Meet Maeve Steele

Are you ready to be captivated by a rising star in the indie pop scene? Allow us to introduce you to Maeve Steele, a talented singer-songwriter with a unique sound and a knack for crafting meaningful lyrics. Hailing from the vibrant music scene of the San Francisco Bay area, Maeve has been influenced by the rich musical heritage of her hometown, resulting in a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh.

In a world of cookie-cutter pop stars, Maeve stands out as a true original. Inspired by the soulful sounds of artists like Amy Winehouse and the raw emotion of Lewis Capaldi, Maeve has carved her own path in the music industry. With a captivating blend of genres, she creates a sound that is uniquely her own

maeve steele photo credit matthieu lange — Photo Credit: Matthieu Lange

What first got you into music?

My Mom! Having a strong foundation in classical music was really important to my parents, I’ve played violin since kindergarten. My mom is one of those people who can just pick up an instrument and play better than most people. She loves musicals, folk music, anything with a pretty melody. I just love how moved she can be by music, I think that made me appreciate the emotion of music on a deeper level.

What is your current music project about?

Looking back, Honeyland is about nostalgia. I wrote the songs one by one and at the time they were about different things – girlhood, slow mornings, loving someone who’s struggling. But when I put all the songs together, they all had this same sweet-yet-melancholic tone that circled around nostalgia.

What is the best advice you have been given?

The art that you create is just that, something that you made at one point in time. Good or bad, it doesn’t define you, it doesn’t have to be a perfect representation of who you are as an artist and person. I’m such a perfectionist and can be so precious with the music that I’m working on, that was really helpful advice to get me out of my own way.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

It’s definitely made it more accessible. Anyone can go viral or put their music out there, and that’s really empowering in an industry that has felt gate-kept for so long. Tik Tok especially is such a cool resource for smaller artists. But it’s also a double edged sword in that I think it’s killed some of our patience with music. A fifteen second hook of a song looping over and over is much more immediately gratifying than the other three-ish minutes. I worry that we’re focusing too much on those really catchy or poignant moments few seconds, when they actually need the rest of the song.

If we were to look at the artists you are listening to, who would be on your playlist?

It’s always a lot of Lana Del Rey. Lately I’ve been loving Wet Leg and Arlo Parks. Definitely some country like Jason Isbell or Zach Bryan. I’ve mostly been on a Beatles kick lately, I feel like I have an intense Beatles phase every couple of years. Piece of Me by Britney Spears is also on almost all of my playlists.

What would be a good theme song for your life?

So Good at Being in Trouble – Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Do you have a cherished childhood teddy bear or other stuffed animal sitting on your bed at home?

It’s not quite from childhood, but I have a stuffed dumpling that I love. It’s the perfect balance of cuteness and utility as a pillow.

What movie ending really frustrated you? And how would you change it?

I love Tangled, and like the rest of the internet, I hate how Flynn Rider cuts her hair in the end. The second she becomes a brunette, her hair loses all appeal. I guess I resent the anti-brunette subtext by Disney.

What historical figure would you love to see in 21st century life?

I’d love to see Joan of Arc on TikTok. I think we’re more used to people turning on powerful women over social media, we could handle the whole situation better than they did.

If you could learn any language fluently, what would it be?

I’m on day 14 of Duolingo French! I would love to snap my fingers and be fluent.

Are you ready to immerse yourself in a world of enchanting melodies and heartfelt lyrics? Look no further than LA-based singer-songwriter Maeve’s latest release, Honeyland. This highly anticipated sophomore EP is already making waves in the pop-folk music scene and is now available on all major platforms.

The six-track EP was produced by indie musician Daniel Loumpouridis (co-writer/producer of Louis The Child’sbreakout single “It’s Strange (ft. K.Flay)”) and marks Maeve’s most artistically elevated music yet.

Lyrically poignant and melodically imaginative, Honeyland explores themes of femininity, nostalgia and self-transformation. Last fall, the dreamy songstress introduced listeners to her deeply confessional new chapter with the release of “Strangers in the Garden,” the first single off the EP. The track was followed by the release of her poetic “Lorena,”a reference to Maeve’s childhood alter-ego — a character rooted in the dream girl protagonist of “Good Lord Lorrie,” a song by the Turnpike Troubadours. With “Lorena,” Maeve explores what it means to be a woman in today’s world and the delicate balance between adolescence and adulthood. Rounding out the body of work are standout tracks including the haunting ballad “Arcade,” and “If We Had Wings,” in which Maeve paints herself in the image of a migrating butterfly.

“Honeyland became a place for me to write through nostalgia, to indulge the melancholy and beauty of the transition from girlhood to womanhood, and those who we share that experience with,” says Maeve. “This project pulled me out of my comfort zone in so many ways, I’m excited to share it with the world.”

Honeyland Track List: