Mayfield

Mayfield is the name used by several different acts, including a project formed by Curt Smith, a Chicago pop punk band, an alternative rock trio from Adelaide, and a San Diego folk-rock duo.

Curt Smith project

One version of Mayfield is the band formed by Tears for Fears singer Curt Smith. The name is a play on Curtis Mayfield’s name, combining Smith’s own name with that of the soul singer. Smith records the album in 1996, then releases it through his own label, Zerodisc: it first appears online in 1997 and reaches stores in 1998. The project develops outside major-label distribution and is described as having a more personal feel than much of Smith’s earlier work.

Smith is the main songwriter and producer, and his key collaborator in the project is guitarist and co-producer Charlton Pettus. Other members include Russ Irwin on keyboards and vocals, Doug Petty on keyboards, Shawn Pelton on drums, and Smith on bass. After his split from Roland Orzabal in 1990, Smith works separately until the two later reunite for Everybody Loves a Happy Ending in 2004, with Pettus also involved.

Chicago pop punk band

Another Mayfield forms in Chicago in 2000, with drummer Mike Hollins and singer-guitarist Brian Kelly at its centre. The band develops through early demos and a self-titled full-length release, while the line-up changes slightly over time. Its sound moves from suburban high school pop punk towards a more developed style, combining fast tempos with emotional breakdowns and drawing on influences beyond pop punk. The group builds a strong local following while members balance music with school and work. Its debut full-length I Wont Make a Sound appears in 2004, after which the band gains wider recognition through national touring. The band ends in late 2005.

Other acts with the same name

Mayfield is also the name of an alternative rock band from Adelaide, South Australia, formed in 2004, with members Zigg West, Sam Knight and Jett. That group tours in Australia, the USA, the UK and Europe. A further Mayfield is a folk-rock band from San Diego, California, made up of Benjamin Bartel and Erin Lancaster.