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1.) We’re excited to be speaking today with acclaimed genre-defying music artist Mae Simpson; greetings and salutations, Mae! Before we meander down the Q&A musical pathway, how goes your summer of ‘23?
Mae: Summer is blazing! We have been super busy. Experienced our first Mile Of Music in Appleton, WI. Now that was a blast. We continue to rock the summer with upcoming shows like People Fest, Nershfest, MN Zoo wild nights. State fair and of course our Album release September 9th at the Fine line in Minneapolis, MN. So we are staying busy!
2.) Major congratulations on the latest single release from The Mae Simpson Band that dropped this August 4 and which is entitled Minnehaha Mama! What was the inspiration behind this gem of a tune?
Mae – For me this is the Minneapolis sound. It’s jam packed with great hits and a funky soul flavor. “I think the song is about the excitement and playful nature of a new relationship, where everything is exciting and possible… where you are still playing games and goofing with the other person, but you’re being honest and vulnerable about your feelings at the same time.” (Jorgen)
3.) Before we go too much further, can you give our ever-inquisitive readers an introduction to the amazingly talented members of The Mae Simpson Band?
Mae – Absolutely! My guitarist, Jorgen wadkins. Drums Aaron Silverstein. Bass – David Kellermann. Trumpet – Paul Pederson, For the record Brian Snowman Powers on Saxophone, and Ricardo Romero played percussion. Without these incredible humans this would not have been possible. Each one brings something you just don’t find everywhere and their commitment to the music is unmatched. Truly a blessing to know and work with each one of them.
4.) The ever-talented duo of Brian Snowman Powers and Jorgen Wadkins II along with you produced Minnehaha Mama. What was that collaboration process like in the studio?
Mae – I mean Brian Snowman is so talented. Incredibly easy to work with. Snow is really great at creating a moment and explaining what he wants and needs from you. Whether that be vocally or with an instrument. “Snowman can literally take any of our ideas and turn them into reality, and our open and honest dialogue allows ideas to flow freely so we were able to experiment with a lot of different arrangements and sounds” (Jorgen). My guitarist Jorgen has a great ear and really understands what he wants to go with music. Jorgen is also just an incredible writer. Working with them is a breeze. I have to give a lot of love to the two of them because I feel like they really took the role of making these songs the absolute best they can.
5.) In your humble opinion, what differentiates Minnehaha Mama from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 music scene?
Mae – For me it’s mixing old school with new school. Creating a newer sound. Not being okay with just keeping it classic but bringing some new vibes and pushing those boundaries of is this funk? Is this rock? Or maybe it’s just a great song.
“There’s a lot of rowdy energy captured in clean and clear track takes. I feel like you either get one or the other a lot of the time….. clean takes that are a little sterile, or aggressive takes that are a little sloppy, but this track captures both perfectly. Plus, this is our nod to Prince and the Minneapolis scene that we love and appreciate so much. A lot of Prince stuff, especially his early stuff, was like that too, clean and honest while being dirty and wild too. ” (Jorgen Wadkins)
6.) Minnehaha Mama is the second single off of your forthcoming September 1 album Chandelier & Bloom. Can you give readers a hint or three as to what they can expect from this new LP?
“We truly feel like it has something for everyone. It was tough trying to pick which tracks we wanted as singles because no one track defines what the album sounds like. It’s been nice hearing the response from people that have been listening to it. Everyone has a different favorite track” (Jorgen Wadkins)
Mae – It’s a Journey. From highs to lows. It takes you through a powerful emotional experience which with us is just expected. We have Hard hitting songs that you’re just going to want to dance to but what we also made sure to do is to have those light more acoustic songs there as well. Overall I can’t give too much detail but I can say it’s not a journey of just me or one person it’s meant to be for anyone and everyone who can relate to ups and downs in life.
7.) How is the upcoming Chandelier & Bloom similar to some of your past music? How is it different?
Mae – I think it’s the same in the way of power and real emotion coming through. I think it’s completely different because so much went into this album. Countless hours with Brian Snowman powers in the studio tweaking and making things perfect. The sound I think just took a huge step forward. Not only in capturing it but playing it and producing the album. Just a next level Album which is what we wanted. We wanted something that captures what we do live and this is the closest yet.
8.) Who inspires you musically?
Mae – Musically I think Tina Turner, St Paul and the Broken bones, Alabama Shakes, Brandi Carlile. That’s just my influences. However the biggest one is sitting in a room with these guys and creating something we haven’t heard. We do it together and that’s the magic.
9.) In our introduction to you and your music we used the term ‘genre-defying’ to describe your blurring of musical genres within the body of your music. For a newcomer to the music of The Mae Simpson Band, how would you personally describe your styling of music?
Mae- You are right. It’s very hard to describe because we don’t like sitting in one genre. We like to be free in writing what feels good. For me I think Rock and roll, Indy Rock or Pop would be a decent fit for us. However even in that there is always something within our music for everyone.
10.) On the heels of the release of all of this amazing new music, can fans look forward to catching The Mae Simpson Band on the touring and performing circuits?
Mae – YES!! Keep an eye out for tour. We will do a bit after the release but we’re planning a bigger one next March / April 2024! Do not miss our Album release September 9th 2023 at The Fine Line
11.) At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving Minnehaha Mama many-a spin on their respective hi-fi systems?
Mae- To feel joy. Something that wakes you up a little. Makes you feel good. The best songs are the ones that instantly make you smile. I want people to take away a new ear worm. I also want the regular listeners to know we are constantly working on new sounds and pushing the mark we have already set for ourselves.
