Photos by Bobby Singh – James Bay is a British singer, songwriter, and guitarist born on September 4, 1990, in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England. He began his musical journey at a young age, learning to play guitar and piano, and started writing songs in his early teens.
Bay gained international recognition with the release of his debut album “Chaos and the Calm” in 2015. The album featured hit singles such as “Hold Back the River” and “Let It Go,” which received widespread success and earned him numerous accolades, including three Grammy nominations.
His music is known for its blend of pop, rock, and soul elements, with emotionally-driven lyrics and his signature raspy and soulful voice. Bay’s influences range from classic rock artists like Eric Clapton and Fleetwood Mac to soul icons such as Otis Redding and Ray Charles.
Since his breakthrough, Bay has released two more studio albums, “Electric Light” in 2018 and “James Bay” in 2021. Both albums showcased his growth as an artist, experimenting with different sounds and genres while maintaining his distinct style.
Away from the music scene, Bay is also a supporter of various charitable causes and has used his platform to raise awareness about mental health issues. His music and performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide, and he remains a prominent figure in the contemporary music industry.
ABBY HOLLIDAY
Nashville-based singer-songwriter, Abby Holliday, has been writing songs for as long as she can recall. The 25-year-old burgeoning young artist is best known for exploring serious themes without taking herself too seriously. Bearing resemblance to the sonic qualities of female icons Phoebe Bridgers and Japanese House, Holliday’s songwriting is a unique intersection of sad vibes, introspective lyricism, and modern pop sensibility. Holliday attempts to examine her external world as a skeptic — not a cynic and her internal world with honesty — not cruelty. By way of the journal entries that she calls her songs, Holliday invites others to do the very same.
