Troye Sivan has shared insights into the inspiration behind his latest single “Party,” set for release on his upcoming album “She’s the Best” on October 9. In a candid interview with Zane Lowe on September 29, the 31-year-old singer discussed how his new track encapsulates the exhilarating feeling of losing oneself during a night out. Notably, he achieved this with the help of pop icon Madonna by sampling her iconic 2000 hit “Music.”
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Sivan recounted how the collaboration came to fruition, highlighting Madonna’s willingness to grant permission for the sample. “She was lovely about it. Made it super easy,” he stated, revealing that the process of incorporating such an influential song was less daunting than one might expect. His admiration for Madonna runs deep; he described her song “Like a Prayer” as one of his earliest musical memories and credited her with profoundly shaping his artistic identity.
Interestingly, Sivan noted that the idea for “Party” originated from a Lady Gaga interview. He was struck by Gaga’s reflections on the nightclub experience, where the thrill of moving from club to club can create an endless evening. This inspired Sivan to think about the sensation of being fully immersed in a night out, free from the constraints of time.
Often, Sivan imposes self-imposed limits while enjoying nights out, such as feeling compelled to leave by 3 a.m. “The best thing ever is when I push through and I’m like, ‘No, why am I setting these imposing rules on myself?’” he acknowledged with a laugh. This approach influenced the core theme of “Party,” which embodies the euphoria of letting go and celebrating life without boundaries.
As Sivan described it, the structure of the song reflects a “cyclical” nature, promoting a sense of continuity synonymous with a well-enjoyed evening. He intended for the track to evoke that pivotal moment at a party when one becomes lost in the music and the atmosphere. Reflecting on this sensation, he said, “You can kind of feel the heat of one of the lights on your face and ‘Music’ by Madonna is playing at this party, and you’re just kind of lost in that moment.”
The official music video for “Party,” which Sivan directed alongside Gordon von Steiner, further develops this theme. Rather than portraying a straightforward representation of modern partying, the video traverses through different eras, showcasing the deeper significance of dancing and revelry, especially within queer spaces. Sivan expressed his belief that such gatherings represent more than mere leisure; he sees them as vital acts of resistance, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.
Recalling his formative experiences with queer nightlife, Sivan shared a poignant memory from when he first entered a gay bar in Cape Town. For him, it was a transformative experience that made him feel part of a community rather than a minority. This highlights the important connection between celebrating identity and the freedom found in nightlife.
In a significant moment for Sivan, he recently met Madonna at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, where they joined forces with Charli XCX to present the award for Best Dance. The occasion marked a milestone for Sivan, as it was an opportunity to connect with one of his musical inspirations in person.
The eagerly anticipated “She’s the Best” album will include “Party” and is set to showcase Sivan’s evolution as an artist. With themes of liberation and self-discovery woven throughout, fans are left to look forward to what promises to be a celebratory and introspective body of work. As Sivan prepares for this release, the connection he has forged with Madonna through “Music” cements his status in the pantheon of contemporary pop artists while honouring the legacy of those who paved the way.