Ellie Goulding: I love sad songs

Ellie Goulding has a penchant for penning really depressing tunes.

The 25-year-old British songstress is preparing for the release of her new album Halcyon.

Unlike her 2010 debut record Lights, Halcyon is a bit more downcast.

Ellie really enjoyed writing moody pieces for this LP.

She looked to her breakup from radio DJ Greg James last year, whom she spent 18 months in a relationship with, for inspiration.

"I was determined to make it not about love, because the last one was so much about that," she told BBC News.

"But when I did start writing it, I went through a breakup and it was really difficult, and so the record ended up being about that.

"I couldn't help it. Every time I went to the studio I ended up writing quite sad songs. But even when I'm in quite a happy state of mind, I like writing really sad songs. I think a lot of people do."

Ellie is now dating dubstep producer Skrillex. Their relationship acts as a muse for the singer.

"I think being close to someone who is also a musician, and one I really respect and I'm a big fan of, all it does is motivate me and makes me want to work harder and be better," she explained.

Halcyon will be released in October.