Melbourne artist Maxi has just released her new single ‘Walking With The Animals and will be launching it on the 10th July. Tomatrax caught up with Maxi to ask some questions.
What made you want to become a musician?
Watching the 1997 broadcast of the Bee Gees One Night Only concert when I was about 8 years old. My mum, auntie and I watched it and danced around the living room all night. I just fell in love with the idea of performing, singing and writing music.
When did you write your first song?
I wrote my first song when I was about 15 years old. I had the world’s WORST junior acoustic guitar and could only play 5 chords but did manage to put something together! It was called “Flying Over” – actually I just listened to it then, what a blast from the past!
You are trained in performance and musical theatre, do you do any performance in musicals/plays?
No – not really. I appreciate the experience that musical’s gave on stage but for me, the reason I love to make music is to have artistic input and control and that isn’t something I can find in a musical or a play.
You’ve been described as a unique artist in the Australian music industry, is it your intention to stand out as being different?
It’s not intentional, but now that you ask I do realize it is one of the only things my mom has really drummed into my head. It was why I was stuck with a bob and fringe for the first 10 years of my life….cheers Mum!
Your bio also mentions you going on a creative pilgrimage, what did this pilgrimage involve?
Woah…Pilgrimage? Not sure if I would call it that…maybe more an obsession with travelling! I always feel inspired when I travel and see new cultures. Specifically, traveling though France was an eye opener when it came to music. For my 19th birthday I found myself jamming with a dude that looked like Jesus and played the sitar and another guy with a drum machine – it was one of the best birthdays and musicals experiences I’ve ever had.
What made you pick Walking with the animals as the latest single?
I just love it as a song, I know I’m not supposed to pick favourites!
What was the inspiration behind the video for Walking with the animals?
The song to me is about a time in my life when I was feeling pretty insecure and unsure. The boy in the video clip is stuck in a mundane, suburban world and he just get’s on with being who he is. He is brave and strong and that’s where the concept came from. We used Twin Peaks and Billy Elliot as references.
You’ll be launching the single on July 10, what can fans expect fm the show?
A bloody good time!
Your bio mentions a forthcoming album, how is this going?
It’s going but it also a big undertaking for me. So far I have released a Solo EP and now this single, so the concept of an album is a new one for me.
How will the music on the album compare with your previous work?
I’m really looking forward to combining my early ‘disco/soul’ vibes with the more polished electronic sound of this single.
Have you ever considered working in a band rather than as a solo artist?
Before I put out my first EP I used to front an italo-disco band called We Are Fans. It was a bunch of fun, we played some great gigs and festivals but ultimately I wanted to make music on my own!
Do you ever listen to your own music?
Only when I walk into my parent’s place and my Mum is blasting it out of the speakers – bless her!
What music do you listen to?
I love lots of classic music like The Doors, Pink Floyd and Kate Bush. When it comes to new music I’m obsessed with Rhye, Wild Beasts and Darkside at the moment!
What do you plan on doing once the single is launched?
Make more music, play more gigs and keep on keeping on!
Maxi ‘Walking With The Animals’ Single Launch
The Toff In Town
Thursday July 10th
Supports: Lanks & Japanese Wallpaper
Check out Maxi’s website to find out more!
