Meet Elliot James Reay, a young artist bringing the timeless sounds of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Billy Fury into the present day. Having organically built a social media following of 3 million and accumulated hundreds of millions of views, Elliot is now stepping into a broader spotlight with the release of his debut single, "I Think They Call This Love." The track has already generated immense anticipation, with teasers amassing over 5.3 million views and 650,000 likes on TikTok. With his new release now available, we caught up with Elliot to ask him a few questions.

1. Hi Elliot, thanks for talking to us -  how are you today? 

Good thanks! How are you?

2. Tell us about your debut single ‘I Think They Call This Love’ and the creative process behind it?

It was an easy and natural process for me, the song itself sounds like something I listen to so the words and melody came very easy. I wrote the song about a very universal experience, realising that you are in love! I would consider everyone involved in this song to be a friend, it was so fun to write and make.

3. You channel the sound of Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison - how does it feel being compared to such legendary artists?

Being mentioned alongside legends like Elvis and Roy Orbison is very humbling. Their talent and influence on music are incomparable, and they've set the bar incredibly high. I’m always very flattered by the comparison.

4. What music did you grow up listening to and how has it impacted the songs you write?

I grew up listening to all kinds of music but I found myself gravitating towards the older stuff, specifically 50’s and 60’s music. I love Roy Orbison and Elvis, I’m inspired by Eddie Cochran and Billy Fury. This era has inspired my first single ‘I Think They Call This Love’. I write this music in spite of all the people who said I couldn't/shouldn't - and it's really cool that people seem to like it. 

5. You’ve been travelling the past 18 months - what’s that been like and how has that impacted your songwriting?

I think it was life changing to have packed my bags and left Bury for a time. I had only enough money for a flight out so my experience was not glamorous in any way, but I got to experience the world at a time when I was close to giving up on my passions, and I regained it all again. Because of this, I would say that traveling is the sole reason for me writing music!

6. You’ve been blowing up on TikTok with your cover versions - what’s your relationship like with social media - do you find it a good place to connect with fans?

I really enjoy tiktok! I love that anyone anywhere can stumble across a video of me, and share in my love for music. It's a great platform for musicians to put themselves out there and find an audience of like minded people. 

7. What are your aspirations as a performer - and how do you want to grow your fanbase?

I’m ready to get on stage! I know my music isn’t for everyone, but I also know that people are wanting a revival of this era and an excuse to have a dance, so I hope to give them that.

8. Have you got any plans to perform in the UK? And what can fans expect from your live performances? 

Yes we will be announcing dates soon - I hope to tour and play for as many people that'll have me. I hope to give people a reason to dance. I want them to have a memorable evening, to have stories to tell their grandkids the same way mine tell me about their experiences with artists like Elvis.

Thanks Elliot- all the best for the future!

@elliotjamesreay 'I Think They Call This Love' is out July 17th, presave link in my bio!!! ❤️ #fyp #singing #ithinktheycallthislove #elliotjamesreay #newmusic #originalmusic #singingchallenge #tiktokmalaysia #tiktokaustralia #cover ♬ I Think They Call This Love - Elliot James Reay