Lauriana Mae, a retro-minded R&B vocalist and songwriter, grew up singing in her church choir and majored in vocal music at her performing arts high school. She was drawn to contemporary R&B and rap but eventually traced back to classic jazz and R&B -- all the way back to the 1920s, which helped to shape her artistic identity. After she signed to the Atlantic label, she recorded Love Mae, a three-track EP produced by veteran "producer's producer" Kwamé (Mary J. Blige, Mya, Keyshia Cole, Algebra Blessett). Afterward, she contributed to A Very Special Christmas 25th Anniversary and was featured on cuts by B.o.B. ("Chandelier") and Cee Lo Green ("Only You"). ~ Andy Kellman