A Quick Chat with MAXON

Can you tell us a bit about your inspiration for your single ‘Everybody’?

Everybody feels like the glue holding my album and honestly my life together right now. It came from a deep need to remember that underneath everything we are all connected. My partner Nay Pattuwage and I wrote it as a reminder that we all deserve to feel love, to be loved, and to offer love with kindness. The community choir was essential because the song is not just about my story. It is about collective healing and remembering that we thrive in community. Its purpose is to remind us that singing is healing and love can carry us through even the darkest of times. Knowing that it’s all around us and that it’s infectious. Hope you can sing along with us!!

What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting?

I have always been influenced by singer songwriters who lead with truth rather than anything too polished. I love music that is deep but still uplifting and where you can actually hear the growth the artist is going through. For me that has been artists like Jewel, Alanis Morissette, and Sara Bareilles. I also love David Bowie and I think these influences have made me a bit left of centre as a writer. I do not really follow rules but somehow it still all forms into these catchy pop-ish style songs.

What’s the creative process like for you?

It is all about melody and they jump out of my body everywhere. It is like a good cry. Once the floodgates open I cannot stop. Usually I feel something with the melodies appearing out of nowhere and words float out and I shape it later. It is mostly a stream of consciousness writing process unless I am writing with a collaborator or for another artist which is always a fun and different challenge.

If you could change something about the Australian music industry what would it be?

Hmmm haha how long have we got. I am not a bitter old queen and I love that the industry is constantly changing. But I do worry about sustainability for artists. I would love to see that valued more than constant output. There is so much pressure to move fast, stay visible, and keep producing and that often comes at the cost of wellbeing. I think the industry would be stronger if it prioritised care, fair pay, and longevity and allowed artists to grow and evolve without burning out. Having said that, I still think true music lovers love albums. I’m forever backing the album format.

What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet?

Music has always been how I regulate, process, and survive and I think I’d have multiple meltdowns a day without it. And that ain’t pretty… Music gives shape to feelings I don’t yet have language for. I’ve always used singing for this, even as a youn child… it’s where I make sense of the world and myself and stay grounded.

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with? Why?

I often say Sara Bareilles but in all honesty I just want to sit beside her and watch her brain at work. I’d probably chicken out as well. Also, I just love collaborating with anyone. Hit me up! Let’s write!!!

What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry?

I’m singing to you now… “Be yourself. Beee yourself. Beee Yoourrrself…”

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve worked with/met?

Oooo umm my wife haha. We write a lot together and have started a duo project called Wakers (https://www.instagram.com/wakersmusic/) which will launch later this year. She surprises me every time we sit down to write and always has a new process. She is downright obsessed and I love watching it. Because we are so comfortable with each other I see her writing in multiple positions and angles all over the house within a two hour window. Upside down, hanging off the couch, you name it. I move around too but she does it in a particularly funny way. Super cute too.

Any plans for a tour on the cards?

A big fast YES here. We have a few shows coming up to celebrate ‘Everybody’ but we will tour the whole album later this year. All to be announced over the coming months. Hope you can make it!! I’d love for people to sign up to the mailing list if interested in seeing us.

Thanks so much for having me here. That was fun!!