In the 26th edition of our special series, Sarah talks to the Minnesota-based songwriter and powerhouse vocalist about game-changing songs and moments in her musical journey.
About That Song #26
In our special series, singer-songwriter Sarah Morris interviews artists about the songs that shaped them.
Hi! I�m Sarah Morris. I�m wildly in love with songs and the people who write them. There have been a few songs in my life that have been total gamechangers�songs that made me want to be a songwriter and songs I�ve written that made me feel like I am a songwriter. About That Song is a space where I can learn more about those pivotal songs in other writers� lives.
In the 26th edition of this series, I connected with Mae Simpson, a Minnesota songwriter known for her powerful vocals, distinctive soul-funk Americana blend, and high-energy shows. She�s just released her full-length debut album and has two previous EPs under her belt. I wanted to learn a bit about defining moments in Mae�s artistic journey.
Mae Simpson. Photo credit: Brandon Lenzmeier.
Sarah: Hello Mae! It�s so good to meet you. Congratulations on the release of your first full-length album, Chandelier & Bloom; it�s fantastic! It immediately catches the listener by way of its crisp production and your stunning voice, and it�s filled with catchy melodies and smart lyricism. I�m excited to learn more about your journey as a songwriter. Do you remember the song that you heard that made you want to be a songwriter? Tell us about that song.
Mae: So many songs! Tina Turner really inspired me; just the power and raw emotion you got from her. Made me want to write powerful music that stands out.
Sarah: Oh yes! Tina Turner! I got to see her perform a few years back at Target Center and she was AMAZING. Do you have a favorite Tina Turner song? Or a Tina Turner moment?
Mae: There are so many, but I feel like �What�s Love Got To Do With It� really was a breakout time for her and you can really feel the emotion and truth behind that song.
Sarah: Yes, her performance of that song is just such a powerful display of emotion through singing.
Once you began writing, did you feel like a writer immediately? It took me a few years of writing before I believed it�was there an �a-HA! I AM a songwriter!� moment?
Mae: I did! Not a super awesome one at first but I understood that I was telling a story. I feel like I have many �aha� moments, even today, where I write something that takes me to the next level of writing in my own mind.
Sarah: Here�s to having continued �aha� moments! I think that�s one of the little thrills that can be found in writing�there is always room to grow. On your new album, the title track �Chandelier & Bloom� has a hook that is so joyful. I loved the way that the melody and your voice actually bloom on the word �bloom.� I read that it was inspired by an actual chandelier at an impactful gig�can you tell us about that song?
Mae: We opened for Dermot Kennedy at the Fillmore a year and a half ago. When we walked on stage there was a beautiful chandelier and the whole room was lit up blue. So the original lyrics were �Chandelier and Blue.� However my guitarist Jorgen thought it would be pretty cool for it to be �Bloom.� I liked that too. That�s where the song started, in a room full of people and blue lights with a massive chandelier. One of those moments that stays with you for years.
Mae Simpson. Photo credit: Brandon Lenzmeier.
Sarah: What a special moment, and a gift to have then captured that magic in song! Your album closes with the song �Mountains,� which nods to traditional roots in its arrangement, with the echoing harmonies and the most triumphant of melodies. Can you tell us about that song?
Mae: �Mountains� was the sure choice on how to end the album. Here you are, and you just went through a whirlwind of emotions. Highs, lows and in betweens. Somehow �Mountains� brings you back. Solid, home, safe. It�s finding that balance between great passion and being content. Going fast and slowing down. From being bold, to settling your thoughts.
Sarah: That�s a balance I seek often, and also maybe a pendulum I swing wildly between! Did you co-write that song or was it a solo write? Was it one of those songs that leapt out from you, or did it take a bit of time to take shape?
Mae: Well, lyrically and vibe-wise I came in with the song. However, my vision for it came to life because of my other members�they each put their own flair into it. So I think of it as a collaboration. I can pick out moments from �Mountains� that each person had a hand in to create the feeling!
Sarah: It�s such a cool thing to listen to a recording and get to pick out the specific contributions from your friends/collaborators. One last question: Where can we hear you sing that song (or any song for that matter) in the coming year? Any big plans for 2024?
Mae: 2024 will be awesome! We will be touring in the south with our new album Chandelier & Bloom which I am pumped about. Many festivals and other plans are in the works. We can�t quite announce it yet. Stay glued to our website for more future shows!
Listen to �Mountains�
Mae�s Facebook Mae�s InstagramChandelier & Bloom Album Credits
Mae Simpson: Lead vocals, lyrics on all
Jorgen Wadkins: Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin
David Kellermann: Electric bass
Aaron Silverstein: Drums, backup vox on 1,4,6,10,11
Ricardo Romero: Aux percussion
Paul Pederson: Trumpet
Brian Powers: Saxophone, backup vox on 4,6,11
Engineer: Tom Garneau
Produced by Brian Powers, Mae Simpson Music
Maura Dunst: Violin, backup vox on 7,13
Toby Marshall: Hammond
Recorded at Hideaway Studios, Minneapolis MN
Mixed at Creation Audio
Nikki Lemire: Backup vox on 7,10,13
Steph Snow: Backup vox on 7,13
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Morris. Photo credit: Tom Smouse.
Sarah Morris is a superfan of songs and the people who write them, and a believer that certain songs can change your life. A singer-songwriter / mama / bread maker / coffee drinker who recently released her fifth album of original material, she�s been known to joyfully sing with people in her Big Green Bathroom.
