HAYLEY McKAY & DAVID NEIL CRABTREE "NORTH RIDING"

International award-winning singer-songwriter Hayley McKay and acclaimed producer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter David Neil Crabtree come together as North Riding Band — a transatlantic folk-Americana project forged not in theory, but on the road, across 40+ shows through the deep South of the United States. McKay, a multiple award winner including UK Entertainer of the Year at the Hot Country TV Awards Ireland, has built a formidable solo reputation with a voice often likened to Eva Cassidy and Joni Mitchell, sharing stages with artists such as Tom Jones, Albert Lee and The Shires, while also co-writing in Nashville with Grammy-nominated writers. Alongside her, Crabtree brings over 15 years of experience as a songwriter, producer and instrumentalist, shaping the duo's richly textured, cinematic sound.

Their collaboration as North Riding was born during an immersive American tour — writing songs in Texas, Nashville and South Carolina, drawing directly from the landscapes, characters and mythology of Americana itself. The result is a body of work that blends North East England's storytelling heritage with the wide-open emotional sweep of U.S. roots music — rich in harmony, narrative and atmosphere. Their debut single Frio River, written on location in Texas, captures that spirit perfectly — a sun-drenched, evocative track that helped secure national airplay and industry attention, including support from legendary broadcaster Bob Harris, who championed them as a New Horizon artist on BBC Radio 2.

Praised by The Telegraph for their "beautiful voice & moving lyrics, infectious pop melodies with country influences," North Riding are fast establishing themselves as one of the UK's most compelling modern Americana exports — where Appalachian echoes meet Northern grit, and every song feels lived-in, road-tested and deeply authentic.

Individually, both artists bring remarkable depth to the collaboration. Hayley McKay has steadily risen through the UK and international Americana scene as one of its most distinctive voices — an artist whose songwriting blends vulnerability with strength, earning critical acclaim, major award recognition, and radio support at the highest level. Her ability to command both intimate acoustic settings and major stages has made her a standout performer, with a reputation built on emotional delivery, authenticity, and a voice that stops audiences in their tracks.

David Neil Crabtree, meanwhile, is the architect behind much of the North Riding sound — a seasoned songwriter, arranger and producer whose musical instincts draw from across the Americana, folk and roots spectrum. With years of experience both in the studio and on stage, Crabtree brings a deep understanding of songcraft and sonic texture, creating the atmospheric backdrops that elevate their material. Together, their combined artistry forms something greater than the sum of its parts — a partnership rooted in storytelling, musical chemistry and a shared journey across continents.