An Interview with alexmaax

*Read our review of Bets Off here*

• Describe your sound in 3 words

Operatic, dramatic and extravagant

• What is your favorite album of the past year?

I’ve been a casual Fiona Apple fan since high school, but Fetch the Bold Cutters hit me in a totally new way…it’s so inspiring. I also loved Perfume Genius’ album.

• What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?

I’ve always loved writing songs and crafting sonic worlds more than playing shows. But I’ve also never played a solo show (this is my first project as a vocalist), so once I get a chance to do that maybe my feelings will change 🙂

• You have performed in iconic venues/stages. What would you describe the best moment until now?

It’s hard to choose a single standout, but I always think about this small show I played (with my band MS MR) at La Maroquinerie in Paris – I had the flu and could barely stand up, but we had an incredible audience who were so enthusiastic that by the time I got offstage my fever had totally disappeared. And I stayed healthy for the rest of the tour. 

Some of the festivals I’ve played have been super exciting too – I loved Glastonbury, had a blast at Laneway and Splendour in Australia, and I’ll always remember playing the main stage at Coachella.

• You have already been featured in Spotify editorial playlists multiple times. Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

I’m grateful for whatever support they give me, but I do think Spotify has an inordinate amount of power over what gets traction. 

• If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?

Oh man, where do I start? Like so much of society, the economic stratification of the music industry is really distressing to me. I feel like I only know two groups of (equally talented) artists: the ones who are struggling to get by and the ones who have so much they don’t know what to do with it. It would be great to have more of an established middle class.

I also think the metrics-driven model that dominates the industry these days is really detrimental to the creation of interesting music. I would love to see more A&Rs making riskier choices on projects they’re passionate about, rather than being dictated by social media followings.

• You are not a stranger to the public. But tell us one thing that we still don’t know about you.

I’ve been learning to work with stained glass! It’s an extremely calming hobby for these stressful times.

Thanks alexmaax!

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