Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaela May.
Hi Michaela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been in the music industry for almost 15 years. I got my start while studying at university, and what began as a passion quickly turned into a career. I moved to London where I played countless gigs, joined songwriting circles, and even collaborated with Simon Ellis, who really believed in my work. That eventually led to signing with an independent label, and for a while my music was getting airplay across Europe on radio in places like Spain, South Africa, and the UK. I also started to get traction in the US from Sirius XM.
When that label folded, I had to reset and focus on honing my songwriting. A big turning point was moving to Toronto. In London I never felt things fully connected, but in Canada everything shifted. I became a full-time artist, had multiple songs on radio, and placements in commercials, movies, tv shows and global retailers like Zara. I’ve also written for other artists, some well-known and some emerging.
Another defining moment came when I had the opportunity to record in Nashville with some of the best musicians in the world. That experience helped me discover a new sound and, honestly, made me a better songwriter. It also inspired my pivot into country-pop—a space where I feel more authentic and happier than ever.
So far, I’ve released two EPs—Rogue in 2017 and Abyss in 2024 and the odd single in between both records—and now I’m preparing to release my third body of work. This one feels different. It’s organic, nostalgic, anthemic, and very true to me. I’ve released two singles “Wooden Walls” and “You And I” from the upcoming album wth full short film music videos to accompany them. This feels like the best music I’ve ever written, and I’m so excited for this new chapter.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Haha! No, absolutely not. It has been the roughest road of my life. I’ve been told no more than anyone should ever hear in their lifetime. I have had music stolen from me. I have had music executives say things that I cannot repeat here because it’s so disgusting. I have been so broke at one point where i didn’t know how on earth I was going to make rent. I’ve been asked by a music label if they could use my songs for an artist, that couldn’t sing or write, but they would be taking the majority of the publishing. I could go on and on with the horror stories, however, I don’t dwell on that. I focus on the positives. I’m sure these horror stories are prevalent for most people in the music business, it is like the wild west! Some incredible things have happened and are happening right now and i choose to focus on that. I have persevered through the cesspool, and now I’m experiencing the most amazing opportunities and collaborations I have ever been a part of. This part of my career is definitely the best yet!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Scottish-born, Toronto-based singer-songwriter, actor, and creative entrepreneur. I’ve been in the music industry for nearly 15 years, and I specialize in storytelling through country-pop and cinematic, lyric-driven songs. My music blends the honesty and grit of country with the polish and melodic sensibility of pop, and I’m known for pairing my songs with powerful visual concepts—whether that’s a music video, a short film, or a live performance.
What I’m most proud of is my upcoming body of work I’ve built independently—recording my album live off the floor at Blackbird Studios in Nashville with some of the best musicians in the world, writing and co-producing every song myself, and collaborating with some legendary people on this project, which will be revealed soon! I’m also proud of the resilience it’s taken to stay committed to my art and my dream, the pivot from pop to country-pop, to start over in a new country, and to keep building momentum globally through both my music and acting careers.
What sets me apart is my ability to merge disciplines—I’m not just a singer/songwriter, I’m also an actress and filmmaker, so my work has a strong cinematic and narrative edge. I’ve had my songs placed in TV shows and global playlists, acted in major projects alongside well-known names, and built multiple creative ventures. I think of myself as a renegade in the sense that I don’t follow a traditional path; I create opportunities rather than wait for them, and I’ve built a career that bridges music, film, and storytelling in a very unique way.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I have so many! But if i had to pick one – it was our summer holidays in Portugal with my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michaelamayofficial.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelamayofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelaMayOfficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelaMayOfficial
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelamayofficial
