Bio

Having worked as lead singer and multi-instrumentalist for one of the Rocky Mountain Region's most sought after acts, McRae took a solo creative venture and released the successful project I Won't Settle for Less. She quickly became recognized as a top notch singer/songwriter and her debut album quickly made its mark on the reputable National Gavin's Top 40 Americana Radio Chart, gaining her acclaim and top awards as an insightful and melodic singer songwriter. McRae was selected for the Ace Award winning TV show, “Alley Tracks”, as well as the top selling artist at the World MusicFest in Sweden. She was also chosen for the cover story of an industry favorite, Performance Magazine [Read Interview].

McRae's debut album features performances by Tim O'Brien, and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, who were recording their acoustic album in the same studio as McRae and happened to hear her project in the making. They then joined her on the powerful song, Homefields.

Due to a chronic illness with her young son, McRae was forced to stop touring early after her first release. She has now finished the highly anticipated Urgency, recorded in Nashville and set to release nationally August 3, 2009. After multi-platinum producer, Wyatt Easterling, heard McRae's new writing, he offered her an opportunity to record in Nashville with triple grammy engineer, Mark Capps. Producer Easterling was head of A&R for Atlantic Records and was a chief player in the signing of Keith Urban, Aaron Tipin, Michael Johnson and produced the multi-platinum album, Life's A Dance of John Michael Montgomery's. Easterling also worked alongside well known Miles Copeland (The Police, Sting).

The new disc's 12 originals maintain the truthful resonance that echoes a variety of styles from Americana/Folk Rock to Adult Contemporary. This album boasts a sterling assortment of world class players including Bonnie Raitt's longtime guitarist, George Marinelli, Alison Prestwood (Shawn Colvin, Jessica Simpson), John Gardner, (Jewell, Dixie Chicks) Catherine Marx (Alison Krause, Reba, Kelly Clarkson). The list goes on. Dan Dugmore adds his classic guitar and dobro, as he did for James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt during their hey days. Chances are you own an album on which he's performed on hits of the Pointer Sisters, Michael McDonald and Stevie Nicks. Linda Ronstadt, Martina McBride and Faith Hill also accompany McRae playing keyboards and guitar. National and International Radio and Touring to follow this highly anticipated August 2009 release.

McRae composed all tracks on this sensational project. Each tune stands strong and is worthy of “radio-hit” attention. The album is filled with her trademark, memorable melodies and lyrics from the soul. Urgency is her most intimate work yet, with the title cut examining the preciousness of each moment in life and the poignant universal theme of immortality. This soulful collection of works hold McRae's heartfelt voice front and center. The variety of moving styles and songs hold the listener's interest.

Because of the poignant universal message she creates in this feature song and title cut, “Urgency”, McRae was offered and accepted the role of International Music Ambassador for the Colon Cancer Awareness Foundation.

Interviews, Blogs, Articles

    Read Article

    Indie Music Interview with Maree

    Med Center Network Video

    Blog Talk Radio with Maree