NE AOTY 2021 Hayley McKay

[Hayley McKay] [Hayley McKay]

McKay continues delivering the feel-good factor, with global results Considering all in which humanity has endured for the better part of the past 18 months, a little bit of feel-good music has gone a long way to keeping us all, well, sane, throughout that time. And that is just what the beautiful, heart-warming sounds, as well as those harmonious vocals, of Darlington’s Hayley McKay, have done – not only kept people sane, but afforded the masses, of which there are many, across the globe it seems, that same heart-warming, feel-good factor. On the back of her successes the previous year, Miss McKay would be seen to begin this one with the release of her latest offering, amidst mass acclaim, she giving us that of ‘Wild West’ – she’s now just awaiting notice to be afforded by the legendary maestro that is ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris, to put the cherry atop of the icing. And, with an increasing number of gigs booked in as we further ourselves throughout the current year, it’s been little wonder she’s beyond excited at the success in which she’s thus far accumulated. “I really think that this (Wild West) has done better than what ‘Breathe’ had,” beamed Miss McKay, portraying that beautiful smile with which she possesses. “It’s been a constant learning curve for me, as I’m going, but I’m, understandably, really chuffed with how things have progressed so far, and I’m forever grateful for the coverage in which I’ve received.” Those gigs in which Miss McKay has had so far, well since everything has re-opened a little more to be able to do so, socially distanced of course, have afforded her the opportunity to dust the cobwebs off those delightful vocal chords. Of those outings, two were at the Forum Music Centre, Darlington, the first of which, a socially

distanced gig of her own, the second, an ‘In The Round’ where Hayley was joined by Kezia Gill and Biddy Ronelle, exciting the locals; there’s also been a session at Doctor Browns over in Middlesbrough, where she shared the bill with Beth Macari, and Jen Dixon – another, stunning, talented trio of talented musicians. Speaking of her two ‘home’ shows in Darlington, Hayley added: “I’ve had two, really great gigs here, and I’ve loved being back out on stage. “The first was with my full band line-up, including the fiddle, which was really special; it was a socially distanced gig and was a sell-out. “The other one, that was another sell out, where I organised a country ‘In The Round’ singer songwriter, showcase night. “This included myself, Biddy Ronelle and Kezia Gill, both of whom are fantastic artists, and Kezia has recently been championed by Bob Harris on BBC Radio 2; it was a great evening.” That coverage, globally, from all quarters between that of America, to Australia, and many places between, would go on to see her reach #11 in the iTunes, top of the Banks Radio Australia charts, received airplay on BBC Big Country and BBC Introducing (of course), whilst also being named the Nova Radio North-East Track of the Week (early May 2021); that’s as well as having the video, and interviews, on Sky TV, Fresh Country TV, and on Hot Country, among others. “That video, it was recorded at The Forum (where she’s based), with extra footage mixed into it to give somewhat of a wild western feel,” continued Hayley. “Although at the time of recording I was constantly thinking about the ABBA track, Knowing Me, Knowing You.’ “When I recorded ‘Breathe’ say, that was more of an upbeat track, based on the lockdown’s of last year, whilst ‘Wild West,’ although similar in a way, it has a more rootsy feel to it. “That’s me though, always looking at, and doing, something different, whilst trying to give my music a British feel to it, without pigeonholing myself into specific genres.” It’s a good thing Hayley mentioned Breathe(again), not only is it one of her finest offerings (they all are really), but this particular release took on a life of its own in some ways, including it having been used in a short film via a local, north-east production company, Lone Pine Pictures, in County Durham. “Yes, Breathe is featured in the recent short film, Floppy Toast with Drippy Butter by Lone Pine

Pictures,” explained Hayley. “It has won various international film festival awards and the film itself, it has a strong message giving hope, and Breathe gets played during the end credits of the film.” Whatever she’s done though, Hayley’s music has always been met with a wondrous response, understandably so, especially if you’ve been privileged enough to see her perform live. Whether that be from the fans themselves, or from those within the industry as a whole, Hayley most certainly plays to her strengths, and there’s plenty of them on show, it’s just the Bob Harris conundrum she’d love to re-solve. “He’s great; I enjoyed spending some time with him a few years ago,” Hayley says of the iconic, music aficionado. “That really would be the icing on the cake if he spun my track(s); but I’ll keep trying, you just have to really.” Alongside her singing, Hayley also runs music clubs, and teaches, all of which go hand-in-hand as she continues with her progression, her grand plan. The increase in publicity over the past year or two, has helped her exponentially, whilst she continues to go about her daily, busy life. “Releasing the singles that I have done, they’ve been really good for overall,” continued Hayley. “My following has increased, and I’m getting my music onto television, and back into the likes of Maverick Magazine. “The past few years though, they have been rather busy, in a weird sort of way. “But I wouldn’t change any of it, just turn the negatives into positives, and maybe collab’ing more, writing more, and practicing more. “It’s all about those life experiences more than anything.” Hayley McKay already has a number of outings booked in for this year (as well as taking some for next year), to which include the following – 06.08.21 NE Volume Music Bar, Stockton (acoustic) 04.09.21 Winter Gardens, Blackpool - British Country Festival Hayley McKay mini-tour 10.11.21 Gulliver’s, Manchester 12.11.21 229 Club, London 03.12.21 The Globe Newcastle Keep up-to-date with all the goings on with Hayley McKay via her Facebook https://www. facebook.com/hayleymckaymusic Twitter https://twitter.com/ mckay_hayley and Website http:// www.hayleymckay.co.uk/ All Tour Dates can be found via - http://www.hayleymckay.co.uk/ tour-dates/ Promo photos courtesy of ‘Photography by Adam Kennedy’ and ‘Art of Noise’ and Hayley representing Stephen Connor’s ‘Feeling Versonic Podcast’ tee-shirt, in an idyllic setting….

ROMESH RANGANATHAN COMES TO THE CITY HALL FRIDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2019 WITH A BRAND NEW SHOW TICKETS ON SALE 10AM FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2018

Romesh Ranganathan is back with a brand-new show, The Cynic’s Mixtape, and it’s his most brutally honest show yet.

Fresh from The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, A League Of Their Own and Judge Romesh, he’s putting showbiz aside to deliver a carefully-curated selection of all the things he has found unacceptable since his last tour, including why trying to save the environment is a scam, why none of us are truly free, and his suspicion that his wife is using gluten intolerance to avoid sleeping with him.

Romesh’s cynicism has become his trademark, but since being nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2013 Edinburgh Comedy Awards this deadpan humour has become one of Britain’s most respected and popular comics. Now, though, it’s time for the Asian Provocateur to return to his stand-up roots for a while – there’s things he needs to point out, discuss and have a good moan about. Care to join him?

Show drops 2019, don’t miss it.

Tickets for Romesh Ranganathan are on sale Fri 28 Sep from 10am and are £26.50. Tickets can be purchased online at www. theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge)