Italian songwriter, producer, and singer May Rei crafts evocative musical worlds where ethereal melodies intertwine with rhythmic depth. Her productions fuse analog warmth with shimmering electronic textures, resulting in a distinctive alternative pop sound.
She has released several works on her independent label, Einklang Records: Epiphany, The Bite of the Witch, It’s All About Phases, “Here and Now,” and “Tender Hands.” Her upcoming album, set for 2026, continues to expand her artistic vision. Based in Germany since 2007, she continues to explore new dimensions in sound and music production.
With “Tender Hands” out now, we took some time to hear from May Rei. Read below to learn more about May Rei, the story behind “Tender Hands,” and what’s to come.
Hi May Rei! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
Hi, thanks for having me! “May” refers to the Marian month of May, the month of spring, rebirth, and female magic. It represents renewal and the strength of femininity. “Rei” comes from panta rei, the idea that everything flows. I flow like a river, I welcome change, and I’m always becoming.
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I’m originally from Barletta, in Puglia, southern Italy, and I’ve been living in Germany for almost 20 years now. I’m currently based in Munich.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I had my first experience as a singer in a band with friends when I was 18. After moving to Germany, I began collaborating with local musicians and performing live. In 2014, I bought my first second-hand synth and started composing my own tracks. In 2019, I earned a certificate in Electronic Music Production at SAE in Munich, and that’s when I launched my solo project, May Rei, and founded my independent label, Einklang Records. Since then, I’ve been fully committed to shaping my own music and artistic universe.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
I’d describe my sound as emotional alternative pop with a strong electronic heart. I mix soft, intimate vocals with atmospheric synths, warm analog tones, and storytelling that looks inward. My music lives between nostalgia and a futuristic vibe — delicate but powerful. I work with ethereal soundscapes, pulsating synth waves, and hypnotic electronic elements to create songs that touch people emotionally and still make them move.
Do you see yourself singing a song in Italian someday?
Why not? Maybe. Who knows?
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I love watching B-movies, reading, and dancing. These things help me switch off and recharge. B-movies inspire me with their atmosphere and unusual stories, reading gives me new ideas and emotions, and dancing allows me to physically express music and explore rhythm in a personal way.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
I draw inspiration from artists who mix emotion, rhythm, and atmosphere, such as Grace Jones, Depeche Mode, Moby, Kraftwerk, Massive Attack, and Sade. Their sound and presence have shaped the way I approach music, blending intimacy with bold, cinematic textures.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
Releasing music that is entirely self-produced, from writing to production to mixing, is something I’m deeply proud of. Each release feels like a milestone in trusting my artistic voice.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
To stay independent in my mind, even when the industry becomes noisy. To trust my instincts. And that real progress comes from consistency, not perfection.
Now onto your release, “Tender Hands.” What inspired this song? What is “Tender Hands” about?
“Tender Hands” started when a spontaneous vocal melody emerged over a beat. I always start from the music itself, letting the sound shape the mood and story.
I originally titled the session “Troll” because the mood felt ironic and cynical. Over time, the song evolved into a reflection on narcissism and emotional emptiness, and finally into a statement of resistance against violence toward women, reinforcing its message of awareness, respect, and authenticity in love. It tells the story of a man, James, who believes he can buy love with money while deceiving himself and others. Musically, the track blends analog bass, piano, rhythmic guitar, and strings that I wanted to be the highlight, emphasizing the emotions.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “Tender Hands?”
The cover, like the video, is deeply symbolic. My red dress and the position of my hands represent resistance against violence toward women, reinforcing the song’s message of awareness, respect, and authenticity in love. I wanted the artwork to convey both vulnerability and strength, combining mystery with emotional depth. Its minimal yet intense style reflects the intimacy of the track.
What was the creative process like when making “Tender Hands?”
For “Tender Hands,” it all began with a beat and improvised humming. I always start from the music itself. From there, I layered analog bass, evolving strings, dramatic piano, rhythmic guitar, and orchestral arrangements. The process was about letting the sound shape the mood and inspire the story, balancing intimacy with energy to capture both vulnerability and tension. The song evolved as I worked on it, but the core intention was there from the very beginning.
How long did it take to complete “Tender Hands?”
From the initial idea in July 2024 to the final master, “Tender Hands” took several months to complete. I’ve also been busy working on other projects and my upcoming album, so progress was slower at times. Whenever I found some time, I returned to the track, giving it space to develop naturally and allowing both the emotional and musical layers to evolve until it felt complete.
What is your favorite lyric in “Tender Hands” and why?
One of my favourite lines is: “Those tender hands you once held won’t make the same mistake again.” It’s about learning from emotional mistakes, recognizing vulnerability, and moving forward without repeating past patterns. My hope is that one can recognize a toxic relationship and avoid it.
What message or messages do you hope fans take away from “Tender Hands” and your music in general?
I hope listeners feel both seen and empowered. “Tender Hands” is about recognizing emotional emptiness, the importance of respect in love, and the courage to move forward. More broadly, my music explores vulnerability, identity, and resilience encouraging fans to embrace change and authenticity in their own lives.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
I’m currently working on my new album, with “Tender Hands” planned as the first single, set for release next year. It will come out after the new album from my electro duo, Hertzen, which is scheduled for spring 2026. In recent months, I’ve been moving more slowly because I’ve been focusing on songs for my other projects. Right now, Hertzen’s upcoming album has my full attention as we finalize the tracks. The biggest advantage of running my own label is that I can set my own deadlines, giving me the freedom to balance multiple projects while staying true to my creative vision. I’m also preparing live sets for upcoming Hertzen performances, with dates to be announced soon on my socials.
Where can we follow you on social media?
You can follow me on social media here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayreimusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayreimusic
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayrei
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
