A Northern Rivers all-female ensemble known for their vibrant, soulful melodies, Hayley Grace & The Bay Collective's newest single reflects the therapeutic powers of Mother Nature.
Chilled, spacious grooves create an earthy melody of smooth, luscious tones awash with reggae-funk cosmic vibes, 'Mary Jane' bubbles with a trance-like peace.Written in the wake of personal trauma that instigated bouts of anxiety and depression, 'Mary Jane' speaks to those grappling with the weight of current world events.
"I wrote 'Mary Jane' during a time when I was suffering from PTSD," shares Hayley. "I lost my house during the [Northern Rivers] floods in 2022, which left my young family homeless for eight months.
"During this time, I suffered with anxiety and depression and Mary Jane was a great alternative to the pharmaceuticals that were being prescribed."
Ahead of the song's release tomorrow (21 February), scenestr is thrilled to premiere the music video for 'Mary Jane' (which Hayley directed and edited and features fun 8-video game animation courtesy of Georgie from Dassie Studios UK) today. Enjoy.
"The song serves as a reminder to find solace in nature's gifts and to embrace the therapeutic power of music and plant-based remedies," Hayley says.
"Our key message with this track is to shake the taboo around this subject and start a conversation around the benefits of the use of marijuana and music as medicine."
Formed in 2017, Hayley Grace & The Bay Collective have played both Bluesfest and Splendour In The Grass as well as releasing their debut EP 'High Vibes' in 2022.
Hayley is joined by Felicity Lawless on electric guitar, and a dynamic horn section with Ms. Eleneous on tenor sax, Chelsea Skyeater on alto sax, and Aya Trumpet on trumpet. The rhythm section comprises Daneel Cram on bass, Beck Flatt on drums, and Nikolaine Martin on keys.
"The animation aspect of the clip was creatively, a really fun project to make come to life," adds Hayley.
"It felt like a natural fit, taking us from reality to fantasy, given the message in the song and there's no other more powerful feminine iconography we could use than witches and their healing brews."
Hayley Grace & The Bay Collective 2024 Tour Dates
Sun 3 Mar - Hoey Moey (Coffs Harbour)Fri 8 Mar - Eat Street Markets (Brisbane)
Sat 9 Mar - Imperial Hotel (Sunshine Coast)
Sat 23 Mar - Ballina RSL (Northern Rivers)
