Joe May

I spent the last couple years chasing a big-band rock vision inspired by my favorite ’70s soft rock records. I wrote the tunes, worked with a horn arranger, recorded it all at home, and eventually took it on the road with a 9-piece band.

It was chaotic, exhausting, and deeply rewarding. I’ve spent this spring recharging, and revisiting these shows to mix them has been just a real treat!

I’m really proud of what we made together. Month of Mondays (Live) — capturing that chapter — is out now.

📸

NEW LIVE ALBUM OUT TODAY

My next studio album is almost dressed and ready to dance; the sound is changing, and I’m not ready to say farewell to the big band era yet. So “Month of Mondays” is out now on all streaming platforms. It features highlights from all our shows last year with the 9-piece big band, with horn parts and covers arranged by North Carolina’s very own Brad Wilcox.

Cheers, see you all again very soon.

Drums:
Percussion:
Bass:
Guitars: and Jake Austin
Trombone:
Trumpet:
Sax: .sax
Cover Photo:
Horn Arrangements: .wilcox.7315
Keys, Vox, Mix by yours truly

NEW LIVE ALBUM THIS FRIDAY

I’ve been working on a new studio record that’s heading somewhere different… but I’m not quite ready to close the book on the big band chapter.

So before we move forward, I’m releasing Month of Mondays (Live)—a snapshot of last year’s 9-piece shows, exactly as they felt in the room. Live. No safety net. No quarter.

Out in 4 days.

“Break Me Down” by MENASTREE ( ) is out today — recorded, mixed, and mastered by yours truly.

We tracked the entire song live, in one take, with no overdubs at my home studio, Alta Mira. Eight musicians in the living room — horns, drums, vocals, the works — all happening in real time. This session pushed me and my setup to a new level, and maaaan I’m really proud of what we made here.

Menastree is the real deal, y’all! I’ve been seeing them play around town for years, and have always been blown away by how tight they are; growing to be friends and collaborators has been a real delight.

If you’re an artist who wants to capture that lightning-in-a-bottle live recording feeling, or you’re tired of overthinking in the studio, hit me up. Let’s turn on the red light and see what happens.

Box Score: 12/16/25, Secret Warehouse Show for , undisclosed location near Harrisburg, NC. Show #45

That wraps up the year for us here folks! I hope you all have a lovely holiday and a happy new year. May 2026 be lighter and easier for all of us! Oh- and new album is alllllmost ready 😉

Better late than never: Box Score 12/6/25 Charlotte, NC with & show #44

📸 .balentine

Charlotte, NC! Lets groove tonight at The Visulite— Three local bands, sit ins abound… and let’s face it, it’s cold and humid outside, so come turn up the heat with us.

🖼️ by

Box Score: 11/14/25, Raleigh, NC, with , Show #43

Lovely show turned into a long weekend back home. Thanks for hanging with us. Caitlin Krisko kicks ass, y’all gotta see them! We’re back in CLT at with and on 12/6