Maeve Steele is introducing the world to her childhood alter-ego.
A nod to a character from her imagination rooted in the dream girl protagonist of a song by the Turnpike Troubadours titled “Good Lord Lori,” Maeve explores what it means to be a woman in today’s world and the delicate balance between girlhood and womanhood in her new single “Lorena,” which is available now on all music streaming platforms.
“I think I see more of who I have always wanted to be in Lorena,” Maeve tells Celeb Secrets in an exclusive interview. “She’s carefree and in control, really unafraid of the world. I guess we both are impulsive and have dark hair.”
“Her story was such a freeing one to write, as I found more and more pieces of myself as she took form,” she also shares in a statement.
“Lorena” comes along with exciting announcement that the LA-based artist will be releasing a fresh batch of songs at the top of the year, which she says “encapsulates the same nostalgic, saccharine quality” that fans hear on “Lorena.” Available on Friday, January 19, Honeyland was produced with indie musician Daniel Loumpouridis (co-writer/producer of Louis The Child’s breakout single “It’s Strange (ft. K.Flay)”.)
“‘Honeyland’ really came together throughout the process, I didn’t go into these sessions with a clear vision. It felt like all of the songs had this same nostalgic, saccharine quality. I wanted to really lean into that and explore it as if it was its own little world.”
Celeb Secrets sits down with Maeve (virtually) to learn more about the song and her upcoming EP, what inspires her musically, and her biggest secret that you’d definitely be surprised to know.
Keep scrolling to read our full Q&A with Maeve and let us know if you’re loving “Lorena” by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecrets.
You can connect with Maeve by giving her a follow on Instagram at @maevesteele.
Celeb Secrets: Hi Maeve! Congrats on the release of “Lorena!” Tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the song.
Maeve Steele: “Thank you! I am a longtime fan of The Turnpike Troubadours, and they have this character named Lorrie in a lot of their songs. I guess Lorena is my own take on that character.”
CS: Describe the character of “Lorena” to us – in what way do you see yourself reflected in her?
MS: “I think I see more of who I have always wanted to be in Lorena. She’s carefree and in control, really unafraid of the world. I guess we both are impulsive and have dark hair.”
CS: Girlhood and nostalgia are major themes in the song – what were some of the defining moments of your own girlhood?
MS: “When I think about girlhood, I think about my sister. I’m three years older than her, so it feels like I got to make every mistake and then help her avoid them. I think about playing with my siblings and sharing eyeshadow in middle school bathrooms.”
CS: Last month you released “Strangers in the Garden,” the first single off your upcoming project. Why did you choose this song to kick off this new musical era?
MS: “This was the first song I made for the EP. It really established the sound and style for the rest of the songs for me, so it felt like a fitting introduction for the rest of the world.”
CS: Your newest EP Honeyland is set to release on January 19th. How did this album come about and what are you hoping listeners take away?
MS: “Honeyland really came together throughout the process, I didn’t go into these sessions with a clear vision. It felt like all of the songs had this same nostalgic, saccharine quality. I wanted to really lean into that and explore it as if it was its own little world.”
CS: How would you characterize your unique sound?
MS: “I’ve been saying Americana-noir. I’m not sure if that actually means anything, but it sounds right. A little folk and western influence, a little indie pop, a little atmosphere.”
CS: What were some of your biggest influences when writing these songs?
MS: “Lana Del Rey’s ‘Normal F****** Rockwell’ was a big one one. That’s such a special album. Bon Iver’s soundscape, Arlo Parks’ lyricism, those definitely inspired me during the process.”
CS: How does this upcoming body of work differ from your previous releases?
MS: “It feels more intimate. I think it’s more honest about how I felt during this period of my life, and less like how I was trying feel.”
CS: What song are you most excited for listeners to hear and why?
MS: “Probably ‘How to Run,’ I love that one.”
CS: Since we are Celeb Secrets, what’s a secret about you + that people wouldn’t know?
MS: “I have a legitimate fear of raspberries. They’re hairy, they smell bad, there’s so much potential for a bug to be hiding inside. Terrifying!”
