incredible. It’s really flattering to know that people loved the collection as much as I did. We worked really hard to create something that felt authentic to me but also accessible for everyone. I’m so proud of it and it’s always exciting to see people wearing the products. STRIPLV: Is makeup and lifestyle a big thing for you? Are you a girly girl? GOULDING: I do love makeup, but I wouldn’t say I’m a full-on “girly girl.” I like to mix things up. Some days, I’ll go all out with makeup; other days, I’m completely natural. For me, it’s about expressing myself and how I feel in the moment. I think there’s something empowering about having the choice to change up your look, whether that’s through makeup, fashion, or just the way you carry yourself. It’s less about being “girly” and more about being true to who you are that day. STRIPLV: You’re a prominent philanthropist, and you’ve often worked with many charities in various ways. How privileged do you feel to be able to help those in need? GOULDING: I feel incredibly privileged to be in a position where I can help make a difference. It’s something that’s always been really important to me. Whether it’s supporting environmental causes, mental health initiatives, or working with refugees, I believe we all have a responsibility to do what we can. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by how much needs to be done, but I’ve learned that even small actions can have a huge impact. Being able to use my platform for good is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. STRIPLV: It must have been a fantastic feeling to be in the UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador role in 2018. GOULDING: It was an honor to be asked to take on that role. The environment is something I’ve been passionate about for years, and being able to work with the UN and get involved in driving awareness around climate change was incredible. It’s a huge issue that affects us all, and I feel a deep responsibility to use my platform to help spread the message. It’s easy to feel powerless when it comes to the environment, but I truly believe that every little bit helps. It’s been an eye-opening and inspiring journey. STRIPLV: Your fifth and latest album, “Higher Than Heaven,” was your best to date. What have you learned from that for future releases? GOULDING: Thank you! Higher Than Heaven was such a defining moment for me. I think what I learned is to really trust my instincts and not be afraid to push boundaries. I went into that album with a sense of freedom, wanting to explore new territories sonically. For future projects, I want to keep that sense of exploration and growth but also delve even deeper emotionally. I’ve always tried to blend light and dark in my music; that balance will always be important. It’s taught me that vulnerability is powerful. STRIPLV: Rumors are circulating of a new album in 2025. GOULDING: I’ve been diving deep into some fresh sounds, and it feels like an evolution of my sound. It’s a bit rawer and a bit more reflective. I hope my fans will love where I’m taking it musically. I’ve always tried to inject a bit of the unexpected into who I am and what I do with my music. You see that more and more now in the way artists and producers put work out, but for a while, it was the exception rather than the rule. STRIPLV: You were spotted at one of Taylor Swift’s Wembley Stadium concerts this summer on her Eras tour. GOULDING: Oh, it was absolutely incredible! Taylor is such an amazing performer; seeing her at Wembley was something else. The energy was electric and the way she connects with her audience is really special. She just commands the stage with so much confidence and grace. I’ve known Taylor for years and I’m constantly in awe of her ability to evolve and stay true to herself. The show was a perfect mix of her older hits and newer tracks, and you could feel the love of the crowd. It was such an inspiring night and I loved every minute! STRIPLV: Staying on big venues, you mentioned fulfilling a life ambition in leading out a performance at the world-famous Royal Albert Hall in London this year. Does playing at such a revered venue alter your approach to music? GOULDING: It’s interesting you should say that because the Royal Albert Hall is a real musician’s venue. There feels something quite disrespectful about going there with a laptop and a drum machine. Although many have, naturally, there is a real classical element to the venue, and I did feel something of an evolution in my music and had some ideas about where I might want to take it from there. It’s something worth exploring. Mostly, though, for now, I’m still buzzing about the experience and itching at the prospect of going back one day. There’s something about that venue - its energy and intimacy, despite it being this grand space. It’s a place that really connects you to the audience. I have played there before, but every time is special and every time is different. That’s how it should be each time you perform, even if you’ve been there a hundred times before; originality is ultimately what we all crave.
The Goulding Soundtrack Sizzlers
You may have heard Ellie Goulding’s songs in more films than you expected.
ONE Anything Could Happen in Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (2015) It Plays when Nick puts the shotgun back as the group discusses their plans, adding an uplifting tone to the scene.
TWO Dead In The Water in Divergent (2014) This haunting track, featured during Tris and Four’s kiss, heightens the emotional intensity of their romantic connection in the dystopian world.
THREE Starry Eyed in Kick-Ass (2010) Plays while Dave helps Katie with self-tanning, adding a lighthearted, youthful energy to this quirky and humorous moment.
FOUR How Long Will I Love You in The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) It is used during the tense conversation between Kim and Martin in the bedroom, creating a stark emotional contrast to the film’s eerie atmosphere.
FIVE Still Falling For You in Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016) It plays during the wedding scene, perfectly capturing Bridget’s journey’s romantic and heartwarming conclusion in this feel-good film.
SIX Love Me Like You Do in Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) and Fifty Shades Freed (2018) This iconic song, used during Christian’s emotional moments with Ana, underscores their passionate relationship in both films, including the helicopter scene and flashback memories.