The story
Mal Rae grew up in Cumbria, in the northwest of England. He began playing music seriously at school in the 90s, later moving to Sheffield, where he formed a long-lasting musical partnership with Sam Woodings. After both moved to Leeds they formed The Echo in 2003 — a guitar-based indie band with Chris Challenger and John Wright. For the next eight years they toured and recorded across northern England, balancing energetic full-band shows with stripped-back acoustic sets.
After The Echo disbanded, Mal explored a range of solo projects and collaborations under the name The St Louis Fear — a darker turn from the bright indie pop of his earlier band. Frustrated by the costs of studio access, he began experimenting with recording and mixing, developing a deep passion for production and honing his craft over the following decade.
Mal is passionate about capturing raw emotion while preserving the dynamic integrity of a song. His first major project, The Neon Light Foundry, straddled the pandemic. Departing from his earlier guitar-driven work, it blends synth textures with organic instruments, inspired by the sci-fi films and the film and TV soundtracks he grew up with in the 80s.
He lives in Leeds with his wife and two sons, continuing to write, record and produce from his home studio.