Interview: Joe McElderry Finds Freedom on the Dancefloor with ‘Love Me Out Loud’

One of the UK’s most celebrated voices Joe McElderry is dancing his way into a new era with Love Me Out Loud – a glitzy disco-pop anthem that transforms heartbreak into glamorous dancefloor euphoria.

With irresistible nods to ’70s disco and ’90s club classics, the single showcases a fearless and creatively liberated side of the singer. We caught up with Joe to talk about the personal experiences behind the song, embracing nostalgia, how his theatre career has shaped his artistry, and why this new chapter might just be his most exciting yet.

You’re beginning a compelling new era with ‘Love Me Out Loud,’ the disco-pop heartbreak anthem we didn’t know we needed. Can you share the moment or experience that sparked its inspiration?

It was a number of moments. I think in my 20`s I had many times where and kind of fell for somebody and you know from the get go its not going end well. But its also the chaos of heartbreak and the emotions you go throught when it all goes wrong. 

It feels like an instantly modern, dancefloor-ready song of the summer while also nodding to classic ’70s disco, transporting us into an addictive, glittering soundscape. Was it intentional to create something that feels as mainstream and contemporary as it does nostalgic?

Yes, we really wanted it to kind of flick back to the 70’s disco sounds but also a nod to the 90’s too. I am so glad that people picked up on those references. I feel we are all enjoying the nostalgia of music at the moment so i wanted to lean into that with some of the sounds. 

‘Love Me Out Loud’ explores the complexities of heartbreak and all the intense emotions that come with it. Was the song inspired by your own personal experiences?

all of my writing is drawn from situations of my own. but i tend to pull it from many different areas of my life to create the story. this was about a break up i had many years ago and i kind of put myself back into the headspace and how it felt when writing this song. so its always personal to me.  

What does the chorus hook, ‘Why won’t you love me out loud?’ mean to you, and why do you think it will resonate with listeners?

i think love me out loud can mean many things. but when writing this we came from the frustration of wanting somebody to be what you want them to be and its that feeling of you know they will never step up to be the good person and you kind of living in that frustration and confusion of love and heartbreak. 

The message seems to be to leave frustration, confusion and longing at the door and head straight to the dancefloor. Do you think it’s important to transform pain into something liberating and uplifting through your music, and did you channel your own emotions into the writing process?

Yes, i think so. I think to grow from any situation we sometimes have step back and think how can i turn this moment into a positive. The song celebrates the chaos of sadness of love that we all cannot avoid. We really wanted to create the push and pull of a super sad lyric with the anthemic dance beats. 

With an extensive theatrical background – including a celebrated run as Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – there’s a noticeable sense of drama and emotional depth in the song. How do you think your theatre experience has helped shape your identity as a pop artist?

I think it does have a lot to do with that and I always like to bring in the different assets of performance styles i have done over the years. I think age is also helpful – you think about things slightly different and deeper as you get older. 

What’s one song that will always get you onto the dancefloor and help you dance your troubles away?

I am currently loving Madonna’s new album – she has a track with Martin Garrix called Bizarre and its my go to right now!

This marks your return to releasing music. Why did you decide to take a step back, and how has that time away allowed you to return feeling refreshed and revitalised for this next chapter?

I think i was busy touring and doing musical theatre firstly. But I also just felt the time was right and O had stuff to write about and say, and I think it feels natural and fun and exciting again which feels lovely. 

Speaking of this next chapter, is ‘Love Me Out Loud’ a good indication of what’s to come both musically and lyrically, or can fans expect a few surprises along the way?

There’s a few suprises the next track i have lined up has lots of different elements from pop musical theatre and opera but still very much a dance anthem! I think it may shock some people in a good way. 

Finally, what else can we expect from Joe McElderry in 2026?

Lots of touring and live shows and more music and fun!