James Bay: My new album’s Eighties style meant losing hat and the hair

James Bay has told how the movies and music of the Eighties influenced his latest album — and a new look.

The Hold Back The River singer, who has ditched his trademark hat and is sporting a wet-look haircut after cutting his long locks, said he was “really proud” of Electric Light, released last week.

“The Eighties aesthetic and sounds have come from different artists and some movies,” he said. “Musically, Prince, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Blondie and all those have inspired me. Movie wise, Blade Runner and Drive, which was clearly influenced by the time.”

He said the album, which includes the track Pink Lemonade, has “lots of pop culture references from that era”, and he had “played around with a lot more toys in the studio”.

The 27-year-old, whose new look is reminiscent of a young Johnny Depp, said the music had called for a “change of visual”.

“When I listened to the second album I said to myself, I’m going to present myself differently,” he said. “I’ve played every single show since I was 20 in a hat and that was many years before I met my record label and I was doing that very intentionally.”

He added: “I’m so proud and grateful for the reception for my first album [The Chaos And The Calm].

"But as an artist I feel like it’s my responsibility to evolve and push my boundaries.”

Next week, he will start a UK tour with his first gig at London’s Roundhouse, which he described as “a special venue”.

James Bay plays the Roundhouse on Tuesday, May 29. Electric Light is out now.