Ok-Tho

Maxim interview

• 20th November 2014

Maxim is a British musician, known for being a member with rave and electronic rock band The Prodigy. Having time to work on his solo career as an MC and Dj/producer, Maxim release 8 projects since 1994 including his recently dropped EP "Animal Anger" which fuses his patented style of Trip Hop, dub and electronic.


OK-Tho:
As a child you enjoyed poetry and MC'ing. Besides your brother, what UK artists inspired you and what US artists did as well?

Maxim:
When I was growing up there was a dance hall MC called Papa San. He created so many Mc'ing styles and was a great lyricist. When you're a young MC people like this inspire you.

OK-Tho:
You were into reggae growing up, did you ever listen to electronic at all?

Maxim:
I got into electronic music in the party scene, but it depends what you mean. Before the party scene it was house music and i used to go to house parties but wasn't into making it.

OK-Tho:
What drove your insane antics and passion on stage which contributed to who you are today?

Maxim:
I can't tell you where the energy on stage comes from. I suppose its partly fuelled by the music and the crowd, but a large percentage of it is just my personality.

OK-Tho:
You became the MC for The Prodigy back in the early 90's, were there any other British MC's at that time that were doing what you did?

Maxim:
Nobody does what I do. I'm unique! :)

OK-Tho:
How would you compare the similarities of Hip Hop, alternative and Electronic, especially back in the 90's era?

Maxim:
In the early 90s each had their own space, but as time went on people started to merge styles together, and here we are today.

OK-Tho:
Was it your idea to fuse different styles of music together back then?

Maxim:
Me???   Yeah, I was also the first person to say 'put your hands in the air'  Hahaha!  People have been doing this for years, for example Run DMC  and Aerosmith, Punk and Reggae by The Clash,  loads of bands have merged styles. I suppose in the early 90s we did it well.

OK-Tho:
Your first solo album was in 2000 and featured Divine Styler, Tony Titanium aka Grym Reaper and more. What ever happened to the supposed Guru feature?

Maxim:
Wow that's going back!  The Guru feature never made the album because it wasn't strong enough. It's still in the studio archive. Guru passed away a few years ago and it was an honor to work with him. He is still one of my all time favorite MCs.

OK-Tho:
When did you start getting into DJing and production?

Maxim:
I got into music production purely so I could write my own music, and put my lyrics on and not have to wait for a Producer to do it. This was back in 97/98.
I made my way into  Dj'ing about 6 years ago, but then stopped because I wasn't enjoying it .
Finally I got back into Dj'ing about 3 years ago, as i really liked the whole Trap scene and what was happening musically in the dance scene.

OK:
Would you say Trip Hop is your more favorable genre then Hip Hop itself?

Maxim:
No I wouldn't say that!  I'm not into any specific music genre more than any other.

OK:
What equipment do you use when producing?

Maxim:
Anything that makes good noise!

OK:
Do you say producing electronic music is hard?

Maxim:
Not at all!  It can be very personal and it depends who you're trying to please. The more people you try to appeal to, the harder it gets, I suppose.

OK:
Dubstep emerged in the late 90's but hasn't become popular until a few years back. Were you always aware of dubstep? Did you know it would have blow up as big as it is?

Maxim:
Yeah, I was aware of that style I think.  Dubstep was like a firework for me. It peaked and then it started to fizzle out.
There isn't enough creativity being pushed and I started to become sick of the same sounds I was hearing.

OK:
What would you say inspired you to make your upcoming "Animal Anger" EP?

Maxim:
I just love to create and challenge myself. If i didn't create I would dry up and die like an unloved plant.

Creativity is my carbon dioxide, I need it to live!

OK:
Do you prefer DJing on a live set or MCing? Are the experiences of both of them different?

Maxim:
They are two different things altogether. I do enjoy both, but in different ways.

Being a Vocalist in the Prodigy and having total crowd control is a buzz you cannot understand

But I do like to stand back while I'm Djing and let Cianna take control of the crowd, and see how people react to the music.
I enjoy every aspect of what I do .

OK:
What up and coming artists do you listen to nowadays and feel are gonna make a big name for themselves?

Maxim:
There are a lot of artists out there doing their thing. I'm not really a music biz specialist so I can't give you that kind of insight  I just know what I like and know what I do.

I would say check out Cianna Blaze, especially live, she has so much more to bring.

OK:
How did you link up with Cianna Blaze and D Dark for your new single?

Maxim:
Well Cianna Blaze is my MC and D Dark was her friend that she said I should check out. I did and he's a good Mc, plus he is a gentleman and well mannered. That's so important to me when I meet people.


OK:
Do you ever come to the US to perform/DJ?

Maxim:
Yes, I have been to the US a few times now, and hopefully be back more in the new year playing my Dj set. I love coming there... I love the party vibe people bring.

OK:
Name 5 of your favorite albums of all time?

Maxim:
Hells Kitchen- Maxim
Liquid Swords- Gza The Genius
The Specials-  The Specials
It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back- Public Enemy
Evil Empire-  Rage Against The Machine

OK:
What can we expect from your new EP as well as the future from you?

Maxim:
Heavy party music!  I will continue to put more music out to be played in the clubs under the We Are Noize label,
so keep you ears well cleaned out and keep the streets tidy!

Peace,
 

Maxim Links:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Soundcloud

Youtube

---

• Solo works
• Maxim