Rock band breaks from tradition, to perform at Greek Theater
Brian Washburn
Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: Lifestyles
Most bands would self-destruct after losing two members at the same time and parting ways with their newly found major label. But not Maryland based pop-rockers Mae. They are working hard, giving back, and trying an array of new and innovative paths to get their music out into the open, including playing at the Chi Omega Greek Theater tomorrow night.
"We're in the studio recording right now," said guitarist Zach Gehring, in a phone interview from the band's current recording studio.
"We're not doing an album in the traditional sense. We're free of a label and free of outside influence and of doing something more traditional. Instead of recording from January to December, we will release a new song every month and release a series of EPs every four months of next year."
When these songs are released, they will be available for download, but Mae - made of Gehring, vocalist Dave Elkins and drummer Jacob Marshall - will do something untraditional.
The proceeds from the music sold will go towards three charities each of the band members have chosen, Gehring said.
"We want to break down the barriers between the fans and the band and encourage them to take action and become a part of a community and to work together," Gehring said. "That's why we're focused on starting these organizations and work with the fans who have inspired us to continue this route."
The route the band chose took a hit last year when bassist Mark Padgett and keyboardist Rob Sweitzer departed from the group. This has not, however, stopped the band nor it made them slow down.
"[Mark and Rob's departures] affected the band in the sense that it became a lot more unified and focused because it becomes a three piece," Gehring said.
"They left for their own reasons and when something like that happens it usually happens for the better of the situation because of the relationship of the band and personal lives outside the band. Rob and Mark are both married and when you've been in a band for years and years, you change and it just didn't make sense for them to be involved anymore."
"We're in the studio recording right now," said guitarist Zach Gehring, in a phone interview from the band's current recording studio.
"We're not doing an album in the traditional sense. We're free of a label and free of outside influence and of doing something more traditional. Instead of recording from January to December, we will release a new song every month and release a series of EPs every four months of next year."
When these songs are released, they will be available for download, but Mae - made of Gehring, vocalist Dave Elkins and drummer Jacob Marshall - will do something untraditional.
The proceeds from the music sold will go towards three charities each of the band members have chosen, Gehring said.
"We want to break down the barriers between the fans and the band and encourage them to take action and become a part of a community and to work together," Gehring said. "That's why we're focused on starting these organizations and work with the fans who have inspired us to continue this route."
The route the band chose took a hit last year when bassist Mark Padgett and keyboardist Rob Sweitzer departed from the group. This has not, however, stopped the band nor it made them slow down.
"[Mark and Rob's departures] affected the band in the sense that it became a lot more unified and focused because it becomes a three piece," Gehring said.
"They left for their own reasons and when something like that happens it usually happens for the better of the situation because of the relationship of the band and personal lives outside the band. Rob and Mark are both married and when you've been in a band for years and years, you change and it just didn't make sense for them to be involved anymore."
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