Okay, another one for y’all from MOBO UnSung’s 2014.
Hayley May may been starting out in her early stages to her career, but the singer has be pulling the right stops to work with the likes of Wretch 32 and producers Bodhi, Ben Cullum and Alex Davies. She even secured more producing collaborations with the likes of Matty Benbrook (Paulo Nutini).
Image: www.mobo.com
She recently performed at the #BuskABox event at Shoreditch. Others saw her on Channel AKA. Some can recall her audition on Britain’s Got Talent last year.
With such an amazing voice, we guess many of you are intrigued to find out more about this artist.
Read our interview after the jump.
- Thanks for exclusively having a chat with us Hayley May! One word to describe your response of being a MOBO UNSUNG 2014 Finalist.
First of all thanks for asking for the interview! As for being a MOBO finalist….Honoured!
- You recently performed at Shoreditch’s #BusktheBox. What was the experience like?
#BusktheBox was a great experience. It’s so lovely to see people casually walking by and taking the time to stop to listen. Was a great atmosphere and location right next to Shoreditch station. Some more sun would have made it perfect!!
- For the sake of our readers, tell us a little something about yourself.
I’m a northerner from Halifax in West Yorkshire. At the moment I’m working at a Magistrates Court in London full time…desperate to get out. Aside from music being my main focus in life, I’m a huge fan of the Harry Potter books. J.K Rowling is a genius!! 🙂
- Define music in three words.
Magical, Emotive, Essential.
- Not only are you a singer, you’re also a keen songwriter. Already, you’ve collaborated with Wretch 32 and Eli Ingram in recording a track that you’ve written. How does it feel to gain a written collaboration with such a huge artist?
Having an artist of that status show interest in something I helped to create fills me with confidence. It gave me a boost and proved that the love I put into music is appreciated and can contend with what’s out there.
- Plus, you’ve also worked with producers Bodhi, Ben Cullum and Alex Davies. Did they produce any of your written material?
Yes I’ve worked on all my own material with Bodhi, Ben Cullum and Alex Davies. We came out with some great songs and really appreciated the input and ideas they shared. I think it’s important in general for artist and producer to have levels of involvement in all aspects of writing a song. Developing from scratch together works best for me.
- One word to describe your music material and voice.
Honest.
- You released an original song “My Joy” that got you to the MOBO UnSung shortlist. Any other original songs in the ropes?
Always new material in the pipeline! I want to get my music out there…both old and new. I’ve got such a catalogue of songs and so many new ideas I need to share!!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-swKQtQ6fk?rel=0&w=560&h=315]- You cite Lauryn Hill and Prince as your strong inspirations. Are there any other musicians that have influenced your music and the songs that you write?
From being really young I’ve always been drawn to a strong soulful vocal and Motown definitely introduced me to that sound. I’ve had quite a mix of influences over the years… I remember one CD I’d always listen to started with Al Green and ended on DMX. As long as I feel the emotion in the delivery I’m satisfied.
10. You took a risk to move down to London. What attracted you to the city that made you to take this decision?
It took me a while to make the decision to move to London. All my family and friends were in the North but I knew to get the opportunities in music I’d have to make that step. Although I miss home I’m glad I did it. I’ve met so many wonderful people here and when it comes to music, London is the place to be!!
11. Any favourites from the Top 10 MOBO UNSUNG shortlist?
For me Mic Lowry stands out. They really have that Jagged Edge /Boys II Men feel to them which have always been a sound I’ve loved!
12. You like to collaborate with rappers in your material. If you could collaborate with one MC, who would it be?
That’s right. Rap/HipHop has been a huge part of my musical life and I love collabs. I think Kanye would be crazy to work with. Not only do I love his flow but he takes it somewhere else with the production.
13. Give us and update of what you’re doing now, where you want to be in a year’s time and how you’re going to get there. What’s next for Hayley May?
Right now I’m focused on getting an E.P together, writing for myself and also for other artists. I’ve got a great relationship with a production team called The Confectionery and hope to be working on some projects with them. Also I’ve been fortunate enough to be in the studio with Matty Benbrook recently who has done a lot of work with Paulo Nutini. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can create!
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for success in the MOBO Unsung competition and next year maybe a MOBO nomination….no matter what I’ll be continuing to strive to succeed :).
https://twitter.com/HayleyMayMusic
https://www.youtube.com/user/HayleyMaymusic