Ellie Goulding is a 28-year-old English singer-songwriter. She burst onto the scene in 2010. Goulding’s unique voice and heartfelt lyrics have captured the hearts of many men and women around the U.S. and the world. As a marketer working at a Cincinnati marketing and communications firm, my mind wanders to marketing-nerd village (as it most often does) and instead of thinking how great her voice is, I ask myself, why? Why does her music and voice appeal to me and millions of others? Let’s first look at the obvious:

• She’s beautiful
• Her voice is both unique and great
• Her lyrics tell a story
• Her music evokes emotion

All of these capture what the songwriter is doing, but there is another factor that contributes to the singer-songwriters success…movies! Yes, movies, more specifically romance movies. At least three of Ellie Goulding’s songs can be found in iconic romance movies and TV series dramas of this decade.

1.  “Bittersweet” – Twilight: New Moon

2. “Beating Heart” – Divergent

3. “Dead in the Water” – Grey’s Anatomy

Her songs have been connected with scenes from popular romance movies.

3. “How Long Will I Love You” – About Time

As well as featured in short films.

5. “Stay Awake” and “How Long Will I Love You” – Tom & Issy

Her songs are even featured in trailers to PROMOTE romance movies!

6. “Explosions” – Endless Love

Ellie Goulding has branded herself as a romance icon by associating her voice and lyrics with romance movies. The visual elements brought by movies, TV shows, movie trailers and YouTube videos have enhanced Ellie’s brand. Her music captures pure, natural romance, and seems to evoke the very emotions we feel when we form a strong relationship, whether it be with friends, family or a significant other. I am excited to see if this trend continues.

What emotions do you feel when listening to Ellie Goulding’s music?