Brooklyn-based indie-folk artist Mae Krell joined Curious Goldfish to discuss their upcoming album, (I Might Be) Grown, a record that explores the disorienting reality of reaching an adulthood they never expected to see. Krell, who spent their teenage years navigating mental health challenges and a stint in a "troubled teen center" in Utah, brings a stark, delicate honesty to their songwriting that has earned them millions of streams and a devoted, attentive following.

The core of Krell’s new work is the concept of "living longer than you ever thought you would". After years of struggling with suicidal ideation and addiction, Krell describes the transition into their mid-twenties as a constant back-and-forth between settlehood and hesitation. This sentiment is captured perfectly in the album's title and the closing lyric of the track "Grown": "I’m still scared of the dark, terrified of growing / But I think I might be grown".

Krell prioritizes "engaged and attentive" listeners over the passive "background noise" often generated by playlist algorithms. They view fan relationships as sacred, recounting stories of fans getting their drawings tattooed or gifting handmade bracelets. Krell maintains this connection through a tireless independent hustle—personally cold-emailing venue managers for opening slots, a tactic they find "surprisingly effective" for reaching people who "actually care".

Krell uses songwriting to process the "uncomfortable, messy start" of their journey and to forgive their younger self for past actions. This is most poignant in the track "To Begin," which asks for a starting point when belonging feels out of reach: "If asking to belong is too much / Can I at least ask to begin?". Krell’s process is deeply tied to physical objects and places, like the 100-year-old vintage guitar they purchased specifically to capture the "plucky and weird" sound required for "Apollo’s Song".