Dent May

James Dent May Jr., known professionally as Dent May, was born on May 6, 1985, in Jackson, Mississippi. His early academic pursuits included studying English and Southern Studies at Ole Miss (University of Mississippi), where he developed an appreciation for musicians like Serge Gainsbourg and Lee Hazlewood. Prior to his solo career, May was a member of The Rockwells, a Mississippi power pop group. His professional music career commenced in 2007, marked by the self-released demo album, “A Brush With Velvet.” This period laid the groundwork for his distinctive sound, blending elements of psychedelic pop, synthpop, indie rock, and new wave.

May gained initial recognition with his 2009 debut album, “The Good Feeling Music of Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele,” released by Animal Collective’s label, Paw Tracks. This release established him as a musician capable of crafting pop songs, often featuring the ukulele. His independent artistic approach continued with subsequent albums on Paw Tracks, including “Do Things” (2012) and “Warm Blanket” (2013). A significant career milestone occurred in 2011 when Animal Collective selected him to perform at the All Tomorrow’s Parties Festival. May later relocated from Mississippi to Los Angeles, a move that coincided with his signing to Carpark Records. Under this label, he released “Across the Multiverse” in 2017 and “Late Checkout” in 2020. He also co-founded Cats Purring, described as a “North Mississippi Infotainment Cult,” operating from the Cats Purring Dude Ranch in Oxford, Mississippi.

His latest album, “What’s For Breakfast?,” released in 2024 through Carpark Records, signifies a shift towards a more guitar-driven rock sound, while maintaining his focus on songwriting. May’s career is marked by a consistent output of original material and collaborations. He operates the Honeymoon Suite recording studio in Los Angeles alongside two other artists. His discography includes numerous singles, showcasing his evolving musical style and commitment to songwriting as his primary artistic focus. His work has been described as impeccably crafted pop.