Don't discount Mae as your typical emo/post-grunge band, this band (whose name is an acronym for Multisensory Aesthetic Experience) infiltrates their music with an artistic quality that it truly original. Influenced by '80s classics like the Police and Depeche Mode, Mae manages to escape any title critics try to pin on them by creating music that is too upbeat to be considered emo and too gritty to be described as purely pop.The Norfolk, Virginia band came together in early 2001 after founding members Dave Elkins (vocals, guitar) and Jacob Marshall (drums) began recording at the home studio of Mark Padgett (bass). Keyboardist Rob Sweitzer and guitarist Matt Beck joined the newly christened Mae soon after and the emo outfit began simultaneously recording their debut album and performing with the likes of River City High, the Exit and Movielife all over their home state. In 2003 Tooth & Nail released Destination-Beautiful and prior to Mae's sophomore album release in 2004 former Unsung Zeroes guitarist Zach Gehring was swapped for Matt Beck. Destination B-Sides was released in 2004 and Mae released their second studio album The Everglow one year later.Mae scored a coveted spot performing on 2005's summer Warped Tour and continued to tour throughout 2006 as part of the Virgin College Mega Tour alongside headliners Yellowcard and punk-pop band Over It. Mae's excessive touring resulted in an extended release of The Everglow, which featured additional tracks and a bonus DVD loaded with two hours of band footage. After the band's contract with Tooth & Nail expired, Mae signed with Capitol and released Singularity in the summer of 2007. Fans continue to relate to Mae's emotionally-charged music that truly is what their name stands for, a multisensory aesthetic experience.