Maxon December Interview

Maxon Announces 4 Element Single, December

The impressive Maxon has released her new single December, a vulnerable, stripped-back break -up song challenging the emotions that came to light six months after separating with her partner of seven years. With only four elements to its name; electric guitar (played by Nelson Yeung) and vocals (lead and harmony by Maxon), December, in no way shy's away from 'brazen' and 'breathtaking'. Gemma Pike's (Triple J) glowing review reveals she "held (her) breath for three and a half minutes straight" proclaiming the song as an "absolute showstopper".

Inspired by a rough year, December is the first of this type of release for Maxon. "In the past, I've focused on polishing songs, layering tracks, recording in studios with exceptional equipment where you're completely pushed to your limits", says Maxon.

"I will just add, before I go-on, that I am super proud of what I've made in the past, and I certainly would not have grown into the artist and person that I am without those experiences. However, I chose to dress December in a completely different fashion, even though the style of writing is still autobiographical, and extremely honest - a theme I have always stuck to. This decision was based on me documenting a time that was really difficult for me to process, and I didn't want to pretty it up too much, or give it anything that it didn't need. It makes me nervous to release something so raw and stripped back, and unlike anything I have tried to do in the past. The recording experience was also very freeing, in that this was the first time in my life where I didn't do a million and one vocal takes, and chop them all up to get the best vocal possible. It was 2 full vocal takes! We picked the first take, believe it or not, then we went down stairs and had some noodle soup. Fin!"

Despite it's heavy-heartedness, December tackles raw emotion with a beautiful light, and confronts grief head-on. Maxon is excited to be celebrating December with two intimate shows this July 2019 in Victoria. Her powerhouse vocal is something that certainly needs to be witnessed live. "Both shows will feature a stripped back style performance, just the way I like it." December is out now.

December - Live Showcases
Fri July 5 | Music On The Hill, Red Hill Pavillion
Sat July 20 | Chapters, Eco Build
Tickets available from maxonofficial.com/gigs

Interview with Maxon

Question: How difficult was it to relive your breakup when writing and recording December?

Maxon: I generally struggle letting go of things. As I get older, processing and dealing past traumas has taken a huge toll on my physical and mental wellbeing. Writing music is the only way I know how I am feeling. It doesn't fix the pain, but it's certainly a great tool and a way in to the beginning of the healing process. This breakup hit me over six months after I parted from my partner of seven years. I got really wrapped up in being "fine" because the parting was extremely healthy and there was no hatred towards one another. Like literally the most beautiful breakup in history which summed up our relationship. No fighting, ever. Just a decision to be made and that's the way it went. I remember when it hit me... I was just really confused about everything and my heart just starting aching. December was written I think in a matter of minutes. Like the beginning of my healing process. I was trying to comprehend the what, when, how and why. It wasn't December, maybe I shouldn't tell you that, but try singing the word March in place of December and you'll know why changed the month - I've also already got a song called June. Maybe it's my calling in life to write about all the months of the year in relation to my life. This could be a really sad concept album. Thank you for being a part of my healing process.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Maxon: I'm really lucky because melodies are always coming to me. As a kid, all I ever did was sing and make up different melodies. Good and bad, I definitely sing to understand emotion and connection.

Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Maxon: This changes all the time. At the moment it's a song called June. It's got a lot of space and vocal movement and I'm still very connected to its message. I think there is so much pressure to come up with a new year's resolution every January 1st that we all make these ridiculously outrageous promises to ourselves that we just can't keep. June is about picking yourself up and starting again. For me, it's generally the middle of the year. June isn't recorded yet but hopefully I'll get around to that soon. Maybe I'll release June in December.


Question: What should we expect from your upcoming tour?

Maxon: Yay shows. There are two intimate performances I'm doing to celebrate my new single. I'm really excited. For the first show, I'll be sharing the stage with a friend of mine who has just launched a new project under the name Spud Thompson. Opening for Chris Commerford Band, we will be playing two sets of original music, together on stage. Expect lots of harmonies and intimate vibes with stripped back versions of both our music. The second show is a beautiful warehouse concert with some more friends Billy Barker, Alexis Naylor and Aimee Francis.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Maxon: I can't wait until my niece and nephew can come and see a show with my full band, my favourite little humans.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Maxon: Live, hands down.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?
Maxon: I'm not good at consuming heaps of music. It's just all too good and too much. I know that sounds weird but that's all I'll say about that. I usually repeat an artist for a few months and then move on. I've had these two on repeat for a while now:
Wilsn. Demn pipes.
Emily King. What a queen.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Maxon: I honestly don't think anyone is inspired to get into the music industry. The music is why I am here. Singing and expressing myself through song is the only thing I truly love doing and the only thing I ever want to do. I can't see myself doing anything outside of music so they're all stuck with me!


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Maxon: Very, very long list. I'll condense it to five super humans that I absolutely would die if I got to work with. 100% honest truth though.... I love music. I'll work with anyone, writing music or singing live:
Lady Gaga
Sara Bareilles
Alanis Morissette
Jewel
David Bowie, I know I know, maybe I'll get my hands on an unreleased demo one day and "slop" myself all over it.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?
Maxon: Tough question. I feel like I face challenges every single day and it's very easy to focus on the negatives and the hardship. I'd say something that I've struggled most within the past is staying to true to myself and the music that I'm making. People have really got in my head over the years about what I should and shouldn't do in terms of sound and it's really slowed down my momentum and belief in myself. What I truly believe is... I think everyone has a voice and your sound is you and your story and if you feel connected while you're doing it then it's coming from the right place.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Maxon: Ain't no such thing! Every day is completely different to the next, lots of work and late nights. Above all, I'm addicted to it, I do have heaps of fun working and I laugh at myself constantly.


Question: Can you share your socials?

Maxon: @maxonofficial/
Facebook.com/maxonofficialmusic/
@maxon_official
www.maxonofficial.com


Interview by Brooke Hunter