The new single from rising singer-songwriter Maeve Steele, “Shimmer”, is a dance floor ready, synth-pop gem delivered with the plainspoken poetry and intuitive empathy of a natural born storyteller. Her songs are personal and honest reflections on several aspects of life, notably growth, change, and self-discovery, allowing her to establish a stronger and deeper connection with those who hear them. PopWrapped caught up with Maeve to find out more about her latest release and what she’s learnt about herself through her art.

Who or what inspired your new single “Shimmer?”

I wrote ‘Shimmer’ in the summer of 2020 when I was overall feeling pretty uninspired. I remember rereading Joan Didions “Why I Write” for inspiration, where she talks about the different images that shimmer to each of us. I loved the word “shimmer” to describe the things that grab us for whatever reason, random images that for some reason have an energy of potential. I wanted to pull it into a song about trying to conjure up some excitement or joy at a time when I was pretty bored. 

Can you talk me through your creative process behind creating the visual for the single?

‘Shimmer’ is supposed to be about a daydream, and I wanted not just the sound but all the imagery surrounding it to have that fantastical element. At the time, my biggest fantasy was just dancing with my friends. 

How has fashion inspired your sense of style: artistically and musically?

Style is about taking the things around you and making it feel the most “you” possible. In that sense, I think fashion has helped craft my personal identity, which definitely makes its way into my writing. 

What have you learned about yourself through creating music?

I’m learning how much I like the revision process. As rewriting has become a bigger part of my process, I feel like it’s me realizing I’m trying to inch closer and closer to say what I’m really feeling. If I have to rewrite something, there’s probably a reason it doesn’t feel authentic or doesn’t grab me. Song-writing definitely keeps me in check when it comes to honesty with myself. 

Check out the video for “Shimmer” below and for more information on Maeve Steele, visit her website, give her page a like on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Header photo credit: Joelle Grace Taylor.