RnB singer-songwriter, Grace May, has just dropped the visuals for, ‘High Tide’.
The Toronto-born, New York-based neo-soul artists latest track showcases her beautiful vocal dynamics and soulful radiance.
May’s compelling vocals dominate the instrumental background with lyrics including:
“It is a high tide but you’ll be alright. You will learn to swim and keep your feet from sinking in. Hold your head above the water.”
The video captures May in a live performance but with pure vocal control.
The 22-year-old admits she pulls her inspiration from her hometown of Toronto, Canada, which radiates creativity and culture.
Grace studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music where she gained extensive experience as a background vocalist and enhanced her own abilities as a songwriter.
She said:
“The best part about studying at Berklee was being surrounded by artists and musicians whose work ethic pushed me to be the best I could be.”
May seeks to create oozing melodies and captivating soundscapes like her musical motivators Lianne La Havas, H.E.R., Emily King and Charlotte Day Wilson.
We caught up with Grace May ahead of the release of the enthralling visuals for ‘Hight Tide’. We discussed all things Berklee College, ‘High Tide’, and the notable names she has performed backing vocals for.
Hey Grace, how would you describe your track, High Tide?
I would describe “High Tide” as a Pop/R&B ballad about patience and perseverance. With this video, I wanted to capture the energy of a live performance that could deliver a different feeling than the studio version.
What genre(s) would you say you fall into?
R&B Singer-Songwriter.
You have such a beautifully unique voice! Who would you say you go to for inspiration?
Thank you so much. Current artists that I draw inspiration from are Lianne La Havas, H.E.R., Emily King and Charlotte Day Wilson. These women are all multi-instrumentalists with unique artistry, vocal control and soul, and exceptional song writing skills. I listen to them every day and it would be a dream to work with any one of them.
Growing up, did you always want to go into music?
Growing up, I knew music came relatively naturally to me, that it gave me joy and that it would always be a part of my life. It was when I was 18 and applying for colleges that I realized music was more than just a hobby and that I would pursue a career in it full-time.
You studied at Berklee College of Music. What was that like?
I couldn’t have imagined studying anywhere other than Berklee. It was a lot of work, juggling a full course load while pursuing a music career, leading studio sessions from 2-6am and then class at 9am the next day. But as stressful as it was, it was what I was passionate about. And the best part about studying at Berklee was being surrounded by artists and musicians whose work ethic pushed me to be the best I could be.
We understand you’ve performed as a backing vocalist for many notable names. Tell us more!
Jeff Ramsey (former backing vocalist for Lalah Hathaway and the late Al Jarreau) and Canadian artists Phe and Jessie Munro.
Can we expect many more releases this year?
I absolutely plan to release more music this year. I’m currently working on my next single entitled, “Angel”.
We know we will be hearing more about you in the future but what are your ultimate goals for this year?
My ultimate goal for this year is to release an EP. I plan to gig as much as I can, and continue to write music. There are no limits to what I want to achieve musically this year, I’m just going to keep working hard and trust the creative process.
For more information on Grace May, click here.