Ida Mae

Originating in Norfolk, U.K., the acoustic alt-folk duo Ida Mae consists of spouses Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean. Their output centers on romantic, atmospheric material built around resonant guitar lines and ardent vocal delivery, drawing primary inspiration from Americana alongside Deep South blues-rock traditions. That approach first reached listeners through the 2019 debut LP Chasing Lights.

Turpin initiated the partnership after releasing three albums with his prior project, Kill It Kid, while based in Bath, Somerset. Seeking a fresh direction alongside Jean, the couple devoted time to composing and tracking original songs that marked a clear sonic shift away from the alternative-rock and grunge leanings of Kill It Kid. Once sufficient material had accumulated, Ida Mae issued their debut single, "Reaching," in early 2019. The recording saw the pair engage more directly with the country-blues lineage of pioneers such as Son House and Robert Johnson. This track appeared on their first LP, Chasing Lights, which was released that June. Throughout the following year Ida Mae kept issuing singles, among them "Raining for You" and "Deep River" featuring Marcus King; a further collaboration with King, "Click Click Domino," surfaced in 2021.