Gen X Artist Scotlyn May Embraces Midlife Crisis With 80s Rock Inspired Debut Single, 'Middle of the Night'
From breakup to startup. Crisis to midlife metamorphosis. Scotlyn May released her debut single "Middle of the Night" on October 23, 2026. May recorded and produced the self-written pop-rock song in partnership with Canadian producer Ken O'Gorman in their respective Los Angeles and Toronto-based studios. A cross-country collab from a powerhouse vocalist with elements of 80s rock and wistful nostalgia, and a touch of her Texas roots.
"Middle of the Night" is the first release from this Canadian-American Gen X artist, who learned the hard way, after a longtime tech career setback, to lean into who you really are, or the universe may force you to do it. The song explores themes of perceived perfection, disappointment, starting over, and ultimately choosing yourself, showcasing Scotlyn's evolution from slighted corporate writer to budding songwriter.
May says, "I wanted to embrace my midlife metamorphosis and just show you can start over and do your thing at any age."
"Life is hard. It slaps you in the face from time to time. And as women, it's even harder, especially in midlife. We're expected to just fade into the background when we hit our mid-40s. We become invisible. I say no way. We're powerful and wise. We're beautiful and strong. We've been through it. We matter."
"Midlife is both an exciting and challenging time. Millennials and Gen X'ers are busy caring for our children and aging parents at the same time. We're trying to balance career and life and not completely disappear into our roles as worker bees and caregivers. Some of us have health challenges and other setbacks to deal with as well. It's easy to lose your individuality in all the chaos. That's where art and human connection come in. My advice? If you've got something to say, just say it. Sing it, write it, crochet it, build it, draw it. You never know who might be inspired. Share your superpower with the world. Don't be shy. The world needs voices and creativity at every age."
A longtime singer in the jazz, choral, and session worlds, May is excited to find her own voice on her debut solo project. Inspired by the 80s and 90s music of her childhood, she hopes to bring a fresh face and a teeny tiny dose of optimism back to the generation of self-reliant skeptics. Well, fresh enough. Whatever.
Connect with Scotlyn May:
Canadian-American Gen X artist & powerhouse vocalist. Inspired by the 80s & 90s music of her childhood. Learning the hard way to lean into who you really are, or the universe may force you to do it.
