We had the good fortune of connecting with Mair and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mair, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Oh, I couldn’t not! Having begun playing music at the age of three, it has never been something I could put down. I am either always listening, playing, writing, singing, or thinking about music…
And, I wouldn’t want it any other way!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Music has always, always been part of my soul. I began playing classical cello and piano at age 3, and haven’t really looked back! My brothers had an acoustic/bluegrass band, so I taught myself mandolin to be part of the group. As I have grown, I realized I was just part of that scene from wanting to be part of what my siblings were doing. These days, I am digging into the indie / pop side of music, and absolutely loving the music I am writing and arranging with my lover and parter, Aaron. It takes an immense amount of courage to try my hand at a whole new genre, as a front woman, rather than sticking to what I was used to. When I play a show now, it’s with Aaron playing drums and keys (at the same time!) and myself singing, playing electric guitar, or electric mandolin. I LOVE it! We just put out our first single, which feels a bit like graduating college, without any built in friends to throw hats with…
You can find “adore” on all streaming platforms now!

The way I love to write is to wrap the raw stories in a pretty melody. I love music that makes me feel deeply, so it’s my dream to be received by others in that way!

As one of ten children, the life path presented to me was to continue in the same way. Somedays, I still have to remind myself that I’m “allowed” to chase and have different dreams than my parents did. But, I tried that way, too. You know, got married to the “good, christian guy” (who was anything BUT that) when I was super young, and wound up at a court house when I was a freshly 22, thinking that if my options were to drive off the next bridge or try to make a go of it as a young divorced woman, that I would choose the later.
So glad I did! Since then, the amount of fun, travel, and honest love I have gotten to experience… Wow, I’m just SO grateful I had the guts to walk out on him! It’s never too late to begin a new chapter for yourself. Or, to change your mind. We get to decide, and I LOVE that about life!

Having spent a lot of time with menfolk, as I have 7 brothers, I would love to have a woman team for my artistry! Manager / booking agent… Just really feeling its time for girl power!

Note: I play fender guitars, and Northfield mandolins, in case anybody asks. 😉

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oooo… My absolute favorite, currently, is little restaurant in New Orleans by the name of Alma! I recently got to spend a few days there, playing shows, and I couldn’t get enough. Every dish is incredible, and the staff was the best. My favorite chai latte to date! So, we’d start there, and after visiting every jazz club possible, we’d have dinner at Seaworthy. My favorite ceviche ever! Beside New Orleans, I am a huge fan of Ventura, California. I could live on the pier there. I love to walk every bit of that town, enjoying the rich ocean views, the people… But, anywhere near water is where I feel the most myself!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Ooo! I would have to shout out Poems and Peonies! A book of poems written by Chelsie Diane… My go-to read at any time, and someone I look up to immensely. She is a woman who speaks directly and true, and has inspired me to be more unapologetically myself. I adore her, even though I have yet to meet her. 🙂

Website: https://www.heymair.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mairsongs/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@heymair

Image Credits
Photo of myself with the electric octave mandolin taken by Mike Luckett! All others taken by my dear friend, Sean Fisher.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.