216 Quotes by Ellie Goulding

My mum was too busy raising four of us to encourage my hopes. But I’m glad I had the upbringing I did. It made me a worrier and a thoughtful, curious person.

Drake, I’d like to collaborate with. He’s a phenomenal lyricist. Probably the best rapper in the world at the moment. I love Kanye but there’s something about Drake; he’s more straight up, really clever and really poetic and metaphorical – I love that. He’s just clever.

I’m really proud of ‘Bright Lights’ because I was still in the mind frame of my first album when I was putting it together, but next time I want to display something different. I don’t want to be as young, immature and all about boys!

Every so often I’ll go back down to earth and I’ll make reference to a phone or a house or something, something that’s a bit more real. But I suppose what that does, is it puts you in a surreal place but also my music doesn’t get too carried away in that sense, which I quite like.

Cover versions, that’s my forte, that’s all I ever used to do. When you play your own songs, it’s quite scary, ’cause I’m quite honest and open, they can be very revealing. But covers, I don’t have to think about, just get me up there!

Now, if some panic hits me, you have to sort of be friends with your body, it’s like your body will work against you.

After shows my face feels dirty with makeup and sweat, especially in the smaller venues, so it feels good to get back to the bus and smooth it away. Sometimes you need something alcohol-based, especially on tour when you don’t always get a chance to keep washing your face all the time.

In Australia and New Zealand, and New Zealand especially, I always find everyone is so nice and friendly. It’s one of the few places that I remember visually, like I remember where I stayed and my surroundings – and that’s a good sign, because I’ve got a terrible memory. I’m looking forward to it!

I want to be safe in the knowledge that I can tour and play festivals for a long time. The main thing is that I want a good reputation as a live performer. If I have that, I’d be so happy.