Pop singer-songwriter Maria Ellis chatted about her breakthrough EP “Ultrabaddie,” as well as her music and songwriting inspirations.
How did you approach the song selection for the new album?
When I came up with the concept of the EP, I just wanted to make a body of work that was reflective of where I was at with my confidence and my independence.
I felt like once I knew the type of music I wanted to make, most of the songs came naturally after that.
I always knew “Royalty” would be the first track because of how it sets the tone for the project as a whole.
Then, as the EP goes on, you start to get deeper into the layers of me as an artist and as a person. I loved ending the EP with “God Complex” because it shows my variety of where I can and will continue to go.
Were you going for a certain theme?
I was going for this theme of feminine energy and feeling strong and confident. I was inspired by some of my favorite female artists like Britney Spears, Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, and Ariana Grande to curate this feeling of freedom through really fun pop music.
What is your personal favorite song on there?
They are all of my favorite songs because I worked on all of these so closely from writing to producing but my favorite right now is definitely “God Complex.”
I produced that with my friend Jade Che and I love how strong it makes me feel. It’s a very powerful song and also features a little of my electric guitar playing at the end too.
What inspires your music and songwriting?
My life always inspires me. Whether it’s the best night of my life or a gut-wrenching goodbye, I’m not scared to write about things going on personally for me.
Writing has always been the most cathartic way of getting my emotions out.
Which of these songs is most personal to you and why?
“Like You Loved Me” is extremely personal and vulnerable because it’s a song full of grief.
I loved including it right before “God Complex” because it’s that moment of weakness before you get your strength back again.
What would you like to tell our readers about your new album? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
I hope that they feel empowered listening because I created this as a release for myself to feel sexy and confident. I just want to give that feeling that all of my favorite female artists have given me.
I hope you know how important you are and sometimes we just need that little pop R&B song with a good beat to remind us.
To learn more about Greek-American pop singer-songwriter Maria Ellis, follow her on Instagram.
