Joel Corry reveals why he nearly DIDN'T release 'Head & Heart' with MNEK
It was a huge hit in 2020!
Last updated 1st Nov 2023
Following the release of his debut album 'Another Friday Night', Joel Corry has shared the story of one of his biggest hits, 'Head & Heart' with MNEK.
The song was released in July 2020, amidst the worldwide Coronavirus Pandemic, which lead to several lockdowns around the world, and as Joel explains he wasn't sure if he should release the song, saying: "We released 'Head & Heart' in July 2020, Covid was taking over the world."
'Head & Heart' nearly wasn't released
Joel explained: "It was like no gigs... I actually nearly didn't release the song as a DJ, it just felt so weird to like release a record when there was no clubs for me to DJ in, and then I just was thinking, I'm not going to release this, I'm just going to hold on to it."
He went on to say: "But luckily, I changed my mind and I was like, you know what? Let's just get it out, when I look back at it now, I actually think it was kind of special, that we released it during that time, because I've had so many messages since, and people were like, that track gave me positive, positive vibes, and it made me feel good at the time that like I was really down and obviously everyone was going through a really difficult period.
"So I think the song actually really uplifted people and I'm proud of that. MNEK is such an amazing talent, I'm so proud to like call him my friend as well, but I'm just so glad that we go to do 'Head & Heart' together and there's no one out there in the world that I'd rather do with than him.
"Obviously the biggest moment from 'Head & Heart' was that it went to Number 1, it was my first Number 1 single and MNEK's first Number 1 single too, so we shared that together. So happy to be like part of his journey and when we look back it's always going to be. really special moment for both of us."
Luckily for us, Joel did release the song, and it became a hugely popular song, not only did it go to Number 1 in the UK, it was also certified 4x Platinum and 269 million views on YouTube.
As well as releasing his debut album, which is full of bangers, Joel has started his UK tour, and he will also be performing at VOXI Presents KISS Haunted House Party, in Liverpool, on 28th October. Tickets are available now!
You can hear songs by Joel Corry on Forth 1.
Take a look through Joel Corry's fantastic collabs:
2019: 'Sorry'
'Sorry' was the song that got Joel Corry noticed in the music industry. The summer anthem was featured on Love Island and became the 'most Shazamed track in one day, with 41,000 Shazams'!
The song was a cover of Monsta Boy's 'Sorry (I Didn't Know)', and although not credited, featured the vocals of Hayley May.
Hayley, who appeared on Britain's Got Talent back in 2013, is a singer/songwriter, who has worked on a lot of dance music tracks. She has also featured on two of Joel's previous tracks 'Good As Gold' and 'Fallen'.
2020: 'Lonely'
Joel's follow-up to 'Sorry' was 'Lonely', which featured his sister in the music video. Despite not crediting the singer on this track, it featured Harlee.
Not much is known about Harlee (real name Harley Jayne Sudworth), but she has also featured on 'Afraid' by James Hype and 'Last Night' by Digital Farm Animals. She is also a songwriter and at the end of 2022 revealed she plans to release some of her own music in 2023.
The music video has now had more than 29 million views.
2020: 'Head & Heart' with MNEK
Joel Corry and MNEK teamed up for their 2020 hit 'Head & Heart', and what a banger it was!
'Head & Heart' celebrated more than 10 weeks at Number 1 in the UK, with a massive 61 weeks in total in the chart. It also became the duo's first UK Number 1.
2021: 'Bed' with David Guetta and RAYE
In 2021, Joel, along with David Guetta and RAYE released 'Bed'. The song was a huge hit reaching Number 3 in the UK and being certified Platinum in the UK.
Speaking about working with RAYE, Joel told us: "The first time I met RAYE in the studio, we just instantly clicked and I just knew that I wanted to work with her so much."
2021: 'Out Out' with Jax Jones featuring Charli XCX and Saweetie
What a collab! 'Out Out' with Jax Jones, Charli XCX and Saweetie was another big hit for Joel. The song topped the UK dance chart and was written by Joel, Jax, Charli XCX and Saweetie, along with a team of writers.
2021: 'I Wish' with Mabel
'I Wish' became Joel's sixth Top 20 hit in the UK. The song was written by a huge team of writers including some famous names such as MNEK, Jess Glynne, Harlee (who featured on 'Lonely'), and of course Joel Corry.
'2022: What Would You Do?' with David Guetta and Bryson Tiller
'What Would You Do?' with David Guetta and Bryson Tiller was released back in March 2022. Although Joel and David had worked together before, this was the first time they'd teamed up with American singer/rapper Bryson Tiller.
2022: 'History' with Becky Hill
Joel Corry and Becky Hill had been teasing a collab for a long time, and finally in August 2022 they dropped 'History', along with a futuristic music video. The song was a Top 20 hit for the pair.
2022: 'Lionheart (Fearless)' with Tom Grennan
Friends Joel and Tom Grennan released their song 'Lionheart (Fearless)' in October 2022. The song became an unofficial World Cup anthem supporting the England team after a version called 'Lionheart (Come On England)' was released at the time of the football tournament.
2023: 'Dance Around It' with Caity Baser
Joel and Caity Baser joined forces on 'Dance Around It'. Speaking about his song, Joel said: "'Dance Around It' has been killing it in my club sets. Working with Caity on this record has been so much fun, she's really talented and I love her energy. The track feels super fresh and it really shows off Caity's personality. I'm buzzing to 'Dance Around It' all summer!"
2023: '0800 Heaven' with Nathan Dawe and Ella Henderson
Joel Corry, Nathan Dawe and Ella Henderson released their banger '0800 Heaven' back in June 2023, followed by an acoustic version a month later. The trio's song was written by Nathan and Ella, with Ella telling us: "This has happened very, very fast. The next thing you know he's (Nathan) sent it to Joel, Joel rings me and he's like, 'I want to come on it, we've got to do it together', and then, here we are, it's happening! So, we're absolutely buzzing.
"It is a really fun record," she continued.
2023: 'Drinkin'' with Rita Ora and MK
Joel Corry, MK and Rita Ora have released their new collab 'Drinkin'', after premiering it at Ibiza Rocks in August 2023. On the day of release they also shared the visualiser with clips from their performance.
2024: 'Higher' with Nathan Dawe and Sacha
Nathan Dawe, Joel Corry and Sacha teamed up for a song called 'Higher'. 'Higher' will be released on 23rd August 2024.
Now read:
Joel Corry embarks on tour ahead of debut album release
VOXI Presents KISS Haunted House Party 2023: Get tickets now!
Joel Corry drops his debut album 'Another Friday Night' with a heartfelt message to fans