Maxi Millz - Young & Stupid (Official Video) + 10 Questions

Fast-rising UK talent Maxi Millz unveils his hotly-anticipated new EP ‘Young & Stupid’. His first single release of the new year, ‘Young & Stupid’ is a delicate, romance-infused jam that sets the tone for what is set to follow on his EP, a brand new body of work that deep dives into themes around love and the complex relationships we experience in the modern day. The similarly intimate official video emphasises this vibe further, with Maxi and his love interest plotting a raid on an unsuspecting owner of the heart they crave, with unforeseen consequences. “I wrote ‘Young & Stupid’ because I’ve noticed how a lot of my relationships, and those of my peers, are often rushed or based on fickle things that aren’t love,” Maxi explains. “It’s a social commentary on modern love from my point of view.”

Prolific tastemaker, creative, songwriter and performing artist, Maxi Millz is leading the next wave of alt-R&B in the UK. Since breaking onto the scene last year with debut project ‘Captions’, which amassed over 700K streams across DSP’s, the West London-based artist has been heavily supported by the likes of DJ Target, Maya Jama, Tiffany Calver, Yasmin Evans and Pa Salieu, and was the first artist to perform at Brasshouse London, a unique live music series showcasing the best emerging artists alongside a ten-piece brass band.

Maxi sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I’ve loved music longer than I’ve been making it. It was my parents who made me fall in love with music & melodies. It was the varying genres that played in the house and in the car on trips. I quickly fell in love with jazz & Motown at like 8 years and subsequently R&B which lead me to my love affair with Hip Hop…Then I got to the age where I felt like I had something to say about life so I started making my own stuff.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I don’t know if it is particular artists or just different sounds that influence me. I never listen to someone else and think “ ooo ima do that” I think “ what is it about this sound that I like, how can I emulate this in my own way” that what everything you do is as original as it can be. That being said I think 6lack has the one of the best pens in the R&b world right now, I’d also love to work with Ne-yo because he’s written some of my favourite songs. Would also love to work with Sampha.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

I didn’t really have any problems, it gave a lot of creatives time to perfect a craft and experiment without the pressure of having to release things. It allowed me to put in my 10,000 hours and understand what it is I want to do. The downside was I didn’t really get to perform my first EP because of all the rules around crowds of people… and I hate the virtual ting.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Maxi. It’s my version of the music I’ve grown up listening to.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Performing my songs with a massive brass band and getting to do a cover of sam Cooke A change gone come. Always wanted to do that with a sick band.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Stay independent. Until you find the right home for you as an overall creative.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out

Really just my friends. Col3trane, Rasharn Powell,Humble The Great. My boys King jet and Sherwyn in LA have a sick sound, my boy mazen is a rapper you should check out. Lilah is sick, kasien is wavy. The list goes on. My piers are cold with it!

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Lucky Daye ‘painted’ is still on rotation even though it’s from 2019. Kendrick new album is amazing I’m still taking it in and Lauryn Hill the miseducation is something I listen to every week if not everyday.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I throw some of the best parties in London with my DJ friends & I like travelling, seeing new places and meeting new people and even smelling new smells, inspires me and at the same time gives me a break from London life.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Incense. Real instruments and something to smoke.