About That Song: Mae Simpson
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”
Chandelier & 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.
