While this is our first time shining a light on New York crooner Mac Ayres, it’s likely that any soul and R&B junkies out there will be well aware of this promising talent following his searing 2017 debut, Drive Slow. Since then Ayres has been spending his days writing and recording in Brooklyn, and it was on such a day - alongside collaborator Chris Anderson - that the hook melody for ‘Stay’ first came into play. They then called on Jack Dine to come flesh out the track further - as Mac Ayres recalls: “A couple days later, I wrote the rest of the tune, recorded at Eusonia Studios alongside Jack and Chris, and this is what came of it. I hope when you listen to this, you can hear all the emotions that the three of us put into it.” The track is certainly rich with romantic feels from start to finish. With its roots firmly in authentic ‘90s R&B balladry, ‘Stay’ opens with a steady, respectful drum beat, setting the scene for those warm chords and Ayres’ sweet tenor. As the track progresses, so do the gospel vibes with those multi-layered electronic keys and harmonised backing vocals. Despite this gentle build, the song never bursts into full euphoria; this isn’t about shouting your love from the rooftops, it's an easy reassurance that your significant other will be there,despite obstacles and doubt. ‘Stay’ is the first single from Mac Ayres' debut album, Something To Feel, coming out later this summer. - Hannah Thacker