The emerging singer-songwriter pulls from personal encounters for a pop-rock anthem centered on self-assurance, uniqueness, and recognizing when to draw the line
I hope listeners feel like they can be unapologetically themselves and confident in their own skin.”— Ella GoodmanLOS ANGELES , CA, UNITED STATES, August 21, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Singer-songwriter Ella Goodman drops her latest single, “Stupid Games,” on August 21, 2026. The track provides an initial glimpse into the style of her forthcoming EP and stems from an authentic moment in Goodman’s life.
The concept for “Stupid Games” emerged after Goodman encountered classmates who were unkind to her and others. Following an evening at an Olivia Rodrigo concert, she woke up the next morning motivated to capture those emotions in a song.
“Some people at school were being a bit rude to me and I felt like I was playing a stupid game,” Goodman says. “They thought being rude to me and other people was just a game. They didn’t understand what they were doing wrong.”
Although the song originates from a specific incident, Goodman aimed to craft something that listeners could relate to on their own terms.
“I would describe ‘Stupid Games’ as a soft pop rock anthem for people who feel like they’ve had enough,” she says. “I hope listeners feel like they can be unapologetically themselves and confident in their own skin.”
Goodman collaborated on the song with singer-songwriter Katey Brooks, who co-wrote the track using Goodman’s initial concepts for the lyrics and melody. Jeremy Rompala handled production duties.
For Goodman, laying down the track gave her the chance to finally articulate those feelings in a concrete way.
“My favorite moment was when I first recorded it and I felt like I’d said something that needed to be said,” she says.
One of her preferred lines from the song is, “You think you’re smart, but honestly, you’re missing a screw.”
Beneath the bold attitude lies a message Goodman hopes will stick with audiences.
“We can stand up for ourselves and we can write our own chapters in our stories,” she says. “You don’t have to conform to try and fit in.”
LOOKING AHEAD TO HER UPCOMING EP
“Stupid Games” forms part of a broader collection of music Goodman has been crafting for her upcoming EP. The project delves into the various feelings and experiences that come with growing up and forging your own identity.
“What ties these songs together is the raw emotion throughout,” Goodman says. “It’s a mix of loud, chaotic and fun. Whether that’s anger, frustration, happiness or growth, it all comes from a personal place. I hope listeners can find pieces of themselves in these songs.”
Among the tracks on the project, “What’ve I Become” holds particular significance for Goodman and represents the type of artist she is evolving into.
“‘What’ve I Become’ is my favorite song on this EP because that song is totally who I am as an artist,” she says. “I think it explores what it feels like to be a teenager in this day and age. You feel like you always have to prove things to people and that you can’t just be.”
Goodman draws inspiration from artists such as Labrinth, The Weeknd, Lana Del Rey and Sara James, but discovering her own voice has become a key element of creating the EP.
“I felt like there was almost this pressure that I had to be the next big artist who was similar to someone who already existed,” she says. “I believe I am unique because I really do write from my own experiences and what I would want to say.”
Goodman is also working on a concept for a “Stupid Games” music video, which she characterizes as chaotic yet minimalistic. She intends to write, direct and star in her own music videos and views the visual side of her music as another channel for storytelling.
“I see music videos as short films,” Goodman says. “I want to show how I see this song as a film.”
With more music and additional projects lined up for 2026, Goodman hopes “Stupid Games” gives listeners a taste of the authenticity and character behind everything she is building.
“‘Stupid Games" talks about my personal experiences, but it’s also universally relatable,” she says. “I hope that you feel the passion and the love that went into making this EP and everything that I do.”
“Stupid Games” will be released August 21, 2026.
ABOUT ELLA GOODMAN
Ella Goodman is a singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in her own experiences maturing, building confidence, and defining her artistic identity. Blending pop and pop rock with intimate songwriting, Goodman is shaping a sound that mirrors her own viewpoint and character. Her upcoming EP explores frustration, happiness, vulnerability, growth and the emotions tied to discovering your place in the world.
Nolan Bellamy
ICT PR & Strategic Communications
holly@iconnectyou.today
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