Sophie Ellis-Bextor has indicated that her career-related worries have subsided over the past five years. She noted that previously, each album felt like a precarious step, but she now feels secure in her ability to continue her music career. This perspective comes despite her career spanning four decades and eight studio albums.
Career Milestones and Other Ventures
Ellis-Bextor recently concluded her first headline tour of Australia. Beyond her music, she hosts a BBC radio show, and has authored a cookbook and a memoir titled "Spinning Plates," which shares its name with her podcast focused on working mothers.
"Murder on the Dancefloor" Resurgence
A significant factor contributing to her reduced anxiety is the renewed global success of her 2001 song "Murder on the Dancefloor."
The track gained widespread attention after its inclusion in Emerald Fennell's 2023 film Saltburn, subsequently re-entering charts in Australia, the US, and reaching its original peak of #2 in the UK. The song also became a viral hit following a cover by Royel Otis for triple j's Like A Version. Ellis-Bextor described the song's resurgence as "super exciting" but also acknowledged it brought feelings of anxiety, prompting questions about its alignment with her career plans and family life. She emphasized the importance of focusing on current tasks to stay grounded.
Early Career and Genre Transition
Ellis-Bextor began her career in the music industry as the lead singer of the Britpop band theaudience at age 17. The band's 1998 debut album achieved modest success before the group was dropped by its label a year later. She described this experience as difficult but ultimately beneficial, stating it "crystallised that I wanted to be a singer no matter what."
Her transition to dance music occurred in 2000 when she fronted "Groovejet (If This Ain't Love)" by Italian producer Spiller. Despite initial reluctance, she accepted the opportunity, recognizing it as a chance to continue her career. The song's international success led to her solo career, where she explored disco and dance music. Her 2001 debut solo album, Read My Lips, achieved significant sales internationally, featuring singles like "Take Me Home" and "Murder on the Dancefloor."
Embracing Midlife with "Perimenopop"
During the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns, Ellis-Bextor hosted weekly "Kitchen Discos" on Instagram with her family. This experience reignited her passion for pop-friendly disco, inspiring her eighth studio album, Perimenopop. The album, which returns to her signature sound, champions midlife experiences and features collaborations with artists such as Nile Rodgers and Sigrid, as well as several renowned songwriter-producers.
Ellis-Bextor stated that she is "kind of into" the fact that 25 years have passed since her first album, viewing the new record as an exploration of accumulated experiences.
She noted that Perimenopop was planned as a pop-disco record serendipitously coinciding with the "Murder on the Dancefloor" revival, allowing her to collaborate with a desired list of individuals. She reflected on enjoying and engaging with her past work while not feeling obligated to continue from where her 22-year-old self left off.
Future Endeavors
Now 46 and a mother of five, Ellis-Bextor continues to feel driven and is considering new music. She acknowledged experiencing shifts in her career that have helped her remain grounded.