Mae Stephens puts emotions that might otherwise go unspoken into poptastic songs, detailing issues as varied as delusions, intrusive thoughts and finding the strength to stand up for yourself. That relatable and confessional approach continues as she shares her latest track ‘Earn It’, which had its first play on Radio 1 on Monday.
With ‘Earn It’, Mae plays with the best elements of the pop eras that have preceded her – the bass-led funkiness of the ‘80s, the larger-than-life choruses of the ‘90s, and the in-your-face charisma of the 2000s. But this is no throwback as subtle alt-pop sonics and contemporary talking points ensure that ‘Earn It’ shines bright in the here-and-now. What’s more, Mae’s vocal class has the power and confidence to standout in any decade of pop.
And there’s no mistaking the song’s message: she might have been a people pleaser in the past, but now anyone in her life has to offer as much as she gives.
Mae says, “‘Earn it’ is about self-worth. From an ex-people pleaser, this song is about knowing your worth and for once being the one who doesn’t have to earn it. I spent so many years tripping over myself trying to earn people’s affection and it cost me my own self-respect in the process. So MAKE. THEM. EARN. IT.”
Mae wrote ‘Earn It’ with the track’s producer, solo artist KiD RAiN, as well as Katie Sutherland (Jonas Blue) and Liam O’Donnell(IVE, ‘Lights Down Low’ by Max).
BLACKPINK, P!NK and Meghan Trainor are among the big names who have heralded Mae’s talents, which have taken her on a wild ride of triumphant moments: approaching a career total of 700 million (?) streams, with international Platinum and Gold certifications, #1chart positions in Japan and China, plus a Top 15 hit at home in the UK. Now unlocking a new angle to her distinct style, new landmark moments are arriving too such as a prestigious performance for the Grammy Awards’ Global Spin spotlight. Impressive by anyone’s standards – and especially for someone who just a few years ago was dreaming of a music career while working in ASDA.
Mae Stephens recently announced details of a November UK headline tour, which culminates with a London show at The Lower Third. In the meantime, she is also confirmed to headline Northampton’s Black Prince as part of the Music Venue Trust’s Everywhere At Once festival. The initiative features over 1200 gigs across 500+ UK grassroots venues, acting as a festival on your doorstep during Glastonbury’s fallow year, aiming to support local venues. She is also hitting New York City’s Anti Social Camp, which runs from June 8th-12th, on a line-up headed by Busta Rhymes and Erick The Architect.
Tickets are available HERE for the headline tour and HERE for the Everywhere At Once show.