INTERVIEW: Success is Getting in the Way of New Maxwell CD (AP)

By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY (AP)

NEW YORK — The plan was for Maxwell to release the second album in his “BLACKsummers’night” trilogy this summer. But success is getting in the way.

The best-selling crooner said the popularity of his comeback disc is forcing him to delay the release of the next one.

“These are good problems, I guess,” Maxwell joked Tuesday.

“I had a plan — every year something new, and I thought that that would be a good enough time to sort of give people space to feel like they weren’t being inundated by what I was doing,” he said. “I’ve had this entire trilogy with me for years, for four or five years, so I can wait. I just want people to get it when they want it. … At this point, it’s in their hands.

“BLACKsummers’night” — his first album in eight years — has sold more than 1 million copies since it was released last summer. It won the 37-year-old the first two Grammys of his career earlier this year.

He’s just launched a tour with singer-actress Jill Scott; he will also be touring with Erykah Badu and Melanie Fiona on other dates. This is his third tour in two years, so he’s made some changes to the song list to cater to his audience.

“We’re doing songs that we don’t really always do, because I’ve gotten so many requests for those songs,” he said. “It would be blasphemous if I didn’t do this song or that song.”

While Maxwell and Scott perform separate sets, he’s hoping that at some point they can join together on stage.

“Once we get into a flow, which is coming pretty soon, I think we’ll ultimately be able to craft or do something,” he said.

He’s also hoping to meet more listeners, teaming up with Renaissance Hotels for meet-and-greets in various cities.

“It was fun,” he said of a recent get-together in Chicago, joking: “I wish I could have had more to drink — but it’s all about soda water and wine and things like that right now, seeing that I’m on the road.”

Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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14 Responses to “INTERVIEW: Success is Getting in the Way of New Maxwell CD (AP)”

delphine nichols May 27th, 2010 at 10:15 am

I like that I am looking forward to his next cd I would love to do the meet and greet I am thinking about seeing him again if I can just shake his hand I would be happy or even take a picture with him that would be real nice. He is my favorite artist

Suzanne May 27th, 2010 at 10:25 am

Success is a blessing. He’s right. That’s a good problem to have.

Ciderkiss May 27th, 2010 at 10:55 pm

I wish I had good problems like that! I love you Max do you.

Krisyen Albright May 28th, 2010 at 5:26 pm

I WASN’T ABLE TO “MEET AND GREET” MAXWELL, BUT I AM HIS NUMBER ONE FAN……I’VE BEEN TO ALL OF HIS CONCERTS SINCE HIS REAPPEARANCE, BUT I CAN’T AFFORD THE VIP TICKETS. I AM A STUDENT @ U OF M AND I JUST HOPE ONE DAY HE WILL HAVE TIME FOR HIS LOYAL FANS……EVEN IF YOU CANT AFFORD THE VIP TICKETS…..

Arnita Blowe May 29th, 2010 at 2:13 am

I was singing “Fistful of Tears” while at work. My co-worker and I talked about how we love us some Maxwell!! :) We also agreed that he is so beautiful physically and spiritually. I’m very happy for him and I hope to meet him some day.

987128 May 30th, 2010 at 2:06 pm

Am I the only one who thinks there is going to be a significant delay to this album? Delay as in a number of years?

Suzanne June 1st, 2010 at 10:39 pm

@ 987128 – I get that feeling also, but I’m hoping he does release Part II of the trilogy by November 2010 or February 2011 like he says. I love some Max, but I think it’s time for a new album now OR a complete break. The problem with radio today is that they OVERPLAY songs to a point where they can be of annoyance. I think Pretty Wings, Fistful of Tears and Bad Habits are fabulous, but they are played over and over again to the point where it might venture into overkill. To add to it, I think Maxwell is touring too much in a short period of time. I think I read that this is his third tour in two years. Is that the norm? I think sometimes when artists put themselves out there too much it can backfire. The only good thing in his case is that he’s not into doing a lot of red carpets or events for publicity purposes. He’s rather low-key in his personal life so that’s good.

987128 June 2nd, 2010 at 5:25 pm

Suzanne, I’m right there with you. I don’t know how much more mileage he can get out of Black. The comeback happened, happened big, and now it seems like it would make sense to release some more material or take a break. I for one didn’t hit up this tour because I saw him too recently. I don’t understand how/why people would continue to hit up shows when there isn’t even new material? I know we love him but… It may be smart business though, making the tour money right now and then he can take whatever type of break he wants to take.

Suzanne June 3rd, 2010 at 12:11 am

@987128 – I agree with you. I get worried when great artists or entertainers tour so much. What are you trying to prove at this stage of the game? You’ve earned your place in history. I work in the industry behind the scenes. In this business, when someone tours this much it often means (but not always) that they are trying to get out of some financial rut, whether it be an IRS issue or a tax lien. I saw the documentary called “Last Play at Shea” that centered on Billy Joel’s life and the final concert at Shea Stadium. It debuted at the Tribeca Film festival. I think Billy Joel went touring just as much as Max in a short time period so he can get out of a financial situation.

His first wife’s brother, who was his manager at the time, was embezzling his money. Billy was going broke. In fact, it was Christie Brinkley who tipped him off and brought it to his attention. She asked Billy if it was weird that his manager was flying via private jet while they were flying commercial. Billy went off on her and told her that she didn’t know what she was talking about and that he new him a lot longer than she’s been in his life. Come to find out, his ex-brother-in-law was indeed doing him dirty. The manager had everything an artist of his caliber would have, yet, Billy wasn’t enjoying the fruits of his own labor. What a con.

As for Max, I hope he takes it easy and doesn’t overdo it. I know he’s been away for a while, so he’s trying to strike it while it’s hot. However, it’s a recession so he may want to chill for a few months. Too much of a good thing isn’t always good either.

thelatestmaxwellnews June 3rd, 2010 at 2:20 am

@Suzanne – My friends and I were wondering the same thing with all the touring. But I’m sure there is a reason behind it, hopefully it’s a positive one.

Wallflower June 3rd, 2010 at 12:09 pm

Maxwell has been absent from the music scene for a significant amount of time. So, he would want/need to tour. Everyone has to support themselves and touring is how most artists earn their income. The income artist receive from album sales are drastically affected by the economy, record label contracts and music downloads.

Artists don’t receive the income from album sales that they once did-say 25 years ago. Maxwell put much time and effort into Black Summers Night. He probably wants to give each album his undivided attention before its release. Obviously, patience is a virtue if your a true Maxwell fan. We probably won’t hear his second installment until his tour has ended.

987128 June 3rd, 2010 at 8:47 pm

Far be it from me to try to read the man’s mind or conjecture about his motivations. I hope he is enjoying himself and will just see what comes up with new music, whenever that might be.

All4Max June 5th, 2010 at 7:17 pm

It’s true that many artists go on tour because of the money. However, I don’t put too much stock in Maxwell’s reasons for touring. Granted he has toured a lot since he’s been back on the scene, but I think he really enjoys touring.

Star June 8th, 2010 at 9:14 am

Re: INTERVIEW: Success is Getting in the Way
of New Maxwell CD (AP)

@ 987128, @ SUZANNE

There are many people in the U.S. who had no knowledge of M’s return to the music industry. Infact I would venture to say that the majority became aware when “BLACKsummersnight” dropped on July 7, 2009. On a global level and as a result of his success, pre and post hiatus, some people have never had the opportunity to see M on tour… Then there are those myself included, who missed seeing “Maxwell” in several venues because the tickets were always sold out!

M’s summer tour schedule is indeed a considerable amount of dates. However, lean in comparsion to the tour schedule he held down in 2009. Often times it’s the record label and the demands of the Artist’ recording contract.

I believe that “SUMMERS” (the second installment of the trilogy) will be released at some point in 2010.

M is highly astute!… We already know, he’s an EXPERT at knowing when to fall back! :)

@ LMN, @ WALLFLOWER, @ ALL4MAX

I agree with you… :)

P.S. @ 987128, @ SUZANNE
I agree with some aspects of your posts
as well. Our mutual love and concern
for M’s well-being is ALL GOOD! :)

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