Emo-folk singer and songwriter May Payne releases her new EP 'Keeper'
LISTEN TO ‘KEEPER’ EP HERE
PRAISE FOR MAY PAYNE
"I've not seen a reaction to a new artist like this in a long while." — Chris Hawkins, BBC 6 MUSIC
"I've never met May Payne, but she has made me cry." — CLASH
"Her oeuvre so far comprises of admissions that feel, through her soulful delivery and cinematic, expansive sonics, as if they're all her saying them out loud for the first time." — DIY
"London-based indie singer/songwriter May Payne has been on the rise on her local live circuit over the past few years, evoking moments of sweeping catharsis onstage."-— UNDER THE RADAR (Premiere)
"May Payne’s songwriting is exquisite, but it is her intimate, conversational way of speaking to listeners that will surely find fans everywhere. Just magnificent. " RECORD OF THE DAY (Song of the Day "The News")
"On the other side of heartbreak and regret, ‘Solid Ground’ captures the thrill of falling in love and learning to trust again." — LOUD WOMEN (Single of the Week)
"Her songs build enchanting, melancholic worlds that recall Phoebe Bridgers, and her vocals are superb. Between the heartache she is hilarious, walking the crowd through bad relationships, questionable decisions and the pros and cons of her love life." — GOD IS IN THE TVZINE
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Following a remarkable series of singles that have established her as one of the UK's most compelling emerging songwriters, emo-folk artist May Payne releases her highly anticipated new EP ‘Keeper’.
Bringing together some of her most personal songwriting to date, ‘Keeper’ explores the complexities of love, heartbreak, regret and emotional renewal. Featuring the previously unheard title-track ‘Keeper’ and “North Star”, alongside acclaimed singles “The News”, “Martha, I'm Sorry” and fan favourite “Solid Ground”, the project offers a deeply affecting portrait of an artist navigating significant changes in her life.
Reflecting on the release, May explains: “I’m so proud to have this project out in the world. Each song is a little emotional fragment of some of the most important events of the last few years of my life, and to see them all together and see the throughlines running between them is so special.”
Throughout the EP, she demonstrates an extraordinary ability to capture the emotional contradictions of relationships. “The News” confronts the devastation of watching a former partner move on almost immediately after a breakup, while the sprawling, nearly eight-minute “Martha, I'm Sorry” explores the complicated guilt of ending a relationship with somebody she still loves.
Meanwhile, “Solid Ground” introduces a brighter perspective, capturing the exhilaration and uncertainty of falling in love again. Already a firm favourite at her live performances, the track balances newfound happiness with the lingering instinct to anticipate disappointment. With North Star, wondering if it could be mentioned that it is about mourning the loss of childhood and trying to grapple with change and growing up etc.
The arrival of “North Star” provides listeners with another previously unheard piece of the project, mourning the loss of childhood and trying to grapple with the need to move forward through the world.
Recorded with her live band in the living room of a secluded Welsh cottage, ‘Keeper’ embraces an organic approach to music-making by using real instruments throughout its creation. Working alongside Sean Rogan and Rhys Jiang, Payne deliberately avoided MIDI, loops and click tracks, allowing the natural chemistry between musicians to shape its rich, emotionally immediate sound.
Originally from Dorset and now based in London, May Payne has attracted growing national recognition through her captivating performances and remarkably honest songwriting.
Following autumn support dates with Francis of Delirium and Quiet Houses, Payne will celebrate the release with a special headline performance at Bermondsey Social Club, London, on November 19th.
Beautifully intimate yet emotionally expansive, ‘Keeper’ brings together the experiences that have shaped Payne's recent years, transforming moments of vulnerability into songs of remarkable warmth and resonance.
UPCOMING LIVE DATE
19.11.26 - London - Bermondsey Social Club (Headline Show)
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