Joe May, is a songwriter and producer equally inspired and inhibited by humor, heart, and self-awareness, dissecting his journey through life with laughter and quiet vulnerability. His forthcoming studio project, Mild Adversity & Shallow Heartbreaks, is a testament to this craft—a house of mirrors that reflects both the sincerity of its creator and the playful wink of someone who doesn’t take himself too seriously. Rooted in the smooth, sunlit sounds of ‘70s west coast pop and filtered through May’s sharp wit, it’s an album that revels in its detail and intention while never losing sight of the impermanence of it all.

For May, a Brazilian-born, North Carolina-based artist, music is not merely an escape or a statement; it’s a way of processing the messy contradictions of life itself. Inspired by the sonic worlds of smooth rock legends like Wings and Steely Dan, Mild Adversity & Shallow Heartbreaks (MASH) blends warm brass counterpoint, tight arrangements, and a sense of grandeur with his sly humor. “You can be silly AND methodical,” May says. “This project was about letting others in, working everything out as we went, and finding joy even in the goofiest corners of music.”

Collaboration and community serve as the guiding stars of MASH. While Joe wore countless hats on this project—writing, performing, producing, mixing – he intentionally opened the doors of his creative world to others. After his touring band, Pluto Gang, went into hiatus, May found himself grappling with a period of personal upheaval—reshaping his voice against the backdrop of deeper self-discovery and a newfound appreciation for collaboration. “I’ve done the thing where it’s just me in my room making demos,” he says. “It’s so much better when I just let people in.” 

Starting over in Charlotte, May began attending open mics and hosting private jam sessions in his home studio, Alta Mira Studios, curating a band made up of like-minded musicians who clicked both musically and socially. “When I saw that everyone in the final ensemble was looking for similar experiences and really enjoying the lighthearted collectivism of this new project, I knew we had something special.”

Designed from the ground up with a collection of analog gear, Alta Mira was the heart of the album's creation. “I built the studio around many of my favorite pieces of classic American and British analog audio gear. If I want it to sound like my favorite classic records, I should use the same tools as them, right?” explains May. “Also, doing my own recording and mixing is just a great match for my control complex – I need to be able to rerecord parts or make mix changes the instant new ideas arise.” 

The studio has since become a resource for the local music scene, as May often works with other regional artists to record, mix, and produce their projects. “I love producing other people, and I’m so flattered by how many clients let me into their creative process to hear my suggestions on how to evolve the songs – if I’m being honest, I’d rather be producing full time than on the road nonstop” he adds. 

On the stage, Joe’s dynamic live presence transforms his songs into an electric, communal experience. He draws audiences in with his magnetic energy and commanding, yet approachable style. Whether he’s hosting a high-energy dance party with his band or weaving stories between songs, May’s performances are as much about connection as they are about sound.

He has captivated audiences at festivals like Shakori Hills Grassroots Fest, Mental Awakening, and Front Porch Fest, where his performances showcase a balance of ambitious musicianship and infectious playfulness. May’s ability to bring people together has grown, opening for Spafford at The Neighborhood Theatre, and headlining shows at classic venues like the Visulite Theatre—including an album release show on 5/16/25 with The Psycodelics, reflecting his rising prominence within the regional scene.