Mae

by MacKenzie Wilson Hailing from Norfolk, VA, Mae (an acronym for Multisensory Aesthetic Experience) is comprised of Matt Beck (guitar), Jacob Marshall (drums), Mark Padgett (bass), Rob Sweitzer (keyboards), and Dave Elkins (vocals/guitar). Initially, the band started out as a project between Elkins and Marshall; however, recording was to be done at Padgett's home studio. Eventually, the five-piece came together for a musical adventure in early 2001. Nearly eight months later, Mae was playing shows in and around their native Virginia. They've shared dates with the likes of the Movielife, River City High, and the Exit; in the process Mae recorded songs for a debut album. Destination: Beautiful was released in early 2003 on Tooth & Nail. While touring to support Destination: Beautiful, guitarist Matt Beck stepped down from his post and was replaced by former Unsung Zeroes guitarist Zach Gehring. Destination: B-Sides surfaced near the end of 2004. Their second proper studio album, The Everglow, followed in 2005; supporting tour dates and a stint on the summer's Warped Tour came next. Spring 2006 was spent on the road with the Virgin College Mega Tour alongside Over It and headliners Yellowcard. A bonus edition of The Everglow appeared that April with additional tracks and a bonus DVD containing two hours of various band footage. Their contract with Tooth & Nail ran out that year, and the band went on to sign a deal with Capitol. Their first album on that label, Singularity, hit stores in late summer 2007.