Reay’s Retro Revival Continues with ‘Who Knew Dancing Was a Sin’

Elliot James Reay’s latest single, Who Knew Dancing Was a Sin, offers a vibrant and modern take on ’50s rock and roll, with a punchy bassline and sharp guitar stabs that pay homage to the Northern Soul dance scene still alive in his hometown of Manchester. The 23-year-old singer-songwriter has catapulted into the spotlight over the last year, garnering millions of streams since the release of his breakout debut, I Think They Call This Love, in early 2024. The track went viral across social media, earning Reay a devoted fan base and millions of followers.

Who Knew Dancing Was a Sin is his fourth single and reunites him with the writer-producer duo SOAP (comprising Manchester’s Josh Noble and Karl Ziegler), alongside co-writers Annielle Lisiuk and Glen Roberts. This high-energy release follows closely behind his introspective ballad, Daydreaming, showcasing Reay’s versatility and solidifying his position as one of the UK’s most exciting new voices in the pop revival scene.

In his latest hit, Reay explores themes of uneasiness in a relationship, as he depicts a scenario where his partner fears he has been unfaithful when, in fact, he is simply dancing the night away. The song emphasises his passion for movement and self-expression using a catchy melody and playful lyrics, ‘My soul is wearing thin. Who knew that dancing was a sin?’

Reay grew up influenced by icons like Roy Orbison and Elvis. He mentions that he was always ‘drawn to the old stuff from an early age’ and took it further than most, ‘thrifting for vintage clothes and busking in the town centre as a teen.’ After starting his busking journey in Manchester at the age of 15, Reay has worked diligently to grow his audience and introduce a fresh voice and sound to the classic rock and roll genre.

Who Knew Dancing was a Sin is available on all streaming platforms and Reay is set to perform at multiple venues across England in the coming months. Tickets available here.

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