Mae
Encyclopedia
Mae was an American alternative
/indie band that formed in Norfolk
, Virginia
in 2001. The band's name is an acronym for "Multi-sensory Aesthetic Experience," based on a course taken by drummer Jacob Marshall while a student at Old Dominion University
.
, in 2003. They released their second full-length album, The Everglow
, in 2005. The band toured extensively to promote it, and also performed on the Vans Warped Tour. Mae re-released The Everglow in 2006, adding three new songs and a two-hour DVD.
Later in 2006, the band signed to Capitol Records
for their third full-length album. Mae began recording the album in the fall of 2006, working with producer Howard Benson
(who has produced albums for Saosin
, My Chemical Romance
, Blindside
, and Relient K
). The album, titled Singularity, was released on August 14, 2007. On June 19, 2007, the band released the first single from Singularity, "Sometimes I Can't Make It Alone".
On September 24, 2007 Padgett and Sweitzer parted ways with Mae. The following year, Mae announced that they had split ways with Capitol Records. They also stated that they would embark on a new, experimental project, releasing one new song for each month of 2009. Each song would be available to download on their website for a minimum donation of $1, with proceeds going to humanitarian projects of Mae's choosing. Additionally, they would be compiling the monthly songs into three separate EPs entitled (m)orning, (a)fternoon and (e)vening, respectively.
In July 2009, Mae announced they were starting their own label called "Cell Records" through which they would release their three-EP set. In order to get in-store distribution Mae returned to their original label Tooth and Nail Records and signed a distribution agreement with the label. The (m)orning EP was released in stores and online on September 22, 2009. There was a limited edition scratch-and-sniff disk that was only available on their spring US tour and which was scented like the ocean (the band encouraged members in the crowd of their live shows to smell the disc during their song "The Ocean"). Mae released the (a)fternoon EP in stores and online March 30, 2010. The final EP, (e)vening, was initially available in a limited edition on the band's "Goodbye, Goodnight" tour. The EP was then released in stores and online on March 8, 2011 bundled with a DVD of their hometown farewell show filmed at The Norva in Norfolk, VA. The farewell show features 20 songs, with songs from each of their full length records and their three most recent EPs.
On May 7, 2010 word began spreading of Mark Padgett and Rob Sweitzer rejoining Mae for their upcoming fall tour. On June 19, 2010, Mae played a show in Singapore, and it was the first show since 2007 that included both Mark Padgett and Rob Sweitzer. On June 22, 2010, Mae's Dave Elkins confirmed on the band's forums that Mark Padgett and Rob Sweitzer have reunited with Mae. On June 28, 2010 Mae announced that their upcoming "Goodbye, Goodnight" Tour would be their last for the foreseeable future, marking their indefinite hiatus. On August 23, 2010, the newly reunited Mae including Mark Padgett and Rob Sweitzer played their first show back home in the US at Eureka College
in Eureka, IL - evidently gearing up for the Goodbye, Goodnight tour. On Saturday November 27, 2010, the band played what was billed as its last show at the Norva in Norfolk, VA. The show was filmed to be released on DVD. Mae's actual final performances consisted of two shows played on February 23 and 24 2011 at the Shibuya and Shinsaibashi locations of Club Quattro in Japan.
, and "Tisbury Lane", on Destination: B-Sides
.
After Mae finished their final tour, Dave Elkins began a new project called This Is Schematic. The project focuses on collaboration between artists, producers, and their supporters. Elkins created Schematic as a label since he feels the "music industry is broken and that a drastic improvement is necessary." Submissions for the label are currently being accepted and Elkins is currently working his own EP also under the name Schematic.
Jacob Marshall has formed the band River James with members of the band Army of Me
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
/indie band that formed in Norfolk
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. With a population of 242,803 as of the 2010 Census, it is Virginia's second-largest city behind neighboring Virginia Beach....
, Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
in 2001. The band's name is an acronym for "Multi-sensory Aesthetic Experience," based on a course taken by drummer Jacob Marshall while a student at Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University is a state university located in Norfolk, Virginia, United States, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools...
.
History
Jacob Marshall and Dave Elkins began what would become Mae by writing their first song, "Embers and Envelopes", in Marshall's living room. The band signed with Tooth and Nail Records and released their first album, Destination: BeautifulDestination: Beautiful
Destination: Beautiful is the full-length debut album by American alternative/indie band Mae. It was released on February 25, 2003, on Tooth & Nail Records.-Track listing:# "Embers and Envelopes" – 4:18...
, in 2003. They released their second full-length album, The Everglow
The Everglow
The Everglow is the second full-length studio album released by American alternative/indie band Mae. The album is designed as a storybook, including illustrations for each song inside the booklet. With its story-like nature, The Everglow is considered a concept album. "Prologue" and "Epilogue"...
, in 2005. The band toured extensively to promote it, and also performed on the Vans Warped Tour. Mae re-released The Everglow in 2006, adding three new songs and a two-hour DVD.
Later in 2006, the band signed to Capitol Records
Capitol Records
Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine...
for their third full-length album. Mae began recording the album in the fall of 2006, working with producer Howard Benson
Howard Benson
Howard Benson is a two-time Grammy-nominated music producer and aerospace engineer.-Biography:Howard Benson has a degree in materials engineering from Drexel University and studied composition at the Philadelphia College for Performing Arts. Later he worked for Garrett AiResearch, where he worked...
(who has produced albums for Saosin
Saosin
Saosin is an American rock band originally hailing from Newport Beach, California. The band was formed in 2003 and recorded its first EP, Translating the Name, that same year with original singer Anthony Green. Green left Saosin following the band's decision to sign with a commercial label,...
, My Chemical Romance
My Chemical Romance
My Chemical Romance is an American alternative rock band from New Jersey, formed in 2001. The band consists of lead vocalist Gerard Way, guitarists Ray Toro and Frank Iero, and bassist Mikey Way and have a diverse sound incorporating elements of punk, emo, glam metal, and progressive rock...
, Blindside
Blindside
Blindside is a post-hardcore band from Tumba, Sweden. They formed in 1994 as Underfree and kept that name for two years before releasing their debut EP in 1996.-A Thought Crushed My Mind:...
, and Relient K
Relient K
Relient K is an American rock band formed in 1998 in Canton, Ohio by Matt Thiessen, Brian Pittman, and Matt Hoopes during the band's junior year in high school and their time at Malone University...
). The album, titled Singularity, was released on August 14, 2007. On June 19, 2007, the band released the first single from Singularity, "Sometimes I Can't Make It Alone".
On September 24, 2007 Padgett and Sweitzer parted ways with Mae. The following year, Mae announced that they had split ways with Capitol Records. They also stated that they would embark on a new, experimental project, releasing one new song for each month of 2009. Each song would be available to download on their website for a minimum donation of $1, with proceeds going to humanitarian projects of Mae's choosing. Additionally, they would be compiling the monthly songs into three separate EPs entitled (m)orning, (a)fternoon and (e)vening, respectively.
In July 2009, Mae announced they were starting their own label called "Cell Records" through which they would release their three-EP set. In order to get in-store distribution Mae returned to their original label Tooth and Nail Records and signed a distribution agreement with the label. The (m)orning EP was released in stores and online on September 22, 2009. There was a limited edition scratch-and-sniff disk that was only available on their spring US tour and which was scented like the ocean (the band encouraged members in the crowd of their live shows to smell the disc during their song "The Ocean"). Mae released the (a)fternoon EP in stores and online March 30, 2010. The final EP, (e)vening, was initially available in a limited edition on the band's "Goodbye, Goodnight" tour. The EP was then released in stores and online on March 8, 2011 bundled with a DVD of their hometown farewell show filmed at The Norva in Norfolk, VA. The farewell show features 20 songs, with songs from each of their full length records and their three most recent EPs.
On May 7, 2010 word began spreading of Mark Padgett and Rob Sweitzer rejoining Mae for their upcoming fall tour. On June 19, 2010, Mae played a show in Singapore, and it was the first show since 2007 that included both Mark Padgett and Rob Sweitzer. On June 22, 2010, Mae's Dave Elkins confirmed on the band's forums that Mark Padgett and Rob Sweitzer have reunited with Mae. On June 28, 2010 Mae announced that their upcoming "Goodbye, Goodnight" Tour would be their last for the foreseeable future, marking their indefinite hiatus. On August 23, 2010, the newly reunited Mae including Mark Padgett and Rob Sweitzer played their first show back home in the US at Eureka College
Eureka College
Eureka College is a liberal arts college in Eureka, Illinois related by covenant to the Christian Church and founded in 1855. It has a strong focus on the mutual development of intellect and character. Stated core values are learning, service and leadership...
in Eureka, IL - evidently gearing up for the Goodbye, Goodnight tour. On Saturday November 27, 2010, the band played what was billed as its last show at the Norva in Norfolk, VA. The show was filmed to be released on DVD. Mae's actual final performances consisted of two shows played on February 23 and 24 2011 at the Shibuya and Shinsaibashi locations of Club Quattro in Japan.
Current members
- Dave Elkins (born Dave Gimenez) – vocals, guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
(2001–Present) - Zach Gehring – guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
(2003–Present) - Jacob Marshall – drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, pianoPianoThe piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
(2001–Present) - Mark Padgett - bass (2002–2007, 2010–Present)
- Rob Sweitzer - keyboards (2002–2007, 2010–Present)
Former members
- William Clark – bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(2001–2002) - Matt Beck – guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
(now with SpitfireSpitfire (US band)Spitfire is a metalcore band from Virginia Beach, Virginia. They first formed in the late 1990s and are currently signed to Goodfellow Records.-History:...
) (2001–2003) - Jacob Clemons – saxophoneSaxophoneThe saxophone is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. Saxophones are usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in 1846...
(went on to host "One Cubed" (USA) which aired on ABC Family)
Touring Members
- Josiah Schlater – bass (From the band Tokyo and Color)
- Robert Smith – keyboardKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
(From the band Tokyo and Musicplayer) - David Pogge – bass (For the (a)fternoon tour)
- Tyler Strickland - guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
(For the (a)fternoon tour)
Related projects
Before forming Mae, Dave Elkins was co-founder and lead vocalist for the emo/indie band Sky's the Limit. Two songs that Elkins originally wrote for Sky's the Limit have been recorded and released by Mae – "Skyline Drive", on Destination: BeautifulDestination: Beautiful
Destination: Beautiful is the full-length debut album by American alternative/indie band Mae. It was released on February 25, 2003, on Tooth & Nail Records.-Track listing:# "Embers and Envelopes" – 4:18...
, and "Tisbury Lane", on Destination: B-Sides
Destination: B-Sides
Destination: B-Sides is a compilation album released by American alternative/indie band Mae. It includes b-sides, remixes, and live recordings of the band's earlier work.-Track listing:All songs written by Mae....
.
After Mae finished their final tour, Dave Elkins began a new project called This Is Schematic. The project focuses on collaboration between artists, producers, and their supporters. Elkins created Schematic as a label since he feels the "music industry is broken and that a drastic improvement is necessary." Submissions for the label are currently being accepted and Elkins is currently working his own EP also under the name Schematic.
Jacob Marshall has formed the band River James with members of the band Army of Me
Army of Me (band)
Army of Me is a band formed in Washington, D.C.-History:Vocalist/guitarist Vince Scheuerman grew up in a Gaithersburg, Maryland religious community. Feeling frustrated with mainstream culture, he turned to music as an outlet. Scheuerman and long time friend John Hutchins, bass, joined ska band,...
Albums
| Title | Year | Label | Chart Positions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
US Christian | US Rock | US Alternative | US Digital | |||
| Destination: Beautiful Destination: Beautiful Destination: Beautiful is the full-length debut album by American alternative/indie band Mae. It was released on February 25, 2003, on Tooth & Nail Records.-Track listing:# "Embers and Envelopes" – 4:18... |
2003 | Tooth & Nail Records Tooth & Nail Records Tooth & Nail Records is a record label founded by Brandon Ebel in the U.S. state of California in November 1993. The label later moved to Seattle, Washington, where it is situated today... |
– | – | – | – | – |
| The Everglow The Everglow The Everglow is the second full-length studio album released by American alternative/indie band Mae. The album is designed as a storybook, including illustrations for each song inside the booklet. With its story-like nature, The Everglow is considered a concept album. "Prologue" and "Epilogue"... |
2005 | 51 | 1 | – | – | – | |
| Singularity | 2007 | Capitol Records Capitol Records Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine... |
40 | – | 12 | 13 | 40 |
EPs and B-Sides
| Title | Year | Label | Chart Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
|||
| Destination: B-Sides Destination: B-Sides Destination: B-Sides is a compilation album released by American alternative/indie band Mae. It includes b-sides, remixes, and live recordings of the band's earlier work.-Track listing:All songs written by Mae.... |
2004 | Tooth & Nail Records Tooth & Nail Records Tooth & Nail Records is a record label founded by Brandon Ebel in the U.S. state of California in November 1993. The label later moved to Seattle, Washington, where it is situated today... |
– |
| Connect Sets | 2005 | Tooth & Nail Records Tooth & Nail Records Tooth & Nail Records is a record label founded by Brandon Ebel in the U.S. state of California in November 1993. The label later moved to Seattle, Washington, where it is situated today... Sony Connect Sony Connect The CONNECT Music Store was Sony's music store built within the SonicStage music management application for Microsoft Windows-based personal computers. It was one of the world’s largest online music download stores with over 2.5 million tracks to preview and purchase, with over 10,000 new songs... |
– |
| Live Music Series: Mae EP Live Music Series: Mae EP Live Music Series: Mae EP is an EP by Virginia alternative/indie band Mae. This album has been released on iTunes as a live EP on September 14, 2006... |
2006 | Beyond Warped | – |
| The Everglow EP The Everglow EP The Everglow EP is an EP by Virginia alternative/indie band Mae. This album has been released on Tooth & Nail Records as an exclusive download available through online music stores on November 21, 2006... |
Tooth & Nail Records Tooth & Nail Records Tooth & Nail Records is a record label founded by Brandon Ebel in the U.S. state of California in November 1993. The label later moved to Seattle, Washington, where it is situated today... |
– | |
| Morning | 2009 | Cell Records | – |
| Afternoon Afternoon (EP) Afternoon is the fourth EP by American alternative/indie band Mae. It was released independently on September 24, 2009, in conjunction with Mae Presents: Afternoon Tour. As with their previous releases, it contains songs that will be played in concert in stereoscopic 3D... |
– | ||
| Evening Evening (EP) -External links:*... |
2010 | TBA |
Singles
| Year | Title | Chart Positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot 100 | |||
| 2003 | Embers and Envelopes | – | Destination: Beautiful Destination: Beautiful Destination: Beautiful is the full-length debut album by American alternative/indie band Mae. It was released on February 25, 2003, on Tooth & Nail Records.-Track listing:# "Embers and Envelopes" – 4:18... |
| Summertime | – | ||
| 2005 | Suspension | – | The Everglow The Everglow The Everglow is the second full-length studio album released by American alternative/indie band Mae. The album is designed as a storybook, including illustrations for each song inside the booklet. With its story-like nature, The Everglow is considered a concept album. "Prologue" and "Epilogue"... |
| Someone Else's Arms | – | ||
| 2007 | Sometimes I Can't Make It Alone | – | Singularity |
| 2009 | The House That Fire Built | – | (m)orning |
DVDs
- From Toledo to TokyoFrom Toledo to TokyoFrom Toledo to Tokyo is a DVD released by American alternative/indie group Mae. It is a documentary/live performance of the Japan tour.The name of the DVD is derived from a lyric taken from "We're So Far Away", the second track on their CD The Everglow.- Sections :*Documentary spanning Mae's first...
(Astorya Entertainment, 2005) - The Everglow: Special Edition DVD (Tooth & Nail RecordsTooth & Nail RecordsTooth & Nail Records is a record label founded by Brandon Ebel in the U.S. state of California in November 1993. The label later moved to Seattle, Washington, where it is situated today...
, 2006) - Destination: Beautiful Five Year Anniversary (Mae Recording Company, 2008)
- (M)orning (Cell Records, 2009)
- (A)fternoon (Cell Records, 2010)
- (E)vening (Cell Records, 2011)
Compilation Appearances
- Happy Christmas Vol. 4Happy Christmas Vol. 4Happy Christmas Volume 4 is the fourth album in the Happy Christmas series started by BEC Records in 1998. This is the first one released by Tooth & Nail, BEC's mother label.-Track listing:-Awards:...
(2005, contributed Carol Of The BellsCarol of the Bells"Carol of the Bells" is the common English language title of a Christmas carol of Ukrainian origin, which has in recent years grown in popularity, particularly in English-speaking countries. The work was originally a choral miniature composition by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych based on...
) - Punk Goes 90'sPunk Goes 90'sPunk Goes 90's is a compilation of the Punk Goes... series created by Fearless Records that features artists covering popular songs from the 1990s. The cover art references Nirvana's iconic Nevermind cover, on which "In Bloom" originally appeared....
(2006, contributed March of the PigsMarch of the Pigs"March of the Pigs" is a song written by Trent Reznor of American industrial rock act Nine Inch Nails. It was released in 1994 as the first single from The Downward Spiral , the second album by Nine Inch Nails.-The song:...
)
Song of the Month
Throughout 2009, Mae released 'Songs of the Month' (proceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity and Donorschoose.org), with the first four tracks going onto the (M)orning EP, the second set of four going onto the (A)fternoon EP, and the final four on the (E)vening EP:- January: The House that Fire Built
- February: Boomerang
- March: A Melody, The Memory
- April: Night/Day
- May: Over and Over
- June: The Cure
- July: The Fight Song
- August: In Pieces
- September: I Just Needed You To Know
- October: Seasons
- †November: Sleep Well
- †December: Bloom
- † - Release delayed due to the theft of Mae's instruments and gear in Philadelphia
External links
- Mae Official Website.
- Mae on PureVolume Contains MP3s, a biography, show dates and photos.
- Mae on Virb
- Video interview with Mae for AbsolutePunk.net
- This Is Schematic
- Interview with Mae for FussMagazine.com
- Interview with Dave Elkins for freshZIVE.com