Pete Samson catches up with national treasure Joe McElderry on his nostalgic, disco-soaked return, ‘Love Me Out Loud.’
From taking inspiaration from Robyn to embracing vulnerability and finding joy in the smaller moments, McElderry unpacks the timely release of this uplifting heartbreak anthem and his awaited comeback.
‘Love Me Out Loud’ feels exactly like the kind of song a pop star should return with. Why was this the right track to introduce this next chapter of your career?
To be honest I wrote it in the studio and within 5 minutes or hearing the first demo i knew it had to be a single. so i feel the song kind of led the way on this project and it was the reason i wanted to get back out there with new music.
The title itself is incredibly powerful – ‘Love Me Out Loud’ suggests wanting love that is open, unapologetic and unafraid. What does that phrase mean to you personally, and how did it become the heart of the song?
Well, I think its the frustration of wanting someone to love you the way you want to be loved and they cant quite get to the point of the greatness of what love should be. I think everyone has been in that situation of falling for someone who isnt the best for you and whilst your willing for it to work you know you deserve better at the same time.
Heartbreak and disco-pop might seem like unlikely companions, but the contrast works brilliantly. What drew you to exploring such an emotional subject through such an uplifting, dancefloor-ready sound?
I was inspired by a lot of Robyn’s songs – shes great at those heartbreaking lyrics married with the heavy synth and dance beats! And I dont think many male pop artists do that so i wanted to lean into it slightly.
Do you use songwriting as a personal outlet? And if so, was creating ‘Love Me Out Loud’ a liberating experience where you could channel your own emotions and experiences?
Totally, I always use my own stories during songwriting as I think its a great way of story telling and connecting with an audience.
You’ve achieved so much throughout your career and become one of the UK’s most celebrated vocalists. How do you hope your music continues to connect with people, and what message would you like to share with the fans who have supported you throughout your journey?
I just hope people enjoy the music but it also makes them feel good. I think with anything I have done I have always tried to maintain authentic and do it in my own way as I feel thats when you are really connected with those who join you on your journey. I think i always wanted to give message of resiliance and finding the joy in little moments when things always dont go according to plan.
You took some time away from releasing music before returning with this single. What did that hiatus give you creatively and personally, and did stepping back change your relationship with music and the industry?
I think the pressure is off for me now i have maintained a long career for nearly 20 years and this era of music is about having fun and not having any boundaries about the music i want to make.
What’s one thing you spent your time away doing that fans might not expect – something you’re particularly proud of?
I mean i was constantly touring and working still just not writing and recording so i suppose maybe running lots of half marathons and swimming.
How have your experiences across different genres shaped the artist you are today, and do you think they’ve given you more freedom to experiment creatively?
Totally, i think the joy of crossing different genres and styles means you can always blend them in some way and thats really exciting to be able to do that.
‘Love Me Out Loud’ blends the sweeping nostalgia of classic disco with an unapologetically modern pop feel – it’s a real song-of-the-summer contender. How did you approach creating something that celebrates the past while still feeling fresh, and who were your musical influences?
I think we leant into the nostalgia of 70’s disco and also some 90’s references. but we put our own twist and flare on it. i was inspired but other artists such as dua lipa, jessie ware, robyn.
After more than 15 years in the spotlight, what motivates you creatively now, and what’s still to come? More shows, more music, or something completely unexpected?
I think I always aim to have fun but push myself outside of my comfort zone slightly and try things that i maybe a few years back was afraid of musically. There is lots more music and lots my live shows and lots more fun to come…