Jump to content

Elliot James Reay

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Elliot James Reay
Reay at a mall show event in Manila, Philippines in February 2025
Reay at a mall show event in Manila, Philippines in February 2025
Background information
Born (2002-01-31) January 31, 2002 (age 23)
Bury, Greater Manchester
Genres
Occupations
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Labels
Websitewww.elliotjamesreay.com

Elliot James Reay (born 2002) is a British singer and songwriter. His music bridges the gap between 1950s rock 'n' roll and modern audiences. Reay's songs include "I Think They Call This Love" and "Who Knew Dancing Was a Sin". His covers of nostalgic songs, particularly those by Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison, have attracted millions of views on social media.[1][2]

Early life

[edit]

Elliot James Reay was born and raised in Bury, Greater Manchester.[3] While Reay does not know his biological father, he has heard him singing on tape and says that they sound alike.[4] Reay's grandfather lived in the Philippines for a decade, and Reay spent time there as a child.[5]

Career

[edit]

Busking, kitchen videos, and covers

[edit]

Reay started out busking in the streets of his hometown, Bury, and later in Melbourne,[1] singing covers of classical rock-and-roll songs from Elvis Presley, Billy Fury, Roy Orbison, among others.[6] According to Reay, he thrived on market day "when all the elderly folks would come by and I got to sing my old stuff".[2] At age 15, Reay raised over £2000 in a day for a charity set up in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing through busking and singing If I Can Dream.[2]

In July 2019, at age 17, Reay posted his first cover of an Elvis Presley song, Love Me, on his YouTube channel.[6] After encouragement from a friend to put more of his "real self" online, Reay posted a TikTok video of himself buttering toast while singing the song "My Way" in April 2023. Reay has since posted more than ninety "kitchen-sink videos" in which he sings in an apartment setting as he goes about everyday tasks such as making instant coffee, cleaning, or combing his hair, and an additional 25 covers on his YouTube channel.[1][3]

Reay has over 5.6 million followers on social media, including 3.9 million followers on TikTok, 753,000 on Instagram, 823,000 on YouTube, and 176,000 followers on Facebook. Two videos of Reay performing "Devil in Disguise" by Elvis Presley and "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran have collectively received over 58 million views on TikTok.[2][7]

2024–present: All This To Say I Love You

[edit]

Reay released his debut single, "I Think They Call This Love", in July 2024. The song features a nostalgic style reminiscent of classic malt shop music, beginning with the lines They say you know when you know / So let's face it, you had me at 'Hello.' The single received over 10 million views prior to its full release in July,[8][9] and over 30 million streams since.[10] It was on Spotify's Viral charts in 27+ countries, reaching #4 on the Global Viral 50.[11] In March 2025, Reay's debut single won the "Road to Memphis" competition, where it was chosen from over 33,000 international entries.[12]

After the independent release of his debut single, Reay signed with Interscope Records and EMI Records, and released his second single, "Boy in Love", in November 2024.[13] It has an upbeat and rock n’ roll tone, with the corresponding music video depicting Reay stepping out of an American 50s car to walk through autumnal Manchester.[14] In "Boy in Love", Reay pays homage to Sam Cooke with the line But, now, when Sam Cooke sings, she got me whistling along. The opening chord of "Boy in Love" is similar to the Everly Brothers' classic "All I Have to Do Is Dream" (1958). Reay has described these subtle nods to his musical influences as "little Easter eggs to people who get it".[15]

Reay's third single, "Daydreaming", released in March 2025, is reminiscent of Roy Orbison in style.[16] It is a nostalgic retro-pop track about longing, blending ’50s–’60s rock 'n' roll with sweeping orchestral, guitar, and brass sounds. The accompanying visualizer shows Reay lost in thought, matching the feeling of drifting into memories, expressed in the lyrics when I miss you, close my eyes and I drift away.[16] The song features actual bird chirps that are meant to add to the reverie-like feel.[17] Reay's fans are called "Reaydreamers", a portmanteau of Reay's last name and his single "Daydreaming".

"Who Knew Dancing Was A Sin", Reay's fourth single (May 2025), uses the humorous premise of a partner suspecting infidelity due to late-night dancing to explore the passion and energy of Northern Soul.[18] The song includes groovy basslines, call-and-response vocals and saxophone, and the music video features Reay dancing among Northern soul dancers. In "Who Knew Dancing Was A Sin", Reay pays homage to Jackie Wilson with the lines Oh, 'cause it's too much of a risk/To tell her who my Jackie is, and a Wilson record is shown in the cinematic music video.[19]

Reay released his first EP All This To Say I Love You in June 2025. In addition to the four singles above, it includes two love songs "Sweetness" and "I Can't Stay Away".[20][21]

"Sweetness" became the fifth single (June 2025) that featured layered harmonies, a sultry rhythmic sound, a 'waltz like' sound and empowering vocals from Reay. The single is accompanied by a music video directed by Nikko Lamere with visuals that is a "full on Technicolor fantasy", leading listeners into a 'Swoony, Old Hollywood Territory'. Reay has also announced on his Instagram weeks before the release that he will embark on a sold out UK tour to support his latest EP beginning July 6th. [22]

Style

[edit]

Reay's music is rooted in the sound, style, and sentiment of 1950s and 1960s music—both in how it sounds and how it's presented.[9]

Reay has cited several artists as his inspirations, including Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and Billy Fury.[2][7][23] Reay's songs often feature vintage chord progressions common in early rock 'n' roll, vocals reminiscent of 50s crooners, and live instrumentation like guitar, real drums, tambourine and horns.[12][13][24]

During performances, Reay wears vintage-style outfits, such as bowling shirts, leather jackets, and high-waisted trousers, purchased in thrift stores.[25][21] Reay has cited classic film stars such as James Dean, Alain Delon, and Marlon Brando as inspiration for what he wears and how he presents himself.[26] Reay styles his hair in a quiff, echoing the iconic pompadour hairstyle worn in the 1950s and 1960s by early rock 'n' roll and movie stars such as Elvis Presley and James Dean.[23]

While known to be an Elvis fan,[6] and having been portrayed as Gen Z's Elvis Presley,[18] Reay himself has said: "I’m not trying to be Elvis… I’m just influenced by him."[23] Regarding his single "I Think They Call this Love", Reay has furthermore stated that "People thinking the song was a cover of Elvis was interesting to me because while it is indeed flattering, I personally don’t think it sounds like Elvis. I know his fanbase very well and they’re very hardcore in saying nothing can be as good as Elvis, which I completely agree with because Elvis was Elvis. I’m not Elvis, I’m something different."[6]

Despite the vintage sound Reay has established with his music, he also wanted to keep the message of his songs current, using modern language with references and nods to the past. Reay stated "I like to maintain a good mixture of old-school love with the language of today that connects it well". [6]

Discography

[edit]

Extended Plays

[edit]
List of extended plays, with selected details
Title Details
All This To Say I Love You 27 June 2025

Singles

[edit]
List of singles, with year released
Title Year
"I Think They Call This Love" 2024
"Boy in Love"
"Daydreaming" 2025
"Who Knew Dancing Was A Sin"
"Sweetness"

Performances

[edit]

Since the release of his first two singles, Reay has performed live in the UK, as well as various Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam,[27] Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines in the beginning of 2025.[5][28] During his showcase, he had performed two released singles, three unreleased tracks and one cover of Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley [29]

Reay sang his debut single "I Think They Call This Love" at a live radio bus road show hosted by DNWU (Wish 107.5), had his guest appearance on the Philippine television noontime variety show It's Showtime in January 2025 and on another local entertainment show ASAP in February 2025.

On May 2025, Reay performed at a music festival in Brighton called 'The Great Escape' Festival, marking it his first appearance at a music festival in which he stated, "It is my first festival! I’m excited, I've never done a gig on a beach before. I’ve also never done a gig that isn’t just focused on me. So it's nice to do something that means after my set, I can enjoy so many other styles of music". [30] Reay will also be performing on upcoming music festivals in Korea and Indonesia on August 2025.

Headlining

[edit]
  • Debut show: Manchester, UK, 17 December 2024[25]
  • Southeast Asia promo tour: Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines
  • "All This to Say I Love You" Tour: U.K., July 2025[5]

Festivals

[edit]
  • Great Escape Festival: Brighton, UK, May 2025[31]
  • One Universe Festival: Seoul, Korea, Aug 2025[32]
  • La La La Fest: Jakarta, Indonesia, Aug 2025[33]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Webb, Carolyn (28 June 2023). "'He'll fill stadiums': The kitchen-sink singer striking a chord on TikTok". The Age. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e Times, Yorkshire. "Meeting Elliot James Reay". yorkshiretimes.co.uk. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  3. ^ a b Biggane, Dan (19 July 2024). "Introducing Elliot James Reay". Vintage Rock. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  4. ^ "A CONVERSATION WITH ELLIOTT JAMES REAY". Square One Magazine. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  5. ^ a b c Ogerio, Bless Aubrey (16 February 2025). "RETRO HEARTSTRINGS | Elliot James Reay's vintage pop for now people | Bless Aubrey Ogerio". BusinessMirror. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  6. ^ a b c d e H, Ayesha (22 June 2025). "Elliot James Reay on First Love, Indulging Elvis Comparisons, and Debut EP". healthline zine. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
  7. ^ a b Braithwaite, Andrew (16 July 2024). "Q&A: Elliot James Reay talks debut single, inspirations & TikTok". Music Talkers - Latest Music News & Artist Exposure. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  8. ^ "Tuesday Tracks: Elliott James Reay, Nico Vega, Robert Jon & the Wreck". RIFF Magazine. 26 November 2024. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  9. ^ a b "Elliot James Reay Revives Magic Of 50s Classics". The Music Man. 16 August 2024. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  10. ^ "Bury singer bringing sound of 50s to present day as song draws in millions of views". Bury Times. 21 August 2024. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  11. ^ "Elliot James Reay (Interscope/Island EMI)". www.hitsdailydouble.com. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
  12. ^ a b "Elliot James Reay Daydreaming". 28 March 2025. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  13. ^ a b Forrest, Jo (22 November 2024). "Elliot James Reay releases timeless track 'Boy In Love'". TotalNtertainment. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  14. ^ Promonews. "Elliot James Reay 'Boy In Love' by James Slater | Videos". Promonewstv. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  15. ^ "Elliot James Reay". Stardust Magazine. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  16. ^ a b "Elliot James Reay – Daydreaming". Starry Constellation Magazine. 5 June 2025. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  17. ^ "Elliot James Reay Daydreaming". 28 March 2025. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  18. ^ a b ""Who Knew Dancing Was A Sin": Is Elliot James Reay Gen Z's Elvis?". MUSIC SCENE MEDIA. 1 June 2025. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  19. ^ "TikTok star Elliot James Reay's journey from shops to Graceland". www.bbc.com. 16 June 2025. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  20. ^ Morgan, Hope (26 June 2025). "Elliot James Reay's Debut EP: Vintage Love Letters in Modern Retro-Pop". Cage Riot. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  21. ^ a b "EP Review: Elliot James Reay | All This to Say I Love You". THE FRONT ROW. 29 June 2025. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  22. ^ "Elliot James Reay's Debut EP Is a Retro-Loving, Heart-Melting Dream". Music and Gigs. 27 June 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  23. ^ a b c Biggane, Dan (20 March 2025). "One To Watch - Elliot James Reay". Vintage Rock. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
  24. ^ Luberisse, Charles (23 May 2025). "Elliot James Reay Two-Steps Through Accusation On "Who Knew Dancing Was A Sin"". createentlens. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
  25. ^ a b "Elliot James Reay". The Deaf Institute. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
  26. ^ "ELLIOT JAMES REAY: INTERVIEW". Unclear Magazine. 13 March 2025. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
  27. ^ "British singer Elliot James Reay makes Vietnam debut". Tuoi Tre News. 21 January 2025. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  28. ^ Deala, Joanna (31 January 2025). "Elliot James Reay: The voice behind viral song 'I Think They Call This Love'". republicasiamedia. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  29. ^ "British singer Elliot James Reay makes Vietnam debut". Tuoi Tre News. 21 January 2025. Retrieved 21 January 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  30. ^ Shukri, Alex (9 June 2025). "A CONVERSATION WITH... ELLIOT JAMES REAY". Square One Magazine.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  31. ^ "Elliot James Reay". The Great Escape. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
  32. ^ Mukherjee, Soumyajyoti (24 June 2025). "One Universe Festival 2025: Presale, lineup, dates, & all you need to know". www.soapcentral.com. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
  33. ^ "ELLIOT JAMES REAY - LaLaLaFest - International Festival". Retrieved 24 June 2025.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Elliot_James_Reay&oldid=1299565115"