theaussieword.com catches up with MAXON.
Give us an introduction. How did it all begin? What had you first interested in music?
Music has always been the thing that makes me tick. It snaps me out of any state and makes me feel like I can take on the whole world. Music is the only thing that’s ever really been there and I’ve never wanted to do anything else with my life. I begged my parents for piano and singing lessons at a very young age. I was never surrounded by music, my parents aren’t musical at all, so they were hesitant at first. My biggest inspiration when I finally started singing lessons at aged 12 was Jewel. I used to sit in my room and learn every single lyric to all of her songs and I remember thinking, I want to do this too!
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
I’m not sure anything really motivates me to write and sing. I just feel compelled to do it. It’s something I think you just have to do. I’m influenced by a number artists and people in my life. Most of my songs are based on life experiences – sorry if you’re the subject of the month! :p
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
I always said growing up that it was my dream for people to hear my voice and instantly know it was me. I still think about this all the time but my ultimate dream is to continue my path in music without 4 or 5 other jobs on the side. To just create and tour and play bigger and better shows all the time. I don’t think it’s impossible but it’s a really tough, long, and sometimes, lonely road.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
I’m planning some shows for 2019 at the moment but I’ve got music in the works too so we’ll see. Things change all the time so who knows. I’d love to do more touring but I think I’ll wait until I’ve got more music out.
Tell us a bit about your latest album and how would you best describe your music?
My latest single History is now out in the world. We’ve been describing it as a pop/ rock and it reflects a period of cyclic grieving. History is simply a diary entry in a melody. It has helped me understand a situation more clearly and has been the first step I’ve ever taken towards bravery and self-acceptance. It’s long over-due and represents a major turning point in my life and I hope my career as well. I’m breaking free from a long standing history of self-doubt, inflicted upon me throughout my life, and I’m burning all those bridges behind me to focus on a productive future full of bravery and self-love.
Success, what is the secret to it?
I think success means something different to us all and it changes as we grow and take on new opportunities in life. For me, it can be getting out of bed in the morning. Some days it’s selling out your single launch.
What has been your biggest career highlight?
I think releasing this new single this month. It’s been a roller-coaster of a year so it’s nice to release it out into the world. Whether people like it or not, it’s still a highlight for me and my journey.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
David Bowie. Lady Gaga. Alanis Morissette. Jewel. Sara Bareilles. This list goes on but that’s my top five at the moment.
Any new projects in the pipeline?
I’ve got a bunch of new songs in the works, trying to figure out what to release next. I’m hoping to collaborate more next year because that scares the shit out of me and it’d be good for me to get out of my comfort zone.
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
haha hopefully a couple of albums deep and retirement just around the corner. Just kidding…. I’ll always play and write music but it’d be great to do it and be as far away from this industry as possible.
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.
This changes all the time as I discover new artists. Right now it’s friends Ruby Gill, Eaglemont, Billy Barker and Feelds. Oh and Ngaiire! My gawwwddd. I don’t know her, but would love to collaborate with her one day. Dream team if you asked
me :p
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
Social media is a great tool for all creatives. As a user, I love it because I can discover new music every day and find people to network with. As an artist, there’s a lot to cut through so that can be challenging. I still think there’s nothing better than seeing a live show and taking home a tangible product in your hands to play in your car and sing along to.
Thanks for the interview! What final message do you have for us today?
Get down to the single launch November 22nd – I’d love to see you there!
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