An Exclusive Interview With UK Artist Maxi Curnow, Multi Instrumentalist, Composer and Producer

Q: How easily do songs tend to come to you?

Ans : It depends! If I am composing for TV/Film, there’s often a brief which makes life easier. For my own music, it can really vary. Sometimes I’ll have an idea brewing for months which I’ll bring to the table, other times I’ll have nothing and just play guitar until something makes sense. If I’m having no luck, I love to challenge myself by writing with an instrument I’m unfamiliar with!

Q: For our readers who have never heard your music, explain your sound in 5 words?

Ans: Varied, experimental, heartfelt, rhythmic, hooky!

Q: Have you been in competitions? Any prizes?

Ans: TV shows featuring my music have had various award nominations and wins, including a BAFTA nomination for Louis Theroux, and Ouro Verde won an International Emmy, which was really exciting as the music was featured on many episodes!

Q: Which musicians do you admire? Why?

Ans: Jeff Buckley is my number one. Grace is a masterpiece, the vocals are simply incredible and I can listen to that song/album over and over.

Q: If you could perform with anyone, in the future, who would it have to be?

Ans: It would be pretty amazing to play with Muse, John Mayer, Bjork or Incubus!

Q: Do you have any recording going on right now?

Ans: Yes! There’s always an album on the go, this time round I’m mixing things up and playing with some new sounds and styles of writing. I also have collaborations that I’m very excited to announce soon.

Q: What was the first tune(s) you learned?

Ans: James Bond theme on guitar, then “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin was my first ever performance – I played it to my school assembly when I was 9!

Q: Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?

Ans: I do enjoy vinyl. Grace by Jeff Buckley, Dave Brubeck, Simon & Garfunkel, Red Hot Chilli Peppers are some of my favourite LPs.

Q: What makes a good session?

Ans: The people! I love collaborating and learning from new writing partners, they can surprise you with insights you’d never usually consider, and steer the direction of a song more effectively than when you are on your own. One of my most favourite vocal writing sessions was with Rabea Massaad for “Far Gone”. He was wonderfully inspiring to work with

Q: How do you balance your music with other obligations ?

Ans: My work for Spitfire Audio, as a mastering engineer at Horizon Mastering, and as a composer has meant that I am always working with music in some capacity every day! Sometimes this leaves little room for my own music, so taking a break to do something totally different like spending time in nature is a great recharge and get inspiration. Striking a balance seems to be the biggest thing to get right for me, particularly after the pandemic! But I’m happy to say I’ve been honing that balance ever since.