Ade Mai is an old school folk-artist, a singer-songwriter and an experimental sound engineer of the new generation based in Bournemouth, UK & Helsinki, Finland. He writes classical songs with his guitars and a piano and sings simple heartfelt words.
Hi there, how are you and what are you up to today?
Extremely well, thanks! Right now I’m spending some quality time back home in Finland, chilling out here in the middle of all the snow and cold and doing promo for my new release ‘Miles’. I’m also trying to finish some new releases before returning back to UK, where I’m currently based.
To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?
What, who’s not familiar with me? Shame on you! For your information my sound consists of melancholic acoustic guitar riffs and thick and recognizable lead vocals blended with uplifting folk drums and backing vocals. Not less, not more. The genre could be described as something like sunset/sunrise indie nu-folk.
What are the 5 albums and artists that have influenced you the most?
Absolute all time favorites:
Ben Howard – Every Kingdom.
Bon Iver – All three albums.
Coldplay – Ghost Stories (and others).
The Lumineers – The Lumineers.
Ziggy Alberts – Land & Sea.
What other artists do you really like at the moment and why?
I really ‘dig’ the sound of Novo Amor and Dustin Tebbutt at the moment. Really atmospheric and deep. These guys really have seized the moment in their songs, which is something I really love about music. Sean Rowe, Nick Mulvey and Hollow Coves are other ones I’m listening on repeat.
What are some of the key pieces of gear you use to write your tracks in the studio? Or do you prefer to use software and plug ins?
Argh, nothing too interesting I’m afraid, mate. The process usually begins when I accidentally play something interesting on a guitar or a piano. This is followed by the humming phase, when I’m trying to figure out the melody and accidentally come up with the lyrics. Then I probably play some more guitar, drums and bass and put a lot of effects on. Then I go to my wardrobe and play what I find: harmonica, recorder, congas, didgeridoo, tennis socks, banana… whatever is in there.
Let’s give Miles a listen on IndieGROUND:
Has your arsenal of equipment changed much since you first started?
It is not too long since I started this project, so not much. My gear pretty much consists of guitars, a real piano, real drums and then software stuff. Yeah, I’ve bought some more plugins during the project, but nothing major has changed.
Do you enjoy playing to an audience or working in the studio?
Both are nice, but I see things the way that I’m using my time in studio, so that I can have something to play live. Gigs are the main thing, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the whole process. Creating something new which sounds amazing is one of the most uplifting things there are. Still I think there’s a bit more in touring than studio; things like visiting new places or meeting new people for example.
If we gave you the budget to put a line-up together for a mini fest, who would you book and where would you play?
I would probably just keep the money myself and organize an Open Mic -night at a local pub, hehe. Seriously talking, I would probably book the same guys I mentioned earlier, and of course play with each of them myself. The whole thing would take place in Nicaragua.
If you weren’t a musician what would you be?
I was doing fine in football before things started to go even better in music (less worse). So I think I would be an average semi-pro football player somewhere in Europe. Not bad at al.
Do you have any information regarding upcoming releases, projects, DJ mixes or collaborations in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
More is coming! I will be releasing few more singles before dropping out a full album, which will be worth waiting for. Hopefully all the world will hear about it and dance to it. See you on tour!
We thank you very much for taking your time for sharing some personal insights with us. We wish you all the best for your career and very much hope to hear from you again.
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