UK singer Elliot James Reay releases “Who Knew Dancing Was A Sin,” a soul-driven single about rhythm, romance, and misunderstanding.
Manchester’s own Elliot James Reay shares his new single “Who Knew Dancing Was A Sin,” a soulful, tongue-in-cheek track that continues the 23-year-old artist’s modern homage to vintage pop, now available via Interscope / Island EMI.
The story is timeless: Reay’s partner believes he’s been unfaithful, but all he’s guilty of is dancing the night away. With influences ranging from Elvis Presley to Roy Orbison, Reay delivers it with groove, wit, and old-school charisma.
Produced by SOAP, and co-written with Annielle Lisiuk and Glen Roberts, the track blends deep bass, tambourine, rhythm guitar, horns, and even a touch of strings for a lively, Northern Soul-inspired vibe. 
The music video—shot in Manchester—shows Reay returning home late, only to face an interrogation. Flashbacks soon reveal him dancing joyfully in a red-curtained club, immersed in a rich retro dance culture.
“Just give me a bourbon, a bass line, and a beat,” Reay croons.
The single follows earlier tracks “Daydreaming” and “Boy in Love,” and builds on the breakout success of “I Think They Call This Love,” a global sensation with 121 million streams and 1 billion TikTok views.
With each release, Elliot James Reay proves that timeless music and sharp storytelling never go out of style.
