Fandom Daily is absolutely thrilled to present this exclusive interview with Heather Mae, a trailblazing artist whose music has touched the souls of many. Heather Mae, the acclaimed social justice singer-songwriter, is known for her raw vulnerability and electrifying sound. She creates an intimate space of shared experiences with every lyric, reminding her listeners that they are never alone. Her unflinching honesty and powerful performances have garnered her a devoted fanbase and numerous accolades, including the Rocky Mountain Folks Fest Songwriter Showcase winner and the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Artist-Activist of the Year award.

Heather Mae's journey is a testament to resilience and authenticity. Her 2019 release, Glimmer, showcased her ability to craft luminescent masterpieces that delve deep into mental health, drawing comparisons to vocal powerhouses like Adele and Sara Bareilles. 

However, Heather Mae’s ambition doesn't stop there. Recognizing the stark gender disparity in music production, she rallied a dynamic collective of women and non-binary talents in Nashville, producing two groundbreaking albums set for release in 2024-2025.

Her music is a beacon of hope and strength for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. As we dive into her latest single, "Kissing Girls," and explore her inspirations for her upcoming projects, it's clear that Heather Mae is not just making music; she's leading a movement. Join us as we celebrate her incredible journey and the impact of her art.

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Fandom Daily: Can you share more about your coming out story and what inspired you to finally share it through your music now?

Heather Mae: For years, I told my coming out story starting at age 25, but during the pandemic, I reflected deeply on my life as a kid and I realized my queer story started much earlier. I had written off those years off because of my life in the church. “Kissing Girls" was born out of that healing process of looking back and embracing my full story.

Fandom Daily: How has your background in the church and evangelical movement influenced your journey and your music?

Heather Mae: I don’t know if I would say it “influenced” my journey but it definitely impacted me, for sure. It took me 30 years to realize that I’m still, to this day, impacted by my time in the evangelical church. Even as a loud, proud, queer woman and feminist, that indoctrination runs deep. There were times even as I was writing this record, like…am I allowed to say that? That feeling of looking around for approval and eventually saying “Yes! It’s my life! I belong to myself.” I’m now writing the songs my younger queer self needed back then. 

Fandom Daily: What was the creative process behind your new single "Kissing Girls"?

Heather Mae: It started with me, an acoustic guitar player, looking across my backyard at some kids playing tag in their yard. I remember being a young girl and doing the same thing with a girl who lived across the creek. The song just poured out of me. When I introduced the song to Lollies, my co-producer, she helped it evolve into the vibrant pop anthem it is today.

Fandom Daily: How does "Kissing Girls" reflect your personal experiences and the broader LGBTQ+ community's stories?

Heather Mae: Sadly, mine is a narrative that many queer folks, especially those who grew up in either conservative of religious communities, can relate to. “Kissing Girls” is about hiding my true self and eventually embracing it. The song also pays homage to transgender folks and those who love them, highlighting the journey of transitioning and the steadfast love of supportive partners. It's about celebrating queer joy and resilience in the face of adversity.

Fandom Daily: You’ve mentioned that visibility is profoundly important to you. How do you aim to increase visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals through your music and activism?

Heather Mae: Music has always been a catalyst for social change, playing a key role in every single revolution. While "Kissing Girls" is a catchy pop song, its relatability and authenticity are where its true power lies. Visibility is crucial for changing perceptions and fostering a more inclusive world. 

Fandom Daily: Why do you believe it’s essential to highlight transgender love stories in mainstream media and music?

Heather Mae: Well, 508 anti-trans bills were introduced in 2023 and 84 of those bills were passed into law. Transgender rights are under attack in the United States. Highlighting transgender stories is essential because it fosters understanding, acceptance, and visibility. As someone who was recently married to someone who is transgender, this issue is very personal for me. 

Fandom Daily: What was it like working with a team composed entirely of women and non-binary music makers?

Heather Mae: Effortless. Working with this team of brilliant humans was truly a dream. My buddy Clare AKA Lollies was my co-producer and we mostly just made music in my office. We’d eat ginger snaps, drink coffee and tea, and just belly laugh and produce dreamy, vibey pop music. Every time she walked into my house, I was like “this is the life I always dreamt of. Just making music with my buds.”

Fandom Daily: Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?

Heather Mae:  Ingrid Michaelson, Regina Spector, Kate Nash, and Aaliyah. Some R&B pop, smooth, sexy whisper vocals? I love artists that can *SING* but are super lyric-focused and deliver with emotional intensity. But then also early 2000s emo music? Jimmy Eat World,Dashboard. All of these artists and bands combined helped create my genre-bending sound. I love a dramatic hook. I love a lift and *BAM*, a beat drop. I don’t mind a longer down bridge saying what I have yet to say. It’s this weird mishmash of genres that created the kaleidoscope color pallet of my current sound which influenced my next two albums for sure.

Fandom Daily: How has your journey from your hometown outside DC to Nashville influenced your music?

Heather Mae: Nothing has impacted my music more than my move to Nashville. It’s not only provided new opportunities and inspiration, it’s been a coming home. All of my community here is involved in some form or another in the music industry. That level of “I see you” has been life-changing.  Every coffee, brunch, or housewarming is an opportunity to grow my community, and it’s so validating to be understood. And at the same time, the challenges and experiences of living in the South as a queer artist have also been a lot. It’s definitely shaped my perspective and infused my music with even more themes of resilience. And a determination to foster more queer joy. 

Fandom Daily: Can you give us a sneak peek into the themes and styles of your upcoming dual album release in 2025?

Heather Mae: The things they told us to be ashamed of? The things they told us to not talk about? The things they said we shouldn’t have access to as fat people, queer people, women? I’m kissing and telling.

Fandom Daily: What message would you like to send to your fans and the LGBTQ+ community through your music?

Heather Mae: My music is for you. It's a celebration of our journeys, struggles, and joys. I want every beat, every lyric, to remind you that you're seen, you're loved, and you're not alone. We live in a world that often tries to silence us, but I hope to give us all a voice through my music. Keep being unapologetically you, and remember that our stories matter. Let's dance, let's sing, and let's keep fighting for a world where every single one of us can live openly and proudly.