The 17-year-old songster’s passion for music was fostered from an early age when she grew up watching her dad perform in his band. She originally toggled between singing and playing bass, but eventually found her calling when she stumbled upon an old Italian acoustic guitar that belonged to her father.
Since finding that guitar she has written more songs than she can remember and self-published a seven track EP titled “Speak,” which she sold all 150 copies she had made in a “heartbeat.”
In January, Mae was signed by New York City manager, Randy Eisen, and he introduced her to her current producer, Hal Cragin, who she is currently working on a new album with. I sat down with Mae to discuss her songwriting, live performances and what the future holds for this promising young songwriter.
What do you feel the biggest challenges are
for you as a young musician?
As I have been experiencing music is a really hard field to get into because they look at more than just your talent – they go by your looks – your personality – your age and of course your talent – they look at everything. And most importantly you have to fill the niche they are looking for, but I am not going to change what I do or who I am for fame.
How would you describe your sound?
It is actually a fusion of A Fine Frenzy and Tristan Prettyman. A Fine Frenzy is produced by my producer, so I kind of got her background music, but I am more of a Norah Jones/Tristan Prettyman voice and style.
How do you approach writing a song?
In my opinion, I am not very good at guitar, so I always try to figure out a chord progression and once I figure out a catchy melody I just kind of sing words to it to see what it will sound like and usually the words that I sing are the song. They just come out – I can’t explain it.
Do you have a major theme in your songs?
Life – love – all my experiences. It is very personal, but I try to make it so other people can relate to my experiences.
What is the best compliment you have ever received about your songwriting?
Probably whenever somebody recognizes that my music is really deep, to me that is so complimentary because I am a deep thinker and observer and for someone to actually notice that I look so much into everything I encounter, that is very important to me.
What did it feel like the first time you performed live?
It was definitely nervewracking. Even before I first performed it got to a point where my mom would walk into my room and I would stop playing. Then when I had to do my first open mic I was so scared – I was shaking – I even ran outside afterwards because I had convinced myself that I had been bad.
How important are open mics to young performers like you?
For a musician that is starting out they are very important. They are great for getting your name out there especially when you are trying to pursue a career. Getting your name out there is very important and going to open mics around the country gives people the opportunity to recognize you and hear your style.
You recently played at the Living Room in New York City. What was that experience like?
It was definitely my best show ever. New York is like no other, it is a whole different crowd. Around here people sit and listen but they always have that coffee conversation, but down there everybody is dead quiet. It’s all eyes on you and it’s so respectful and so much fun. It’s just a different crowd.
What is in store for the future?
Well, we are producing a few more tracks and we submitted the three demos we produced to a bunch of labels and four of them are very interested right now. We are just waiting for one of those to bite and hopefully my career will take off from there.
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