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Mae Estes Opens Up About Why It Took Seven Years to Unveil Debut Project “Before the Record” (Exclusive)

Mae Estes is here with her highly-anticipated debut project, and fans are absolutely thrilled!

If you have not heard of her yet, we are sure you will very soon, as Estes’ new EP is phenomenal from top to bottom. Consisting of “I Quit Smokin’,” “Run,” “Your Hands,” and more. Before the Record is available to stream now on all platforms, and it truly a no-skip project that you NEED to check out.

In an exclusive interview with Celeb Secrets, the talented singer-songwriter took a deep dive into who she truly is, ultimately revealing that she’s a traditionally influenced country music singer-songwriter.

“Music is my medicine, so I like lots of different genres, but my southern accent and love of Keith Whitley has landed me in the heart of country music. I like to tell stories I think need to be told in songs,” she says.

Photo Credit: Mae Estes on Facebook

The Arkansas native moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 2015 to being pursuing her career in country music. According to Estes, she’s been “collecting songs in Music City for seven years, and getting to finally release a complete body of work will really mean a lot to her.” And today (February 16), fans will be able to hear all of those songs on her debut project, Before the Record

“It’s called Before the Record because I intend to release my first full length record as soon as possible after,” she revealed. “Releasing lots more music and traveling to more cities to meet the folks who like the same kind of music I do, and really celebrating every tiny victory and the people I share them with is [on the radar for 2023].”

We can’t wait to see what tricks Mae Estes has up her sleeve, and what AMAZING music she has in store!

Will you be streaming Before the Record all day today like us? If so, take a quick break and check out our full Q&A with Mae Estes below, where she shares some behind-the-scenes secrets surrounding her debut project.

Let us know what you think of the budding country artist by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.

You can connect with Mae on Instagram @maeestes and TikTok @maeestes for updates on upcoming music, live performances and more.

Photo Credit: Mae Estes on Facebook

Celeb Secrets: For people who may not know you yet, can you explain your musical style and a little bit about who you are as an artist?

Mae Estes: “I’m a traditionally influenced country music singer-songwriter. Music is my medicine, so I like lots of different genres, but my southern accent and love of Keith Whitley has landed me in the heart of country music. I like to tell stories I think need to be told in songs.”

CS: Your debut EP drops on all music streaming platforms TODAY (February 16th) — How does it feel knowing that you’ll have even more original music out in the world?

ME: “My debut EP has been a big dream of mine since the day I moved to Nashville. Although they’re a dying breed, I plan to print CDs for the very first time, as this is my debut project. I’ve had family and friends pay for those in advance over the years, so it feels unbelievable to finally get to hand them one in February!”

CS: Can you tell us a little bit about the meaning/story behind the EP?

ME: “This is my first project, so some of the songs are several years old. I wrote all but one on the EP. It’s called Before the Record because I intend to release my first full length record as soon as possible after. I’ve been collecting songs in Music City for 7 years, and getting to finally release a complete body of work will really mean a lot to me.”

CS: What is your favorite song on the EP and why?

ME: “’Thinkin’ ‘Bout Cheatin’‘ might still be my favorite song so far! It’s honest and raw, and a perspective I hadn’t heard before, and that’s the ultimate goal for every song I write. “

CS: Is there a certain lyric within this EP that you’re especially proud of?

ME: ”Almost missed the turn to my Mama’s house’ is the opening line of the track ‘Town Left Me,’ and that’s the line I brought into the write, because it actually happened when I was back home visiting a couple years ago. That one hits me hard and I’m proud of that song.”

Photo Credit: Mae Estes on Facebook

CS: CMT said that you are “reshaping the genre with [your] truthful and non-surface-level storytelling.” How do you get the courage to put yourself out there and be vulnerable in your music?

ME: “Music started out for me as a form of therapy and self expression, so I think I’ve always pulled from personal experiences, and now I’m lucky to be in rooms collaborating with other storytellers and their ideas.”

CS: What does the process look like when you create a song? Are there any quirks to your method?

ME: “I’m now a published songwriter in Nashville and write full time as my job, so the method is pretty mechanical and ever changing.”

CS: Who/What are some of your musical inspirations either artist-wise or in your personal life?

ME: “Keith Whitley and Lee Ann Womack are massive influences of mine.”

CS: Who is your dream collaboration?

ME: “It would be amazing to collaborate with Vince Gill, Patty Loveless or Lee Ann Womack, and out of genre, I dream of Adele and Bruno Mars.”

@maeestes

Can’t believe this is finally happening 🤯 #laineywilson #ashleymcbryde #leeannwomack #keithwhitley #georgejones #hankjr

♬ Thinkin Bout Cheatin – Mae Estes

CS: You are known for being very active on TikTok, and even teasing some new music! How do you think TikTok has contributed to your career, in particular?

ME: “I dove into TikTok in 2020 during the pandemic, when I had no idea what to do with all the down time. Up until then, I had worked 3 jobs at a time, so I wasn’t used to idle hands. It definitely changed my whole career and introduced me to a massive audience of people who seem to connect with my stories, and that’s what matters most to me.”

CS: How do you think TikTok is impacting the music industry as a whole?

ME: “TikTok has been an incredible tool for independent artists, giving them a closer to even playing field for exposure when competing with major label artists.”

CS: Do you have any goals for yourself in 2023 career-wise?

ME: “Release lots more music and travel to more cities to meet the folks who like the same kinda music I do, and mostly, really celebrate every tiny victory and the people I share them with!” 

CS: Lastly, since we are Celeb Secrets, do you have any secrets about either yourself or your music that fans might not know?

ME: “My senior year of high school, I rode a bucking bull in my final FFA rodeo just to say I did. My mom said no, but my dad said yes, so that’s one of my favorite memories and something that seems to shock everyone most when they see the photo!”

LISTEN TO BEFORE THE RECORD BELOW: 

For more Country news, visit CelebSecretsCountry.com

Author

  • Melanie Rooten

    Melanie has been working at Celeb Secrets since May of 2022. Originally from Southern California and currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee, she graduated from Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma in 2023 with a BA in Journalism. During her free time, she loves going to concerts and music festivals, binging her favorite TV shows, spending time with her friends and family and cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners (of course).

Melanie has been working at Celeb Secrets since May of 2022. Originally from Southern California and currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee, she graduated from Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma in 2023…

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