Start Listening To: Maximilian

Maximillian crafts emotive melodies and deep connections.

Maximillian, the emerging talent from Jersey Channel Islands, has taken the music world by storm with his debut single, ‘For Now’ This enchanting artist's journey is filled with passion, collaboration, and a quest for genuine connections. In this exclusive Q&A, Maximillian shares his inspirations, musical influences, and the deeper meaning behind ‘For Now.’ He takes us on a heartfelt journey through his growth as a musician, the vibrant Brighton music scene, and the emotive power of his music.

For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?

I’m a songwriter from Jersey Channel Islands and I try to make the music I want to hear that doesn’t exist yet.

We love your debut single ‘For Now’ Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this song and what it means to you?

This song is about how not reaching out to people, or accepting the vulnerable invitations from others, can affect you and your life. Beginning to recognise a flaw in yourself and willing to change it some day.

‘For Now’ explores the theme of consigning flaws and seeking connection. Could you share more about the personal experiences or emotions that inspired this track?

To be specific, there was one moment for me when I had an opportunity to get to know someone better, and I really felt like I wanted to know them better, but in the moment I was too ‘shy’, in search of a better word, to take the leap. I then never ended up knowing them at all. I could really feel the loss, for both me and the other person, and I started to see how we have so much control over our life, and it’s very important to take control, to enrich yourself and people around you.

Collaboration seems to be a significant aspect of your music. Can you talk about the creative process and how working with collaborators like Jamie Broughton and Bobby Smyth contributed to the song's development?

Collaboration will always be the case no matter what. Although I wrote this song in one go by myself, it develops every time I play it and it continues to do so. Playing live with Jamie and Sammy always shows me new sides to my songs. The only two people playing on this recording are me and Jamie. Jamie plays the drums, trombone  and sings multiple layers of backing vocals. His input to this recording is so vital to me and the song. We really get on musically, figuring out harmonies with Jamie time and time again taught me so much. What a musical mind he has and I’m so grateful for all his hard work! Although he makes it seem effortless.

The way Bobby literally contributed to this song was by editing the drum take on Pro Tools. He’s a wizard who’s gonna go far in the music world. He was also like my mixing Sensei, for the amount of times I have played my mixes to him and gotten his valuable feedback is bountiful. Lots of love and respect.

The press release mentions that ‘For Now’ was inspired by reflections on human connection. How do you hope the song's deeper meaning can resonate with listeners who may be going through similar experiences?

If anyone is feeling any kind of self doubt, or any level of social anxiety, I hope that they can relate to the lyrics and ruminate in those emotions without sinking. The song lives in that state of wanting, wishing and regretting, but there is a twinge of hope, and I would like people to feel that if you stay positive you can latch onto that and work you way towards self improvement.

As a musician from Jersey, what led you to move to Brighton, and how has this change in location influenced your musical journey?

I had my eye set on a UNI in Brighton at 14, and I wanted to move at 16, but rightly so my Mum didn’t let me! Being from a small island I had a craving to get out, and go somewhere with more opportunities. Although waiting until 18 was a good decision, as playing at the Songwriter Society events lead by David Keenan really helped me from as a writer, and gave me a space to perform my own songs to a crowd of loving people that wanted to listen.

Since moving to brighton the main thing that has impacted me is all of the amazing people I’ve met. I’ve been here for 5 years now and the reason I haven’t moved on is I just don’t want to live outside of this beautiful, thriving. musical bubble. I’m surrounded by talent, inspiration and and so much creativity that has really fuelled me and helped me grow as a person.

The press release highlights your love for music blooming in your teenage years while digging through record shop bargain bins. Could you share any specific albums or artists from that time that had a significant impact on your musical tastes?

The one album I discovered at the age of 17, was After The Gold Rush by Neil Young. I had heard some Neil hits, a few from Harvest, so when I saw it I thought I’d give it a go. That evening when me and my family were temporarily living at my Nans house, I was in mine and my sisters room in the attic and I listened for the first time and it’s been one of my favourite albums of all time ever since. I think it was the vocal harmonies that spoke to me the most, and have stuck with me ever since. Timeless songs.

‘For Now’ is your debut single. What can listeners expect from your upcoming music, and can you provide a glimpse into your musical direction?

There is much more coming that has been worked on for about 3 years now. All I can comfortably say, myself, is that I think it sounds like me. There’s a whole array of influences I could list, or fuse together multiple genres to try and put it in a box, but I think that’s easier done by the listener if needs be. The next single I would say is pretty opposite to ‘For Now’ compared to all the songs I have, so I hope it sets up a big enough space for all the different shades that will come in between.

Music has the power to connect with people on a deep emotional level. What do you hope your music conveys to your audience, and what emotions or messages do you aim to evoke in your listeners?

I want my music to evoke the same feeling in them that my favourite music does in me. And it’s hard to put my finger on what that is but I know I love it! It will be different for everyone too. I hope it could be really specifically relatable, or so abstractly nostalgic that it feels like new memory for the ears.

Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s still important to you?

I think the first artist I really fell in love with that I will always listen to is Bob Dylan. At the age of 14 I heard ‘Don’t think twice it’s alright’ and it was no doubt the song that made me want to write songs. The Free Wheelin’ Bob Dylan will always be in rotation, always be nostalgic and will always be an ocean of inspiration.

What do you love right now?

Right now I love Adrianne Lenker. I think she is just one of the most incredible writers on this planet right now. I also love Little Simz, one of the best live performances I’ve ever seen! I love Nick Cave for both his music and all he’s got to say, especially in Faith Hope and Carnage. I recently listened too Rick Rubin’s audio book and I could not recommended enough to any creative person, it’s the new creative Bible.

What do you hate right now?

I hate the sound of freezer drawers.

Looking ahead, what are your long-term aspirations as an artist, and do you have any exciting projects or collaborations in the works? 

Long term aspirations as an artist is to have as many people hear my music as possible, and to be able to sustain myself and those I love around me through music. As for new projects, I’ve got some songs in motion that I’m really happy with. As for collaboration I’m in cahoots with some marvellous writers who are also my friends and I have some plans to write with them, just for fun! Let’s see.