James Michael Bay ( born 4 September 1990 ) is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist . In 2014 , he released his single " Hold Back the River " , which has been certified platinum , before releasing his debut studio album '' Chaos and the Calm '' ( 2015 ) . The album went to number one in the UK and number 15 in the US . In February 2015 , Bay received the Brit Awards " Critics ' Choice " award . At the 2016 Brit Awards he received the award for Best British Male Solo Artist . Bay also received three nominations at the 2016 Grammy Awards , for Best New Artist , Best Rock Album , and Best Rock Song . In May 2018 , he released his second studio album , '' Electric Light ''
2016 Brit Awards
2016 Brit Awards
James Bay (singer)