By Lina Irawan 
The release of a new Troye Sivan project is rarely just a musical drop; it is an aesthetic event. With his latest single and accompanying visual, "Party," Sivan continues to cement his status as one of pop music’s most vital visual storytellers. The track, which serves as the second offering from his highly anticipated upcoming album She’s the Best (due October 9), is a high-octane, stomping electro-dance anthem that bridges the gap between modern club culture and historical queer resilience.
The Sound of Celebration: A Nod to Pop Royalty
At the heart of "Party" lies a bold, infectious soundscape that feels both nostalgic and distinctly contemporary. The track samples Madonna’s iconic, chart-topping Hot 100 hit "Music," a choice that underscores Sivan’s deep reverence for the lineage of dance-pop royalty.
"Party" was a collaborative effort, written by a team including Sivan, Leland, Tyde Mellet, Rob Feher, Kaelyn Behr, Elvira Anderfjärd, Tove Burman, and Luka Kloser. The production, spearheaded by Mellet, Feher, Behr, and Sivan, leans into a rhythmic, bass-heavy structure designed for the dance floor. By sampling the Queen of Pop, Sivan isn’t just paying homage; he is positioning his own work within the continuum of dance music that defines the queer nightlife experience.
A Cinematic Odyssey: From Medieval Knights to Modern Revelry
The music video for "Party," directed by the visionary Gordon von Steiner, is a lush, sprawling, and unapologetically racy production. Filmed at a grand, historic castle in Berkeley, England, the video juxtaposes the austerity of medieval aesthetics with the uninhibited spirit of a modern rave.
Sivan stars as a knight in shining armor, a role that serves as a playful subversion of traditional masculinity. Between sequences of choreographed sword fighting and opulent banquet hall scenes, the video descends into a series of "sexy shenanigans." The imagery is bold, capturing a sense of freedom that feels both timeless and urgent.
The collaboration between Sivan and von Steiner has become one of the most fruitful director-artist partnerships in modern pop. Having previously directed the clips for "Got Me Started," "One of Your Girls," and the Grammy-nominated "Rush," von Steiner has cultivated a visual language for Sivan that is synonymous with sensuality, high-fashion styling, and fluid movement.
The Voice of Experience: Sir Ian McKellen’s Cameo
Perhaps the most striking element of the "Party" video is the inclusion of legendary stage and screen actor Sir Ian McKellen. Providing an introductory voice-over, McKellen delivers a monologue that anchors the video’s thematic weight: "The conquest is nearly behind us. Fires blaze from one end of the realm to the other. And what is victory, if not celebrated? For at long last, a party."
The connection between Sivan and McKellen is long-standing, dating back to when Sivan was just 14 years old and the two worked together on a production of Waiting for Godot in Perth. For Sivan, securing McKellen for the narration was a deeply personal milestone.
"I was so excited to ask him and so excited that he said yes," Sivan shared. The choice of McKellen—an icon of the LGBTQ+ community—to narrate a story about queer joy and nightlife adds a profound layer of historical significance to the project.
Chronology of an Anthem: Development and Concept
The genesis of "Party" stems from a series of conversations Sivan held with von Steiner regarding the nature of nightlife and the queer experience.
"We both take partying quite seriously," Sivan remarked in an interview for the Billboard Pop Shop Podcast. "It can be this very transcendent and almost spiritual experience. Especially as queer people, I think that nightlife is often the first time that you find yourself in a space where you’re not the minority."
This realization sparked a creative investigation into the history of communal celebration. The duo began to ponder the nature of queer social spaces throughout history. "We were like, ‘Surely people have always partied in some capacity, and surely queer people have always partied in some capacity,’" Sivan explained. "What would this party have looked like 100 years ago, 200 years ago? It just unlocked this whole feeling and world that was just so much fun to dig into."
Implications: The Queer Lineage and the Future of Nightlife
The narrative arc of "Party" is built upon the concept of "queer lineage." Sivan sees the video as a way to honor those who came before him while inviting the next generation to partake in the same spirit of community and liberation.
"Sir Ian McKellen doing the voice-over was important to me because it’s this idea of queer lineage and each generation setting the stage and showing the younger generation: ‘This is where we gather, this is what we do, and this is one way to really connect with your community,’" Sivan noted.
By filming in a medieval setting, Sivan is effectively arguing that the need for a "safe space"—a place to dance, express oneself, and be among peers—is an ancient, fundamental human desire. The "Party" is not merely a song; it is a declaration that queer existence is, and has always been, worth celebrating.
Looking Ahead: The Arrival of She’s the Best
As the release date for She’s the Best approaches on October 9, "Party" serves as a definitive tonal marker for the album. Following the lead single and title track, "Party" showcases an artist who is leaning into his confidence, expanding his sonic palette, and refusing to separate his music from the political and social realities of his community.
The anticipation surrounding the album is palpable. If "Party" is any indication, the record will likely be a masterclass in blending high-concept visuals with dance-floor-ready production. Sivan has successfully evolved from a teenage prodigy into a seasoned pop auteur, one who understands that the power of a song lies not just in its melody, but in the story it tells about the people listening to it.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Survival
"Party" is more than just a catchy dance track; it is a testament to the resilience of the queer community. Through his collaboration with Gordon von Steiner and the blessing of an elder statesman like Ian McKellen, Troye Sivan has created a piece of art that demands to be felt.
As listeners gear up for the full release of She’s the Best, they are invited to step into the world Sivan has constructed—a world where the party is never just a distraction, but a vital act of self-preservation and communal joy. In the words of the track itself, when the conquest is over, the only thing left to do is celebrate. And in the realm of Troye Sivan, the party is just beginning.
Laily UPN 
Ammar Sabilarrohman 
Raul Delapena Setiawan 