INTERVIEW: Maxwell Still on a Summers’ High (Houston Chronicle)
Posted by Joey Guerra at June 8, 2010 
Maxwell – smooth operator, neo-soul prince, swoon-worthy heartthrob. And worry wart? “I’m here to let the truth be told,” he says with a laugh. His tour with Jill Scott kicked off late last month, and Maxwell admits that nerves come into play before he hits the stage.
Not that he has much to worry about. Last year’s BLACKsummers’night, his first record in eight years, was certified platinum and nominated for six Grammy awards. First single Pretty Wings topped the R&B charts for more than three months.
The acclaimed singer took time to talk comebacks, comfort TV and a very personal Houston connection:
Why are nerves still a factor at this point in your career?
Of course, I’m freaking out. I always freak out about these things. It’s definitely nerves for sure. You want to be good. Reviews and (video) — the viral world that we live in — it puts a lot of concern. You try to do your best. But that’s a good thing. You can bust your ass in the middle of one song or not hit this note, and people will let you know that you did exactly that.
What are your pre-tour rituals?
I just stress until the very end. Usually the show is never completely complete. It really finds its swing (later in the tour). Those things come into play. In the end, you cross your fingers. You let people know you’re giving them the best that you can give.
BLACKsummers’night was a real collaborative effort between you and Houston-born Hod David.
I’ve worked with him forever — (1996′s) …Til the Cops Come Knockin’, the very first songs on the very first album. He’s beyond just a collaborator. He’s a family member. He’s a friend. I’d give him a kidney. He’s about to get married. He’s more blood to me than even blood.
What makes the partnership with him work so well?
We know what we’re supposed to do as a team. I know he cares, and I know he’s not about hits. And I know he’s not going to just run around and work with everyone who is trying to get that sound just to make money. He has a lot of integrity to the energy. It’s about the art.
You took a long break between albums to be a “normal guy.” What’s the biggest change these days?
There are people who have been following it for awhile. It’s like meeting old friends. Interestingly enough, when I look out into the audience, I see people who are like half my age. I’m shocked. I would have thought that in some ways they would have definitely not wanted to come see me or know anything about what I do. Kids walk up to me, ‘You’re the Pretty Wings guy.’ I’m like, ‘You’re 14. Why do you know me?’
I hear you’re a scary movie buff. What’s the best one you’ve seen lately?
Mirrors (with Kiefer Sutherland) — I watched that. I’m more into real stuff like 48 Hours. I like investigation dramas and Forensic Files and Investigation Discovery. Law & Order — I’m so upset at the possibility of its cancelation looming above us.
Make sure you read more at (Houston Chronicle)
This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 8th, 2010 at 11:30 pm and is filed under Interviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
thelatestmaxwellnews June 9th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
No news/explanation as of yet.