Posted on April 29th, 2009

If you’re into indie rock, chances are that you’ve heard about Mae. They have been around since their debut album, “Destination Beautiful” released back in 2003 on Tooth & Nail. Songs such as “This Time Is The Last Time”, and “Summertime” marked the beginning of their careers. In 2005 Mae recorded and released “The Everglow“, which featured the single “Breakdown”. In 2006, After fulfilling their contract with Tooth & Nail, the band signed and produced their first major label album (Singularity) with Capitol Records. Not too long after releasing their 3rd studio album in 2007, Rob Sweitzer (keyboards), Mark Padgett (bass) left Mae. To make things worse the band left Capitol Records in 2008 due to the labels’ financial crises. Without a record label, a manager, and two band members, Mae started to wonder if it was worth continuing. However what seemed to be the end of Mae was just the beginning of a new journey.

In an honest attempt to redefine the band’s views on success, while searching for a reason to continue making music, Mae partnered with Habitat for Humanity to transform their music into success stories. Thus, as of January 2009 the band has set the goal to record one song each month, to a total of 12 songs, and donate every dollar raised through these digital downloads to Habitat for Humanity. So far the band has raised over $40,000 in 5 months.

So, what is Mae doing? Mae is turning the way the music business works upside-down. They are investing not only into their feature as a band, but in the feature of their community – transforming their music into action.

How does it work?

- Each song is priced at a donation of at least $1
- You choose the song you want to download
- You make your donation through Paypal
- You download the songs you’ve selected
- You spread the word to your friends
- Get their widget and put on your blog/website

What exactly do you get?

- The (m)orning, (a)fternoon, and (e)vening EPs -> (a total of 12 songs by the end of 2009)
- Each song comes with a digital booklet
- And a digital letter from the band
- You get to help someone besides yourself

Go to WhatIsMae.com and be part of the project.