ELLIOT JAMES REAY BRINGS VINTAGE MELODIES AND MODERN VULNERABILITY TO HIS DEBUT EP

Manchester-born artist Elliot James Reay is stepping confidently into the spotlight with the release of his debut EP, All This To Say I Love You, arriving June 27. Hosted by 1824, a recent press conference offered an early look at the project, revealing both the creative process and the deeply personal moments that shaped this next chapter in Reay’s career.

Known for blending vintage melodies with a modern pop sensibility, Reay continues to build on the momentum of his breakout single, “I Think They Call This Love,” which went viral on TikTok and quickly drew comparisons to Elvis Presley. Though some initially mistook the track for a cover, Reay embraced the conversation with humor and gratitude, seeing it as a chance to lean even further into the timeless aesthetic that defines his music.

The EP stays true to that vintage core. Across five tracks, Reay draws inspiration from the romance and nostalgia of 50s and 60s pop, disco-era rhythms, and classic movie moments. The result is a body of work that feels like a love letter not only to a person, but to the feeling of love itself. Songs explore both the euphoric and the uncertain sides of relationships—from unfiltered joy to longing, doubt, and emotional discovery.

“Sweetness,” the project’s principal single, captures much of this energy. With its feel-good, rom-com charm, the track evokes moments like dancing in the rain or spontaneous declarations of love. It’s a song Reay described as being particularly close to his heart, one that stood out even during the writing sessions. Meanwhile, “Who Knew Dancing Was a Sin” taps into a playful, disco-era atmosphere. Inspired by his partner’s parents, who still go dancing every week, the song was born from the idea of creating a track that felt both nostalgic and entirely new. With its driving bass line and storytelling flair, the song flips a simple night out dancing into a fun and unexpected narrative about trust, jealousy, and miscommunication.

Reay’s approach to crafting this sound comes from a place of intentionality. He spoke about how important it is for him to stay authentic to the era he draws from, often making strict choices about what sounds and production elements make the final cut. Even when leaning into modern production techniques, there’s always a conscious effort to preserve the warmth and texture of older recordings. He relies on modern language to keep the songs relatable, but musically, there’s a clear and deliberate line back to the records that shaped him.

His love for this style dates back to his days busking in Manchester, where playing for older crowds at local markets helped him appreciate the emotional power of timeless melodies. That environment not only shaped his vocal delivery but also gave him a firsthand look at how music can carry generations of personal history and memories.

The EP also represents a personal turning point. Reay shared how, at one point, the pressures of content creation and online performance left him feeling creatively drained. In response, he packed a bag and traveled for 18 months, starting in Bali and visiting countries across the world. It was during this time, immersed in new cultures and meeting strangers whose lives looked nothing like his own, that he rediscovered his passion for music. A spontaneous invite to perform onstage by a friend reignited something he feared he’d lost.

Many of the EP’s songs were written with Reay’s first love in the room, pushing him to dig deeper emotionally during the recording process. Their relationship, which began during the isolation of the pandemic, became a key source of inspiration. Reay’s process often involves recording vocals with a handheld microphone to simulate the energy of performing live, helping capture the raw, heartfelt delivery that fans have come to expect.

Looking ahead, Reay’s upcoming UK tour—already sold out—marks another milestone in a year full of firsts. He expressed excitement about translating these songs to the stage, with plans to deliver shows that feel both intimate and sonically rich. His goal is to create a live experience that feels special to this tour, one that evolves and grows with each new run of shows.

With All This To Say I Love You, Elliot James Reay offers a project that embraces the highs and lows of love with sincerity and charm. It’s a debut that feels at once rooted in nostalgia and fully present in today’s musical landscape, signaling the arrival of an artist who’s unafraid to follow his own creative path. The EP will be available on all major streaming platforms June 27.

Written by: Ana Oquendo