Maxon

“...an absolute showstopper. Vocals that'd make London Grammar quiver, and guitars with the same kinda gut-punch as Julien Baker. I think I just held my breath for three and a half minutes straight”. ~ Gemma Pike, Triple J - Triple J Unearthed

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 focussed 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!”

Maxon then payed a visit to an old friend, Andy Shanahan (Client Liasion, Oskar Proy, The Printer Convention), who mixed her 2017 release ‘No Impersonator’. She layered-up a simple backing vocal idea and left Andy to work his magic. Mastered by Jacob Munnery (Clockwork Audio Mastering), December illuminates the pure power of Maxon’s inimitable voice and her incomparable ability to deliver the narrative in an emotionally engaging three and a half minutes. 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.” - The Partae

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 - GIRL

“History is the latest single from Melbourne songstress MAXON, a powerful new track in the vein of Meg Mac but with a bit more juice in the tank”. ~ Pilerats. - Pilerats

Melbourne indie pop/rock singer-songwriter MAXON reflects on a period of cyclic grieving with her powerful new single, History.

The new tune and its accompanying video see a wild transformation for the artist, who returns to the spotlight “strong, unstoppable, and willing to burn bridges”.

“I have done so much growing over the past two years and I think History is simply a diary entry in a melody,” MAXON said.

“This song is 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. It’s extremely hard to live a full and happy life when a person you love is constantly putting you down.

“I’m learning to reflect those things now and accept everyone for who they are - because we don’t know what they’ve been through to get to that point. And in turn, accept myself and reward myself more for the progress I am making with my mental health.”

With History officially out November 9, MAXON will play at hometown launch at Paris Cat Jazz Club on November 22. - The Music

“They say that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. Well all we want to do is repeat it with the impressive new single ‘History’ from Maxon..... Maxon’s powerhouse vocal is something certainly needs to be witnessed live”. ~ Forte Mag. - Forte Mag

Feels like you're in safe hands with this track. Love Maxon's showstopping voice.

Review by Veronica Milsom - Triple J Unearthed

Now, I’m a little late on this one, and I want to apologise to the readers of this page if you haven’t stumbled upon it yourselves already. The delay is a disservice to the public on my part!

Late last year, singer-songwriter Maxon released the explosive track, ‘History’.

All in words that express the desire to let go; an acknowledgement that someone can manage to constantly blame you for pain they have only caused themselves. Over the years I’ve learned that this behaviour is increasingly common, and many people are trapped in their own minds. It’s one of the saddest realisations I have ever experienced, and ‘History’ is pure evidence of how it affects people on the outer-edge.

Musically, ‘History’ is a pop/rock track with a few surprise hip-hop, rhythmic elements - the groove over the chorus chant, the breakdown to re-introduce the weight of the song “just to see me in the arms of another man, ha…” share a similar push that propels us ahead of the beat.

I can actually feel it! So much of this track expresses pain, but it doesn’t hurt to listen to. It is so heavy it is empowering, and provides that spark of white light that comes with a true low.

Vocally...

Maxon’s vocal is completely incomparable to what I hear on the daily. Liberate the big voices! I think, amongst the ever-growing, hooky writing, we need to remember that a great vocalist is hard to come by. I dare to say, Maxon’s vocal timbre and ability to capture true emotion in a recording, is one of my Top 5 of any up-and-coming artist out there today.

‘History’ has me stripped down to my bones; all of my organs and heart are out on the now-blood-stained carpet, still beating.

Maxon, I wave my hat to your ship as I watch you arrive. Well done. I am very excited to see what you gift us with this year. - Nude

merging pop queen MAXON is an artist from the Mornington Peninsula, currently shaking audiences across the state with her trademark vocal and boundless song-writing talents. MAXON recently announced her new single History, a powerful pop rock belter that reflects on a period of cyclic grieving, it’s out now. To accompany History, MAXON has also released an affecting video; one continuous shot that escapulates all the passion and fire that the song contains and she’ll be celebrating with an exclusive performance at the Paris Cat Jazz Club in Melbourne on November 22. Maxon also took time to attend to a Q&A for us

KEYBOARDS

What was your first keyboard?
I got my first keyboard for live gigs when I was 18 and I only just said goodbye to it – 10 years later! It was a Roland RD something or rather. All I know is it was great and the closest thing I could find to feeling like I was playing a real piano – which is what I learnt on growing up.

What do you use on stage generally?
I’ve just brought a new Yamaha Keyboard that I’m obsessed with. It will be coming everywhere with me when I play solo.

Is it the same for recording?
No. I love using a real piano for recording apart from songs what require us to play around with some midi keyboards and organ sounds.

What’s your latest recording and when will you be back in the studio?
My new single History is out now. I’m really excited about this one. Hoping to get back into the studio early in the new year.

What gigs have you been playing lately?
None. I’m itching to play though! Took a little break to write songs and work on the launch for the new single this month.

Most memorable gig?
I supported Mark Wilkinson at The Thornbury Theatre quite some time ago. Long before I started the MAXON project but it is still one of my favourite performance memories and I’d love to play my own headline show there someday.

Worst stage nightmare?
Forgetting how to play my own song. It’s happened a few times so I have to make sure I’m super prepared now. Sometimes, I just go completely blank and it’s hard to pull yourself together when you’ve immediately gone straight into panic mode.

Album that changed your life?
Alanis Morissette, Jagged Little Pill. No explanation necessary.

What gigs are coming up in the next few months?
My single launch show is on the 22nd of November at Paris Cat Jazz Club in Melbourne. I’m super excited to have a bunch of friends join me on stage for this show. This includes Ruby Gill, Eaglemont, Nussy, Magnets and an a capella group called Plazza who are all incredible artists and I’m so lucky to have them all guest appear for this show.

A keyboard tip for the kids?
Slow down! *giggles* I am actually a singing teacher and also teach a little piano and this is something I am always saying to my students. - Australian Musicians

“I have done so much growing over the past 2 years and I think History is simply a diary entry in a melody. This song is 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. It’s extremely hard to live a full and happy life when a person you love is constantly putting you down. I’m learning to reflect those things now and accept everyone for who they are – because we don’t know what they’ve been through to get to that point. And in turn, accept myself and reward myself more for the progress I am making with my mental health,” MAXON said.

To accompany History, MAXON has also released an affecting video; one continuous shot that escapulates all the passion and fire that the song contains and she’ll be celebrating with an exclusive performance at the Paris Cat Jazz Club in Melbourne on November 22. - Rave it Up

Memo Music Hall, in conjunction with Delsinki, theMusic.com.au, Closing Time Productions and Cameron McKenzie, have recently launched the Sing A Song Of Sixpence series.

The series invites artists to share their material in the surrounds of Memo Music Hall in St Kilda. Here, Maxon performs History, accompanied by The Melbourne Shuffle Club's Ash Gaudion, in the beautiful Ember Lounge as part of the most recent edition.

There's still tickets available for Sing A Song Of Sixpence tomorrow's event with Freya Josephine Hollick, Fenn Wilson, Kim Volkman and Savannah Blount. - The Music