Tattooing lyrics on strangers, Freddie Mercury, and solidifying that strong female role model - Mae Stephens Interview - By The Fans Magazine

Words & Interview: Grace Wearn

Photography credit to retrospective owner.

“Mae Stephens! Thank you so much for your time today. For any of our readers who might not have discovered you yet, could you please give a quick introduction to who you are?”

Heyoo lovely people! My name is Mae, I’m 22 (will be 23 when this goes out!) and I’m an artist from Northamptonshire. I released a song called ‘If We Ever Broke Up’ that went viral on TikTok and it changed my entire life. I went from working in Asda customer service to signing a record deal and releasing the music I love! 

“Firstly, who were some of your music influences or inspirations growing up and how do you think these have impacted the way you write your own music?”

I will always have Queen (specifically Freddie) as one of my biggest inspirations. He sang with purpose emotion and strength. I grew up listening to Adele and as a ballad artist at the time her intense changes in emotion resonated with me.

“You’re a greatly fan-focused artist, which we love! What’s the most meaningful fan interaction you’ve ever had?”

I have one fan in particular that’s become more family than a fan. I met her when she was 13 years old after opening for Anne Marie. Her and her friends were waiting backstage to say hey before the show and from that moment I knew she was going to champion me as an artist. Over time she came to more and more gigs and I spoke with her mum about her childhood and the struggles she faced at school. In that moment I realised I was looking at a younger version of myself and promised myself I would be there for her like a big sister. I have since then watched this girl grow up, find herself as a person and bloom into the incredible woman she is today. To know my music had/has that much influence on a person brings me near to tears. When she explained that my music helped her through school and the grief she faced to figuring out things about herself she didn’t know. I am privileged to be her soundtrack and her favourite artist. 

“Let’s talk your new single “Blue”, what was the writing and production process like from start to finish?”

It’s a long process for any song and I doubt we’ll have the time for every detail haha! Blue started with the idea we wanted to a tell a story. It was written with the incredible Mo and Jay (who also co-wrote if we ever broke up) which meant the process was smooth. I get along very well with both of them and due to our experience writing and producing together there was very minimal ‘bumps in the road’ and start to finish felt like three storytellers collaborating round a campfire.

“Thank you! So… If you could take one lyric from your new single “Blue” and tattoo it on a stranger.. permanently - which line would it be and why?”

I would take the quote “I feel jaded by love”. To me it’s a simple quote with a lot of depth. Modern dating has become saturated with one night stands and lust. I’m privileged to have found my forever person (I hope) but before that and if I was to ever try again   I’d feel jaded because it’s MESSY.

“We also advocate for mental health and how music and specifically live music are of the upmost importance to continue being safe spaces regardless. That being said, my answer personally to the next question would be a mix of both, but; Do you ever have moments where you feel as though your creative brain works like a playlist stuck on repeat on occasion, or is it more like a DJ spinning 10 tracks at once for creativity and ideas — if either theme resonates with you, how does that show up in your artistry?”

BOTH! Sometimes I am so routine in my songwriting and other times it’s like a leap of faith into murky water! It all depends on my comfortability songwriting.

“You are such a strong role model for needed conversations around challenging the unrealistic expectations often placed on women as well as female empowerment. Here at By The Fans Magazine, we’re a female led and founded Music Magazine, and we share the same values for advocating for women in the music industry. Your song “Woah Man” explores the themes mentioned above, if the song could be played at one moment in every woman’s life, when do you think that moment should be?”

When a woman doesn’t feel like enough. We all question our worth and woah man is a reminder that women are strong, beautiful, bold and above all worth it! It’s a simple but powerful message. We all deserve to feel worth it and powerful. 

“Has making music ever felt , to you, like finding a safe space where you could be whole heartedly yourself? How do you hope your fans can use your music to get through their own struggles?”

Music is my therapy. At my low moments I surround myself in it whether that’s at school work or home I use it like a blanket. Everyone’s different but to me it’s one of the best emotional outlets and has even helped me get through bullying and I’d like to think my music can help others in the same way.

“Are there any tweets, TikTok’s, or post from a fan that come to mind - that have completed flipped your perspective on how you see your own music or even your message?”

Specifically I couldn’t name one. The first time a fan commented about how much I’d helped them was a huge turning point. It became real then. No longer a hopeful thought, it then made me realise I could actually affect people’s lives through my songs.

“Thank you so much! And the last question - Can you give any advice to upcoming young creatives especially girls & women in the industry, with the same drive and passion as you?”

Don’t give up! As cliche as it sounds, it is true! 

If you feel like it’s your calling don’t stop until you get your foot in the door of that industry. As the world gets more technologically advanced we have to fight more to keep organic creativity alive.

You can listen to Mae’s new single, Blue - here.