Elliot James reay
1824 Press Conference - 6/17/25
By William Whitworth
Emerging artist Elliot James Reay was hosted by 1824 for a press conference June 17th following the overwhelming success of his breakout single “All This to Say I Love You” and the announcement of his debut EP. With the UK leg of his first-ever tour selling out in 24 hours and vintage-inspired tracks gaining momentum online, Reay offered insight into the stories, inspirations, and personal moments behind his sound.
When asked how he balances honoring classic influences with making something that resonates today, Reay explained that while his sound is deeply rooted in vintage rock and roll and artists like Elvis, his goal is not to imitate but to create something authentic to himself. “It’s all about balance. I love those melodies and tones, but I’m not trying to be someone else—I want it to feel like me.” His latest single captures that blend perfectly, drawing from disco-era aesthetics while fitting into the larger story of his upcoming EP.
Reay spoke candidly about a period of creative burnout before his breakthrough. Feeling stuck in repetitive social media cycles without original music to share, he left home with little money and few plans, starting his travels in Barley. Reflecting on those 18 months away, he said, “Everywhere we went, people took us in. It was a reminder of why I started this. Performing, writing—it all came back when I stopped chasing and started exploring.”
Photo by Julian Buchman
Discussing his songwriting process, Reay emphasized the importance of melody, inspired by classic 1950s music. “People back then started with melody—it came first. Brian Wilson’s style really resonates with me. I usually don’t even think about chords until after I have the melody.” His breakout hit “I Think They Call This Love” exemplifies this approach. Written about his first love—who heard the track before its release—the song pairs with a homemade, vintage-style music video that Reay styled himself. “I didn’t want to overstate it visually—the song was the main focus.” Regarding the vintage romance that permeates his music and image, Reay shared that his songwriting draws from real and aspirational experiences. He spoke about a relationship formed during the pandemic that shaped his perspective on love. “Sometimes, I write about what I’ve lived. Other times, it’s about what I want to feel or explore.” Addressing the viral response on TikTok and frequent Elvis comparisons, Reay said, “It was flattering. Some people thought the song was a cover, and others said, ‘You’re not Elvis,’ and I agree. I’m not trying to be Elvis—I’m trying to be me.” He acknowledged that while he leans into vintage styles, he aims to build his own identity within that space.
Looking ahead, Reay expressed excitement about his first full-length tour and his upcoming album, a 10-track collection that expands on themes of longing and self-discovery. He pointed to “Daydreaming” and “Sweetness” as standout tracks. “Sweetness is the kind of song I would personally listen to, and I hope people interpret it in their own way, just like I did when writing it.” Reay also reflected on the difference between performing live and working in the studio. “I get lost on stage. I sing and sound like the record—that’s how it should be. The connection with a crowd brings out something deeper in me.” This connection was shaped early on when he busked in Barry, where older audiences shared stories that deepened his connection to vintage music.
When asked about defining moments in his career, Reay pointed to the release of his first single. Originally written with his partner and nearly overlooked, the song’s success on TikTok solidified his artistic path. “It brought me back to where I started—back home, with people who believed in me and this sound.”
Finally, Reay shared what he hopes listeners take away from his upcoming EP: “I want them to feel what I felt while writing. I want them to get lost in it.” With heartfelt storytelling, vintage influences, and a growing audience, Elliot James Reay is carving out a space uniquely his own.