21-year-old singer-songwriter Mae Stephens dropped her newest single, “Small Town Syndrome”, on July 12. The self-taught musician is on the rise in the music industry as a VEVO 2024 “DSCVR Artist to Watch”. Stephens pairs colorful funky pop with her signature powerful voice to create pieces that leave lasting impressions on her listeners’ minds.
Following last year’s whirlwind breakthrough with hit track “If We Ever Broke Up”, Stephens announced her upcoming debut EP, Securely Insecure. “Small Town Syndrome” marks the first track from this EP, in which Stephens pulls from her own experiences growing up.
Stephens said:
“It’s about being in a small town and everyone knowing everyone’s business. The lyrics tell you how I was hiding behind walls, putting on a brave face while feeling the weight of gossip and judgment. The chorus reflects the struggle to find a way out of this, resonating with anyone who’s ever felt stuck and misunderstood in a close-knit community. The song’s main theme is really of those dreaming of escape and new beginnings.”
Throughout the Securely Insecure EP, Stephens is expected to tackle themes of self-discovery, trauma, and identity. On a post on X (Twitter), she added:
“I wrote this when I was just a kid for all of us that have faced bullies, been full of anxiety and fears or thought we just weren’t ever enough.”
Securely Insecure Tracklist:
“Small Town Syndrome”
“You Don’t Remember Me”
“Stranger”
“Use Somebody”
