New York-based singer-songwriter Mae Krell returns with the release of their new single, “phantom limb.” Alongside the new single, Mae is also announcing a North American tour supporting Ethan Jewell.
“phantom limb” is an achingly beautiful listen. Atop melancholy piano and scintillating production, Mae poetically unfurls a heartbreaking tale of drug addiction and recovery: “you’re still here like a phantom limb / an itch I can’t scratch / because I’ll tear up my skin / I know one is too much / but I’m always tempted / by the simple idea / that this time might be different”
“People often expect me to be ‘healed’ now that I’m sober, not realizing that my disease will continue to trail behind me for the rest of my life,” Mae says. “‘phantom limb’ speaks to my recovery, and what it’s like to choose to carry something difficult with you instead of letting it go untreated.”
Following a two-year hiatus, Mae Krell returned in early 2020 ready to embark on a new musical era. With a newfound maturity and understanding, they have perfected their folk-pop sound and introspective lyrical chops. At just 22 years old, Mae exudes a musicality wise beyond their years. Influenced by revered singer-songwriters like Bob Dylan, Phoebe Bridgers, and Gregory Alan Isakov, their songs are intimate reflections that confront trauma, self-love, and personal truths. Their singles have amassed millions of streams to date, with last year’s singles “wash,” “home,” and “garden,” all individually breaking over 500K streams.
In addition to their artist career, Mae has worn many different hats in the music industry, photographing live music for Rolling Stone and Sony RCA, founding the online music publication Tongue Tied Magazine and, most recently, starting Bitch Mgmt, a multimedia marketing and PR company. With a multitude of career milestones already under their belt, Mae is taking it one day at a time and focusing on writing and recording songs that reach new emotional heights.