Singer-songwriter Mae Powell has been spreading peace, magick, and radical self-love across the Bay Area since 2016. With a gorgeous, distinctive voice that plays across the folk and jazz spectrums, she frequently performs locally as a solo artist, with her own band, and as the lead vocalist for funk rock jammers Mild Universe.
Ahead of her set this Saturday, May 3rd at the Golden Gate Park Bandshell as part of a free show put on by Bay Beats, the San Francisco Public Library, and White Crate – along with Piwai and The Grease Traps – we heard from Mae Powell about her move to the Bay, how she connects with the rich local history here, and a few of her favorite up-and-coming artists.
What was your first connection with making music?
I first started making music when I moved to the Bay! I was surrounded by lots of creative people and musicians and they gave me confidence to start writing and performing my own music.
Where did you grow up? If you moved here, when and why did you move to the Bay?
I grew up in San Diego and moved to the Bay in 2014 to go to San Francisco State University! I was always drawn to the city’s vibrancy and freakiness and open mindedness.
Did the Bay Area art and music scene have anything to do with your move?
I was drawn to the creative energy of the Bay Area but didn’t know much about it until moving here.
How does the Bay Area influence your music?
I can definitely feel the rich musical and creative history of the Bay, and feel like I channel the flower power tender resistance of the 60s and 70s. It’s hard not to walk these same streets and not feel the history—both negative and positive—of the Bay Area. I’m also hugely influenced and inspired by early jazz happenings in the Bay in the 40s and 50s.
What do you love about the Bay Area music community?
I love the overlapping nature of the community! I feel like everyone is in everyone else’s bands and everyone goes to each other’s shows. It feels like everybody in the music scene participates not only on stage, but also from the audience, as fans and supporters of other local musicians.
Is there something missing or anything you’d like to see change?
There could always be more centering of women and underrepresented artists in every scene. I also think that musicians get paid so little and deserve way more money. The Bay has so much money for tech and evil schemes and I just wish that there could be more for artists.
Are there any artist-centered communities in the Bay that you love?
There are lots of venues and bookers that I love to work with! I love White Crate and Big Leap Collective and Howdy Gals! and Rickshaw Stop and Specs’ Bar and the Rite Spot!
Do you have any new releases coming up?
I am releasing my sophomore album on August 15th through Colemine Records! The first single “Rope You In” is out now, and there are more songs coming soon 🙂
Which up-and-coming Bay Area artists are you most excited about?
Marika Christine, Katsy Pline, The Breathing Room, April Magazine, Joel Robinow, Kit Center, Camellia Boutros.
Do you have any hopes or predictions for the local music scene?
I hope that everybody continues to support and uplift and pave the way for each other! I hope that artists get paid fat and when they make it, they bring their friends with them! <3
