Mae Muller
A very Dandy lady indeed: meet British pop-soul artist Mae Muller. She recently debuted her latest EP no one else, not even you and it’s one of those records that exudes a fun, bop-style sound with lyrical depth made for women with wild spirits and sensitive temperaments. While we acknowledge the downsides of using comparison as a root of reference, it can be helpful when you’re first getting acquainted with an artist. As far as Mae’s sound and style, she reminds us of the baby of Banks and Dua Lipa. With her star on the rise in London, this talented artist has only just begun to make waves in the U.S. Beyond her unequivocal talent and warm-yet-feisty vibe, she’s the kind of woman we would love to get a few drinks with and talk shit and feelings for hours—all of which and so much more make her so damn Dandy.
How's it going pandemic-wise in London? How are you holding up mentally?
It’s okay. Definitely a bit strange. All the bars and restaurants are closed, so my heart hurts for small businesses. I consider myself lucky because I'm still able to shoot and do sessions, so not too much has changed in my little world! I try to stay positive—but like I said, I'm one of the lucky ones. I miss touring an insane amount, but I know when live music comes back its going to be better than ever!
We love your new EP, no one else, not even you. Are most of your songs based on real scenarios or do you pull from friend's stories/movies/imagination?
Thank you! All of them are based on real scenarios, although some are more exaggerated than others. I get all my inspiration from what is happening in my personal life, how it makes me feel, and how I want to express that. Exaggeration is a big part though. I'm a story teller!
One of the worst feelings in the world is not getting closure. "Wish u well" is a paean to that feeling. Do you enjoy writing in the heat of the moment or once you've had time to recenter and reflect?
I’ve written in both situations. Writing in the heat of the moment is great because that’s when you get the raw emotion, but you can't always do that. I've cried only three times while writing songs and writing “wish u well” was one of them.
What was your early exposure to music like? When did you decide to pursue it as a career for real?
I grew up surrounded by music. My parents are avid music lovers. My dad took me to see Prince when I was about 10 years old and I will never forget that. I always knew I wanted to to be a singer but it seemed like a dream that was so far away from my reality—but when I was 19 I put my first song on Soundcloud and the rest is history.
What neighborhood in London do you live in? If someone were to visit (in normal times), where are some spots you would say are a must-go?
I've lived within a one mile radius my whole life! Kentish Town is home. I would say go to the Abbey Tavern, because I used to work there, so I just have a special bond with the place. They also do a stunning pub quiz every Sunday! The Pineapple is another great pub, and they do a great pad thai.
What are your five essential beauty products?
You criticize yourself the most when:
I literally do anything. All the time.
How do you manage your moods when you're in a creative rut?
I’ve learnt to give myself space when I have a bit of a creative block. I’ll just have a break and go and make a tea or watch a good show. The worst thing to do is force it!
What's a day in the life of Mae today? Walk us through.
Wake up. Have a PT session on Zoom. I hate it, but I make myself do it because I feel good afterwards. Then I eat breakfast, which always includes eggs. Afterwards, I make my way to the studio. I usually get a whole song written in a session. Then I get an Uber home because I’m lazy, watch Netflix, and maybe have a bath. Skincare. Then bed.
What do you find are some of the most standout cultural differences between the UK and America?
Good question! I feel like America is a little more spontaneous. Things just happen there. You meet people you never think you would and things just pop off. I love that.
How do you do practical things with your nails? We figure there must be some sort of technique to say....peel an orange?
Ha! I'm literally typing this on my laptop and I did think earlier ‘this would be so much easier with short nails,’ but I'm so used to it! I also peeled an orange today. The trick is to pierce then peel.
Any great records you've been into lately? Old or new.
I've actually been listening to “Crash” by The Primitives. It was in so many films I watched growing up and it came across my mind the other day. I also love Sam Smith's new album Love Goes and my EP of course!
In a past-life, you were probably a:
Labrador. They are so greedy, but you just have to love them.
We read you describe yourself as a late bloomer. Same! It's the worst when you're younger, but when you're older you realize you can channel that sensitivity into your work. In what ways did you feel like a late bloomer?
I'm so bad at comparing myself to others, so I was looking around and seeing people the same age or younger than me doing “bigger and better” things, and it would get get me down. But I know now that having all this experience and maintaining a somewhat normal life is a really good thing. I feel prepared for the madness to come. I'm ready for it.
Your vices:
Ben and Jerrys ice cream and pornstar martinis.