Mae Estes today released her third new track in three months, “High And Lonesome,” via Big Machine Records. Giving her talent for storytelling a break, she instead delivers a vulnerable exploration of the intoxicating draw of success and the unexpected emotions that come along with making it to the top. Learning that flying that high is actually lonesome, the song highlights the importance of not losing sight of what matters most.
“This song was inspired by a conversation I had with a massively successful, award-winning artist —who has had pretty much every dream I can think of come true— at their No. 1 party in Nashville and how getting to celebrate those accomplishments with their loved ones is what makes it feel like an actual win,” shared Mae Estes. “It’s easy to get caught up in the hunt so I hope this song serves as a three-and-a-half-minute reminder to invest in the people around you because the highest high mean nothing if you have nobody to share it with.”
The sad Country waltz, written by Estes, Paul Sikes (who produced the track) and Marti Dodson, sings with palpable emotion and introspection. Her Country twang, complimented by Paul Sikes’ graceful background vocals, lends a serene touch to this poignant message and invites contemplation on the complexities of ambition and fulfilment.
“High And Lonesome” follows the recent releases of the AIMP 2024 Rising Songwriter-Artist of the Year winner’s preacher’s daughter-turned-murderer heater “Gettin’ Back Up To Heaven” and the fast-paced, barnburner “What I Shoulda Done,” both of which highlight the hot newcomer’s love of traditional Country music and knack for storytelling.
In addition to working on new music being on the road with Lee Brice, Jamey Johnson or Billy Currington, Mae will open for Lainey Wilson at the National Rodeo Finals. For more information, visit maeestes.com.
ABOUT MAE ESTES: Mae Estes got her start at age seven in the middle of an Arkansas rodeo arena, singing the national anthem and hasn’t stopped singing since. Paying dues in Music City for nearly a decade, the Hope, Ark. native is now stacked with stories to tell. In 2019, she began releasing music and signed her first publishing deal with Plaid Flag Music in 2020. She’s since racked up more than 13 million streams across platforms and over 1M views on YouTube, independently and organically building a quickly-growing fan base with her “plain-spoken truth” (The Boot). In 2022, “Thinkin Bout Cheatin’” became the first release from her debut EP as well as her first video feature on CMT. That same year, Mae was honored with Arkansas CMA Female Vocalist of the Year for the second time. In 2023, Estes independently released her debut EP, Before the Record, a six-song project produced by hit songwriter, Paul Sikes. Later that year, she announced a signing with Big Machine Records, WME Agency, Kobalt Music, and Blue Bronco Entertainment. Post-pandemic events such as The Grand Ole Opry, NHL Stadium Series, PBR Stadium Series, Music City Grand Prix, Wrangler’s National Finals Rodeo, The Bluebird Cafe, CMA Fest, Nissan Stadium, The Country Music Hall of Fame and more have hosted this “stone-cold country newcomer” (Whiskey Riff). AIMP’s 2024 Rising Artist-Writer of the Year winner 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 watch lists (iHeart Media, Wide Open Country, Cowgirl Magazine, Entertainment Focus, Country Now, etc.) Estes prioritizes supporting our servicemen and women, having toured internationally with Armed Forces Entertainment and CreatiVets. She joins a host of fellow Country artists and festivals on tour this year, while releasing new music from her upcoming project. To learn more about Mae Estes, visit maeestes.com, and follow Mae Estes on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
