Mother, 'Mae' I?
By Melanie Barnes, Entertainment Writer
May 2, 2007 | 6 a.m.
Philosophical music masters Mae will be joined by Miranda Sound and Run Run Addington Wednesday at 9 p.m. in the Baker Center Theater for a free Multisensory Aesthetic Experience set to tap into the five senses and beyond.
Mae, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Dave Elkins, guitarist Zach Gehring, bassist Mark Padgett, pianist Rob Sweitzer and drummer Jacob Marshall, experiment with what they call the Multisensory Aesthetic Experience, or the way art transcends boundaries to affect more than one sense at a time.
The Virginia-based band drew its name from this acronym, a study that band intellectual Marshall delved into during his college years. “Basically, it's a byproduct of being passionate about the music and trying to figure out how sound can make you feel,” he says. “So for all of us in the band, that was an essential component; the fact that we are all so passionate about music.”
This passion is evident in “The Everglow,” the 2005 release from Mae. The special edition was re-released April 18 of this year and includes three bonus tracks and a two-hour DVD of bonus behind-the-scenes and live concert footage, a sign that Mae is constantly evolving and willing to give to its fans what they want.
According to Whatismae.com, Elkins describes “The Everglow” as “a story about love and striving and failure and reward, but most importantly it is about being true to yourself, finding your passions and making them your reason for living, and living fulfilled.”
Marshall explains the record in a more conceptual manner. “This record is almost like a puzzle because we have so many hidden details that connect the music and the visual artwork,” he says.
Mae was signed to Tooth and Nail records in 2003, a label that encompasses a share of the Christian Rock scene. This was the start to the Christian confusion - a debate concerning the religious beliefs that the band has been trying to shake ever since.
“We're not a Christian band,” Elkins clarifies. “If anything, we're on Tooth and Nail because they believe in our music. It doesn't have anything to do with religious beliefs.”
Mae continues to attract a dedicated Christian crowd regardless, which the band members often attribute to their deep lyrics and relationship with art as a sacred form of higher power. Beliefs aside, followers of Mae will be satisfied with the intense yet intimate performance guaranteed by this transcendental band.
Miranda Sound fits right alongside Mae as indie pop chargers from Columbus, as mentioned in their MySpace. Parallels to describe their unique vibe can be drawn from bands ranging from The Police to the lovechild of a Bloc Party and Death Cab For Cutie ensemble.
For a refreshing new outlook on music, tap into Miranda Sound. Discover a new favorite band with Dan Gerken doing vocals, guitar, cello (yes, cello) and keys, Dan Bell on drums, Billy Peake with vocals and guitar and Sean Sefcik on bass and keys. If the audience is lucky, Gerken will bring along his cello and the audience can see first-hand how it looks while rocking out.
Run Run Addington, hailing from Cleveland as the third in the night‘s melodic trio, describe themselves as an indie experimental progressive rock band. Members include Scott Larson as lead vocals and guitar, Seth Steiner on lead guitar, Josh Young on the drums and Mike Dixson on bass.
Fans of Run Run Addington’s influences such as Counterfit and Brandston will enjoy the show, along with anyone who likes to discover underground bands before the mainstream scene takes hold.
Mae, Miranda Sound and Run Run Addington hit the Baker Center Theater stage Wednesday at 9 p.m. for this free show. No tickets will be issued and no one will be turned away. This tripod of talent is set to enlighten and explore musical boundaries, so long as the audience is ready to experience.