Ella Eyre
Explore the life, musical rise, achievements, and quotable insights of Ella Eyre, the English singer-songwriter who broke into the charts through collaborations and then moved into a solo career.
Introduction
Ella Eyre (born Ella McMahon on April 1, 1994) is an English singer and songwriter known for her powerful vocals and genre versatility across R&B, pop, neo-soul, and drum & bass. She first gained major attention via high-profile collaborations (notably with Rudimental) before releasing her own solo work. Her musical trajectory reflects both commercial success and a continuing evolution of her artistic voice.
Early Life and Background
Ella McMahon was born on 1 April 1994 in London, England. She was raised in Ealing, West London.
Her family heritage is mixed: her father was Jamaican, and her mother is Maltese. Her father worked as a chef; her mother was a cake designer.
Before music fully claimed her focus, Ella trained as a competitive swimmer. Her athletic talent helped her win a swimming scholarship to Millfield School, a boarding school in Somerset.
She later attended the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology, where she studied musical theatre. During that time, she began balancing songwriting with school.
Musical Beginnings & Breakthrough
Discovery and Early Collaborations
In 2011, through a vocal coach, her talent was noticed, and she began crafting songs while still balancing schooling. In July 2012, she signed with publisher Warner Chappell Music; soon after, she signed a record deal with Virgin EMI.
One of her earliest public features was on Bastille’s mixtape track “No Angels” (a mash-up) in 2012. But it was her collaboration with Rudimental on “Waiting All Night” (2013) that became her breakout — the song hit No. 1 in the UK charts and won the 2014 Brit Award for British Single of the Year.
Solo Releases & Debut Album
Ella’s debut EP, Deeper, was released in December 2013. Her early singles like “If I Go” and “Comeback” (2014) gained traction in the UK charts.
In 2015, she released her debut studio album, Feline, which showcased both her vocal strength and range across different musical styles. The album included singles such as “Good Times” and “Together”.
She also collaborated with DJ Fresh on “Gravity” (2015), another high-profile feature.
Over subsequent years, Ella continued to release singles and work with other artists, such as Sigala (“Came Here for Love” and “Just Got Paid”) among others.
In November 2023, she launched “Head in the Ground”, her first single released independently (without a major label backing).
Style, Influences & Themes
Ella Eyre’s music spans pop, R&B, neo soul, drum & bass, and electronic elements.
She cites musical influences such as Lauryn Hill, Etta James, Basement Jaxx, and Hans Zimmer. Her vocal style is often praised for its expressive intensity, emotional honesty, and versatility across genres.
Her songs often reflect personal growth, resilience, love, heartbreak, and self-assertion — themes common in contemporary pop but carried forward by her distinctive vocal color and songwriting approach.
Achievements, Awards & Impact
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With “Waiting All Night”, she earned a Brit Award for British Single (2014).
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She won Best Newcomer at the MOBO Awards 2014.
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In 2015, she won Best Female at the MOBO Awards.
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Her debut album Feline reached the top 5 in UK album charts.
Beyond awards, her impact includes bridging underground electronic genres with mainstream pop via collaborations; and more recently, taking the step to release music independently, signaling a shift toward artistic control.
Personal Life & Challenges
Ella has publicly spoken about health challenges: during the making of her “New Me” video, she suffered a kidney infection and a severe shellfish allergy, which caused facial swelling.
Her father passed away in 2017. She has also spoken about perceptions and assumptions regarding her accent, background, and privilege — she has confronted how others interpret her “posh accent” and her narrative.
Notable Quotes by Ella Eyre
Ella Eyre is not especially known for many widely circulated quotable lines compared to novelists or philosophers, but some remarks and interview snippets reflect her approach and mindset:
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On artistic identity: She has discussed resisting pigeonholes and maintaining creative sincerity as her sound evolves.
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Reflecting on growth: In interviews, she has acknowledged pressure in the music industry, the challenge of expectations, and the need to stay grounded.
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On assumptions: She has remarked on how people often make assumptions about her life or background based on her accent or presentation, and how she pushes back on those narratives.
Because her public persona is more defined by her songs and performances than by maximally quotable statements, much of her voice comes through in lyrics and interviews rather than short epigrams.
Lessons from Her Journey
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Collaborate wisely, but cultivate your own voice
Her strategic collaborations gave her visibility; her solo work helped establish her identity. -
Versatility is an asset
Moving across genres (pop, R&B, drum & bass) allowed her to avoid being boxed in and to reach diverse audiences. -
Health and authenticity matter
Openness about personal struggles (e.g. health) contributes to relatability and de-stigmatization. -
Control your narrative
Her move to independent releases shows the value of creative control and reinvention, especially after establishing a base. -
Expect evolution
She demonstrates that growth is ongoing — what works early on may shift as the artist matures, and that flexibility is important.
Conclusion
Ella Eyre’s journey — from a talented young Londoner with athletic potential to a chart-breaking vocalist and independent artist — illustrates the contemporary trajectory of many modern musicians. Her ear for emotional intensity, combined with technical skill and willingness to push boundaries, makes her a distinct voice in the U.K. music scene and beyond.