Inside the Pages of Elle Winter’s Diary: An Interview on Love, Lies, and Pop Anthems

Elle Winter opens a new chapter in her career with “Never Even Met Her,” a pop anthem born from a painful experience but transformed into a song of empowerment. Inspired by a breakup in which she discovered her ex was rewriting her story with a false version of herself, the artist turned that pain into strength and inspiration.

Her solid present and a future full of possibilities position Elle Winter as a pop voice capable of conveying vulnerability, strength, and authenticity. “Never Even Met Her” not only marks a firm step toward her upcoming EP but also a reminder that, through music, personal stories can be transformed into songs that summon collective feelings of resilience and self-definition.

Your new single, "Never Even Met Her," was inspired by a breakup where you discovered your ex had created a false version of you. How did that experience shape the song, and what was it like reclaiming your own narrative through this track?

That experience truly shaped the song, as it was shocking and hard to hear that someone I cared about was rewriting history and telling a version of my story that wasn’t true. Instead of letting it tear me down, I decided to reclaim the narrative through music. Writing “Never Even Met Her” was so cathartic because it allowed me to process those feelings while turning the situation into an empowering song that I know I will turn to in life to remember that no one else gets to define me but I do.

You worked with The Orphanage on your new EP, including your single "Never Even Met Her." How did collaborating with a team behind artists like Lizzo, Demi Lovato, and Sabrina Carpenter influence the sound and emotional storytelling of this track?

Working with The Orphanage again after our work on my debut project, “Yeah, No,” felt like such a homecoming. They’re so talented at blending pop energy with emotional depth, and they create a space where I feel safe to be completely honest and open. On “Never Even Met Her,” they helped me channel the raw emotions of the story into something anthemic and powerful. They really elevated the song by pushing me creatively while making sure it stayed true to my voice.

Your debut EP, "Yeah, No," has amassed over 30 million streams. With "Never Even Met Her" and your upcoming EP, do you feel any pressure to top that success, or is your focus more on exploring your personal story and growth as an artist?

Of course, success is motivating, but I try not to let pressure drive the creative process. “Yeah, No” connected with people because it came from such an honest place, and I’ve carried that lesson with me into this new project. My focus is on sharing my personal story, embracing my growth, and staying true to myself. If I stay true to that, the success will follow in its own way.

What would you say is the main difference between the sound and lyrics of “Yeah, No” and what you're doing now with your new EP?

I have grown a lot as a person and a young woman since I released “Yeah, No,” so this new music is filled with my life experiences, lessons I’ve learned over the years, and a self-assurance and awareness that come from this time and growth. Sonically, this project explores bolder textures and more playful production, and lyrically, it’s even more personal and unfiltered. I’m leaning into humor, strength, and vulnerability all at once.

You've toured with artists like Chloe x Halle and appeared on notable stages, including The Today Show and the Jingle Ball. Is there any other artist you would like to share the stage with?

I’d love to share the stage with Taylor Swift. She has been an inspiration to me and a true performer. Another dream would be to perform with someone like Pink, whose energy and artistry I greatly admire. I was super inspired by her fierce music while making my new project, though I don’t know if I’d be able to trapeze alongside her in a show, haha. 

If we decided to check your playlist now, what would we find?

It is such an eclectic mix! I am currently loving Audrey Hobert’s new album and Sabrina Carpenter’s new album, and I always love listening to the pop music I grew up with, like a classic Kelly Clarkson song, because her anthems never get old! 

From your discovery on Radio Disney's Next Big Thing to now, what has changed the most in your view of the music industry?

The biggest change I’ve noticed is how much more personal and direct the connection with fans is now, primarily through social media. Back then, the focus was more on traditional platforms, but now artists can build communities and share their stories in real time and on their own terms. It makes authenticity more important than ever, which I think is a really good thing.

Looking ahead, what do you hope audiences take away from this new EP and, in particular, from “Never Even Met Her”?

I hope audiences walk away feeling empowered and reminded that they don’t need to let anyone else’s opinion define them. “Never Even Met Her” is about reclaiming your story and embracing who you truly are. If listeners feel a little stronger, more confident, or even just a little lighter after hearing these songs, then I’ve done what I set out to do.

Find Elle Winter on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Snapchat