Mae Estes To Release EP 'The 90s Called' Out October 16th Via Blue Highway Records

Mae Estes, the three-time Arkansas Country Music Association Female Vocalist, has made critically acclaimed music for the last few years. On the brink of her Blue Highway Records debut, the hard country progressive is releasing an EP to tip her hat at the artists and influences who’ve helped shape her sound.

The 90s Called, named for the original song written by Benjy Davis and Aaron Raitiere, is a festival of the best of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Out October 16, the EP features Shenandoah on “Moon Over Georgia,” finds Mae taking on the role of the letting go woman in Brooks & Dunn’s “She’s Not the Cheatin’ Kind,” the smart-enough-to-engage redux of K.T. Oslin’s “Do Ya,” the pristine ache of Lee Ann Womack’s “The Fool” and a feisty spin on Patty Loveless’ “You Can Feel Bad” which provide a comprehensive sense of how staunch modern country can be.

Pre-Save The 90s Called HERE

Listen to “You Can Feel Bad” HERE

"The 90s Called is made up of songs I wish I’d written and iconic voices that truly changed my life,” Mae says, offering her mission statement. “I got the confidence to play the women in these songs from all the trailblazers before me, including Patty, Dolly, Loretta, and so many more."

Produced by Paul Sikes, and featuring Broadway legend, John Anderson vet and GRAMMY winner Joe Spivey on fiddle, bluegrassers Trey Hensley and Josh Matheny on acoustic guitar and dobro, plus ‘90s classic Lonnie Wilson on drums, this is no nonsense country made for people who truly live the songs. Taking that attitude and turning it up, Mae’s recent release is the strength training “You Can Feel Bad,” out now. The power midtempo provided Loveless a fiery kiss-off to a callous leaver wanting to believe he’d inflicted pain as she was coming into her own.

“Patty Loveless is one of the most respected legends in country music,” Mae offers. “She represents real deal talent – and the company she keeps reflects that, too. She has a lot of songs I wish I’d written in her catalog, but this one – written by Matraca Berg and Tim Krekel – is one of my very favorites. So much attitude, but she delivers it with a smile on her face.”

The feeling is mutual. Country Music Hall of Famer Loveless is quick to praise the young woman born and raised in Hope, Arkansas (population just over 8,000).

Loveless says, “I met Mae one night at the Opry, and she knocked me out. I felt like I’d known her forever, just talking to her. And the way she sings! She has such passion for real (hardcore) country music. You can’t fake that; you just can’t.”

“I remember when I came out, doing ‘If My Heart Had Windows,’ which turned a whole new generation onto George Jones, who was a hero of mine,” Loveless continues. “I feel like Mae’s doing that for me and this song. To see someone so talented and so fresh, you gotta root for them, and I do. I just love her!”

Honest, raw and real, Mae knows what set the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s apart and made them so special. She takes that baked-in knowledge and uses it to make a song sparkle. Seeking to meet the emotional truth of a song where it’s strongest, the salt’n’earth-toned vocalist steps into the spotlight offering thanks to those who inspired her before unleashing an album – currently in process – that takes all of these influences to the next level.

The 90s Called Track List:

1. “The 90s Called” (Benjy Davis, Aaron Raitiere)

2. “She's Not the Cheatin' Kind” (Ronnie Dunn)

3. “Moon Over Georgia (ft. Shenandoah)” (Mark Narmore)

4. “You Can Feel Bad” (Matraca Berg, Tim Krekel)

5. “The Fool” (Marla Cannon-Goodman, Gene Ellsworth, Charley Stefl)

6. “Do Ya” (K.T. Oslin)

ABOUT MAE ESTES

Armed with a powerhouse vocal and a knack for brutally honest storytelling, Hope, AR native Mae Estes has earned herself an impressive reputation as “a new-school torchbearer for Nashville tradition” (GRAMMY.com). Mae signed her first publishing deal in 2020 and has since racked up more than 13 million streams across platforms and over 1 million views on YouTube, building a quickly growing fan base with her “vocal prowess and subject matter range” (PEOPLE). In 2022, “Thinkin’ ‘Bout Cheatin’” became the first release from her debut EP as well as her first music video feature on CMT. In 2023, she was honored with her third consecutive Arkansas CMA Female Vocalist of the Year in her home state. The NHL Stadium Series, the Grand Ole Opry, PBR Stampede Series, Music City Grand Prix, The Bluebird Cafe, CMA Fest, Nissan Stadium, The Country Music Hall of Fame and more have hosted this “stone-cold country newcomer” (Whiskey Riff) poised for success. Signed to Blue Highway Records, she is one of the key country females to watch, being named to CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2024 and a slew of artist to watch lists (GRAMMY.com, iHeart Media, Absolute Radio, COWGIRL Magazine, Country Now, etc.). Mae’s new EP, The 90s Called, will be released October 16 and honors the influences who formed her traditional-grounded roots. She will hit the road this fall to open on select dates of Little Big Town’s For The Art Of It Tour.