A NORTH-EAST musician has found international fame after her latest single shot to the top of an indie country music chart.

Singer and guitarist Hayley McKay, from Darlington, released her song Thinking About Last Night digitally in April, and it quickly found fans around the world.

The country pop song – which was written for Hayley by award-winning Nashville songwriters Bill DiLuigi and Mary Sarah – quickly reached number one in the Ignition Country Charts and has firmly held a spot in the top ten since.

Hayley, who has been called “the up and coming apple of the British music industry’s eye” by America’s Elmore Magazine said: “I loved this song the second I heard it and I just couldn’t wait to put my own British spin on it.

“It’s wonderful to see it finding a place in people’s hearts the world over. I’m so happy that my music is bringing people joy during these surreal and difficult times.

“I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who’s downloaded and voted for Thinking About Last Night.”

A live acoustic version of Hayley's hit song, Thinking About Last Night

The song was also voted as one of the top three best new singles in Ireland, reached the top ten in the Valley FM Indie Charts in Australia, and won Hayley the Artist of the Week spot on Radio New Wheels in the USA.

Hayley originally planned to debut the tune at the C2C: Country to Country Festival, but decided on a digital release after the event was cancelled amid the Covid19 crisis.

Since the lockdown began, Hayley has been working on her music, writing new songs, teaching others via video chat, and raising money to support UK grassroots music through a virtual online tour.

Thinking About Last Night is now available on all digital platforms – including Spotify and iTunes – and via Hayley’s website at www.hayleymckay.co.uk.