Draft:Grace Hayhurst

In August 2021, Hayhurst self released debut EP Existence is Temporary^[2] as an answer to her own experiences with existentialism^[3].

"This is a neat first acoustic sign of life from Grace Hayhurst that should appeal to fans of atmospheric instrumental prog as well as post rock aficionados" noted Dario Albrecht, Co-Founder of The Progspace^[4]

Soon after, Hayhurst wrote more music about her own mental health, releasing single I'm in a Battle Against My Brain in 2022^[5]. This release led to a wider audience discovering her through outlets such as Prog Magazine^[6], and cemented her status as a newcomer in the progressive music scene. She later went on to play the High Taste at Home Festival^[7] which led to further raising of her profile.

Fuelled by an enthusiastic audience response, as well as going on tour with Kyros and Ihlo^[8], she continued working in the studio over the next couple of years to put together her debut full length record, The World is Dying^[9].

In early 2025, the first single was released with an elaborate music video^[10] to go with it featuring hospitals and lumber jacking with many setting shots in Central London, her hometown. Come May 2025, the second single Take Off was released.^[11]

On June 27th 2025, The World is Dying was released to the world to much acclaim as her most elaborate work yet.^[9] Featuring her own compositions, a myriad of orchestral instruments including herself on French Horn, as well as drummer Robin Johnson (Kyros). The record peaks with 13 minute epic Revolution. Other notable contributing artist was Ray Hearne from Haken on additional percussion.^[12] Revolution was listed as one of the best prog metal songs of 2025^[13].

Additionally, the record was mastered by notable engineer Jon Moon^[14], who is known for his work with Amy Winehouse at Sensible Music Studios, alongside many other artists.^[15]

Hayhurst cites many influences in interviews such as Emerson, Lake, & Palmer, Rick Wakeman, Yes, and Opeth that have led her down the path of musical creation she's in today.^[16][17][18]

In 2024, Hayhurst took over Sensible Music alongside Shelby Logan Warne from former owner Jeff Allen (musician).^[19][20]

"When the opportunity to take over Sensible Music was presented to us, we knew turning it down wasn’t an option," comments Hayhurst. "It seemed like a natural next step to combine my entrepreneurial skills and musical passions together to take Sensible Music to the next stage of its life as a beacon of musical recording heritage."^[1]

In the past, Sensible Music has laid host to Amy Winehouse, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Whitney Houston, Sting, Celine Dion, Mick Taylor, Faithless, Fontaines D.C, Quincy Jones, The Last Dinner Party, and more through it's recording, mixing, and rehearsal spaces.^[21][22][23]

Hayhurst has worked with a number of artists^[24] as a professional photographer in the progressive rock and progressive metal scenes such as Haken, Ihlo, Cephid, Joe Payne, iamthemorning, Kyros, Temic and more having had her work featured in Prog Magazine^[25], amongst other publications.