Mae Estes, a rising singer-songwriter from Hope, Arkansas, is quickly establishing herself as one of country music’s most promising new voices. Signed to Big Machine Records, Estes combines a Neotraditional-influenced sound with modern sensibilities, blending introspective ballads and rollicking back porch barnburners to create music that “proves that Country music still has room for steel-string storytelling” (COWGIRL Magazine). Over the past few years, she has built a dedicated fanbase through her honest lyrics and captivating performances, earning praise from established artists such as Vince Gill, Dierks Bentley, Lainey Wilson and Ashley McBryde, as well as songwriting legend Liz Rose. Her standout single ‘Mr. Fix It,' inspired by her real-life mechanic husband, has gone viral on TikTok, garnering hundreds of thousands of views and creating an organic fan-driven trend celebrating the “fixers” in people’s lives.
Having opened for Carly Pearce, Brad Paisley and Luke Bryan this year and performing alongside Vince Gill at the Grand Ole Opry, Estes has proven her ability to command major stages while staying true to her roots. With over 13 million streams across platforms and a reputation for “plain-spoken truth” (The Boot), Mae Estes is poised for a breakout 2026 and beyond, offering a fresh, heartfelt voice that honours the traditions of country music while charting her own path.
Mae Estes’ self-titled debut EP is a stunning introduction to a voice that feels both timeless and new. Across five tracks, Estes channels the heart and soul of 1970s country — full of pedal steel, fiddle, and unguarded emotion — while bringing a fresh energy that makes her sound unmistakably current. With storytelling that recalls Dolly and Reba and production that leans into warm, organic textures, this debut marks Estes as one of country’s most exciting rising artists. It’s a short collection, but one that makes a lasting impression — heartfelt, melodic, and deeply human.
The record opens with ‘Mr. Fix It,' a radiant love song that doubles as a tender tribute to Estes’ husband. Melodic and smooth, it has a Countrypolitan charm reminiscent of Glen Campbell or Tammy Wynette. “His tough as leather holds me together,” Estes sings with warmth and gratitude, celebrating the steady hand that helped mend her broken heart after past hurts. The lilting melody and graceful fiddle lines perfectly complement the sincerity of her voice, creating a song that feels as comforting as a slow dance in a familiar kitchen — simple, true, and beautifully crafted.
‘Drunk on That' shifts into more melancholic territory. At first, it’s a nostalgic reflection on the small joys Estes loves — vinyl records, Keith Whitley songs, tailgates — before unfolding into a heartbreak ballad steeped in regret and yearning. The restrained production, built around plaintive fiddles and soft percussion, gives the song a wistful, retro glow. Estes’ delivery is both smooth and aching, her phrasing imbued with the emotional control of a seasoned storyteller. It’s a quiet, devastating gem that lingers.
‘Mountain of a Man' turns up the energy with a toe-tapping, honky-tonk rhythm and a touch of bluegrass swagger. Co-written with the legendary Liz Rose, the song barrels along on banjo, fiddle and groove as Estes sings about those irresistible outlaws who ride off into the distance, leaving broken hearts in their wake. “This tune reminds me of an old Patty Loveless song,” Estes says — and the comparison fits. It’s vibrant, full of attitude and fun, the kind of song made for summer nights and live shows. Estes notes that she and her band love picking an “honorary mountain of a man” from the crowd during performances, and you can easily imagine audiences stomping along. It’s a highlight that showcases her charm, humour and versatility.
‘I Better Go' returns to smoother, countrypolitan tones — a reflective song about walking away from temptation before crossing a line. “Mixing whiskey with temptation,” Estes sings, torn between desire and conscience. The track builds gracefully toward its lush chorus, with mournful fiddles and shimmering pedal steel accentuating the tension. It feels like something out of the 1970s Nashville playbook — cinematic and deeply emotional. Estes’ voice glides over the melody with quiet power, making it one of the EP’s most haunting moments.
The project closes with ‘What She’s Havin’, a piano-driven ballad that evokes the storytelling brilliance of Dolly Parton and the emotional punch of Reba McEntire. Set in a bar, the narrator watches another woman share the kind of love she’s lost, aching with jealousy and regret. “What’s she doing that I’m not… I just want one more shot,” Estes pleads, her delivery raw and vulnerable. It’s a fitting finale — classic country heartbreak delivered with modern precision and soulful warmth.
At just five tracks, Mae Estes’ debut is brief but brimming with potential, a confident statement from an artist who knows exactly who she is. With songs this good, Big Machine has every reason to put her front and centre — the voice, the stories, and the star power are all here.
Tracklist: 1. Mr Fix It 2. Drunk on That 3. Mountain of a Man 4. I Better. Go 5. What She's Havin' Release Date: 10th October Record Label: Big Machine Buy ‘Mae Estes' right here
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