Mae is a power pop group that formed in Norfolk, Virginia in 2001. Jacob Marshall and Dave Elkins began what would become Mae by writing their first song, Embers and Envelopes, in Dave's living room. Their name is an acronym of Multi-sensory Aesthetic Experience, which comes from a theory called aesthetic theory, explored by the band's drummer, Jacob Marshall, while a student at Old Dominion University. Mae toured extensively in 2005 to promote the release of The Everglow, their second full-length album, and also performed on the Vans Warped Tour.

Though some of the members of Mae are confirmed Christians, the band is not in fact a "Christian group." The band's interview for Relevant Magazine in the March/April 2005 issue confirms that drummer Jacob is a Christian. Also, Dave has been known to sing worship songs during sound checks.