Troye Sivan’s ‘Party’ Features Gandalf Narration
Troye Sivan’s latest single, “Party,” blends a sample of Madonna’s 2000 hit “Music” with a baroque music video directed by Gordon von Steiner. The clip casts Sivan as a medieval knight and is narrated by Sir Ian McKellen’s Gandalf. The track, part of the upcoming album *She’s the Best*, showcases S…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On September 17, 2026, Australian pop star Troye Sivan released the second single from his forthcoming album She’s the Best. Titled Party, the track draws heavily on Madonna’s 2000 single “Music,” weaving the iconic hook into a contemporary dance framework. The song’s release was accompanied by a striking music video that pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling.
Baroque Meets Pop: The Video Concept
The video for “Party” was crafted by director Gordon von Steiner, known for his lush, period‑inspired visuals. In the clip, Sivan portrays a medieval knight, complete with armor and a broadsword, as he navigates a stylized, candlelit hall. The setting evokes the grandeur of Renaissance courts while the choreography remains firmly rooted in modern dance, creating a juxtaposition that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Adding a unique narrative layer, the video features a voiceover by Sir Ian McKellen, who famously portrayed Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings film series. McKellen’s deep, resonant narration guides viewers through the knight’s journey, lending an epic tone to the otherwise playful track. The choice of Gandalf as narrator underscores the video’s blend of fantasy and reality, a hallmark of Sivan’s artistic vision.
Musical Innovation: Sampling Madonna
“Party” samples Madonna’s “Music,” a track that dominated dance floors in the early 2000s. Sivan’s producers re‑contextualized the sample by layering it over a new beat that emphasizes repetition and hypnotic rhythm. In a statement released with the single, Sivan explained, “Dance music sounds very different on a dance floor than it does coming out of your laptop speaker. The repetition becomes almost hypnotic, and I wanted to play with structure in that way.” This approach highlights Sivan’s willingness to experiment with song form, turning a familiar hook into something that feels both nostalgic and novel.
Album Context and Collaborations
“Party” is the second single from Sivan’s upcoming album, She’s the Best, slated for release on October 9, 2026. The album follows his 2023 project Something to Give Each Other and promises a blend of pop sensibilities with deeper lyrical themes. Sivan announced the album last month, revealing the title track and hinting at a roster of high‑profile collaborators.
In the music video for the title track, Sivan teams up with fellow Australian actress Nicole Kidman, who also stars in the film Boy Erased. Kidman’s presence adds a layer of gravitas to the project, showcasing Sivan’s ability to attract top talent from across the entertainment industry.
Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
Music critic Walden Green, who joined Pitchfork in 2024, reviewed the album in an article that appeared on his personal blog. Green praised Sivan’s “bold experimentation” and noted that the album’s use of classic pop samples demonstrates a respect for musical history while pushing forward into new sonic territories. The review, which also touched on the broader cultural implications of Sivan’s work, was widely shared on social media, further amplifying the single’s reach.
As Sivan continues to evolve as an artist, “Party” serves as a testament to his willingness to blend genres, eras, and storytelling techniques. The track’s success will likely influence other pop musicians to explore similar cross‑generational collaborations.
What’s Next for Troye Sivan?
With “Party” and the title track already generating buzz, fans can expect a series of live performances and behind‑the‑scenes content leading up to the album’s release. Sivan has hinted at a possible tour in early 2027, which could feature elaborate stage designs that mirror the baroque aesthetic of the “Party” video. Additionally, the artist has expressed interest in collaborating with other actors and musicians to expand the album’s narrative depth.
While the album’s full tracklist remains undisclosed, the growing anticipation suggests that Sivan’s next project will continue to challenge conventional pop structures and celebrate the fusion of classic and contemporary sounds.
Key facts
- Troye Sivan’s single ‘Party’ samples Madonna’s 2000 hit “Music”.
- The video, directed by Gordon von Steiner, features Sivan as a medieval knight and is narrated by Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellen).
- The track is part of the upcoming album *She’s the Best*, due October 9, 2026.
- Sivan’s approach emphasizes hypnotic repetition, aiming to transform familiar hooks into new dance floor experiences.
- Nicole Kidman appears in the title track’s video, showcasing high‑profile collaborations.
- Critics praise Sivan’s experimental blending of classic samples with modern pop.”]
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Why it matters
Troye Sivan’s integration of a Madonna sample with a fantasy‑themed video demonstrates how contemporary artists can honor musical heritage while crafting fresh, genre‑blending experiences. The collaboration with Sir Ian McKellen also highlights the growing trend of cross‑disciplinary storytelling in pop music.
Sources
- [1] pitchfork.com — originally reported as “Gandalf Narrates Troye Sivan’s New “Party” Video”
