Hayley May

Hayley May: The Dynamic Voice of UK Pop-Rock
Hayley May is a British singer-songwriter who has carved a distinct niche in the contemporary pop-rock landscape. Hailing from Manchester, England, she achieved mainstream recognition with her 2018 debut album 'Start a Fire', which charted in the UK Top 20 and spawned several certified singles.
Early career
Born in 1994, Hayley May began her musical journey in her teens, performing at local venues across Manchester. Her early independent releases, including the 2015 EP 'Fragments', showcased her blend of anthemic pop melodies and guitar-driven energy, catching the attention of several indie labels.
Breakthrough
May's major breakthrough arrived in 2017 after signing with independent powerhouse LAB Records. The lead single 'Burning Out' from her forthcoming album became a sleeper hit, receiving heavy rotation on UK radio and eventually earning a Silver certification in the UK for sales exceeding 200,000 copies.
Key tracks
Burning Out — This breakthrough single defined her signature sound and secured her first major chart placement.
Start a Fire — The title track from her debut album became a live staple and demonstrated her songwriting depth.
Echoes — A later collaboration with producer Jonathan Vears, this track showcased a more electronic-influenced direction.
Paper Planes — This fan-favorite B-side highlights her acoustic roots and lyrical storytelling.
Following the success of her debut, Hayley May toured extensively across the UK and Europe. Her sophomore album, 'The Loudest Silence', released in 2021, debuted at number 15 on the UK Albums Chart and featured a notable collaboration with fellow British rocker Frank Turner on the track 'Battle Lines'.
Her music often draws comparisons to artists like YONAKA for its blend of dark pop and rock intensity. The anthemic, guitar-based quality of her work shares DNA with You Me At Six in their pop-punk evolution. Listeners who enjoy the empowered lyrical stance of PVRIS will find a kindred spirit in May's songwriting. Furthermore, her melodic sensibilities connect with the arena-ready sound of Maggie Lindemann.
Hayley May's dynamic pop-rock anthems are a regular feature on alternative rock radio stations and modern rock formats. Her music maintains a strong presence on online rock radio streams that champion guitar-driven pop, ensuring her songs reach a dedicated and growing audience.
Listeners can discover the powerful pop-rock catalog of Hayley May by tuning into the radio stations featured on our website. Her music is regularly played across a variety of independent music radio stations and genre-specific channels available on onairium.com.