DC Maxwell has returned with the introspective, guitar-driven and 90s-grunge infused The Singer. The Melbourne-based artist's new album explores the pursuit of creation and the complexity of human emotion: “I wanted to be open and honest with this album, and to say what I mean and to express how I feel directly,” he says. We spoke to the artist about crafting this body of work and his upcoming tour:

We love the new album. How do you think you have evolved as an artist from your debut to now?

I think this album feels like another debut for me. Last time around I was using storytelling and fiction writing as kind of a lens for my songs. This time around it is way more direct and from me and my life and personal fears of the world ending in this strange brand of cataclysmic mundanity we are seeing every day on our screens.

What did you learn about yourself through making this album?

I learned how making a face like Macualy Culkin in Home Alone can help you hit the high notes. I learnt that eating a whole bag of bright blue cheetos is a terrible gastrointestinal decision. I learnt that drinking more than three rainbow Boss Coffee cans will open my third eye to strange and frightening dimensions.

Who did you work with on the album that helped shape your sonic world?

I was lucky to work with two Bonnie’s who vastly influenced this album. Firstly my songwriting hero Bonnie “Prince” Billy/Will Oldham dueted with me on my track Half Real and brought so much gravitas and passion to the song. And my producer Bonnie Vezelea Amelia Knight was such a legend and so much fun to make this music with. Special shout out to the amazing features on this album Hatchie and Georgia Maq on backing vocals, Stefan Blair from Good Morning on Glockenspiel and piano.

Is there a song you are particularly proud of writing, finishing and releasing on the record?

I think I am most proud of the title track The Singer. It says something I have wanted to say for a while about the strange way society talks about the deaths of artists. I hope the song pushes back on the idea that art and artists are disposable.

Where did you do most of the writing? Is your environment important to the writing process?

I did most of the writing/recording in Melbourne with a stint in a Los Angeles studio built inside a reclaimed porno theatre called Rancho Tijuana. I think for an independent musician you can’t afford to let the environment be a factor - you need to be able to write and record anywhere that you can, so that’s what I do.

Tell us about the visual world for this album - and the album artwork.

We ended up shooting some really cool videos for these songs completely DIY. I think the world we built is gritty, digital, run down city vibes with a bit of fun to it. Thinking harsh digital blues, concrete grit, but slick as well.

Jesus’ Son - shot in Flinders Street station in the middle of the night.
The Singer - shot rolling around Preston in balaclavas one chaotic tuesday evening
Half Real - shot on the outskirts of Melbourne where the suburbia meets the plains.

The album art was shot in this crazy underground carpark under Melbourne Uni where they also shot some of the early scenes in Mad Max.

Is fashion important to you? What inspires your style?

I think that fashion is pretty important to me. I am pretty inspired by designers that have left a mark on the world, or who bring an interesting or off-kilter voice to their clothes. On the album cover I am dripped out in my one truly excellent suit which is a Yohji Yamamoto blazer, Margiela white shirt, and Woo Young Mi pants. 

What have you been listening to recently? Which other musicians are exciting you?

I saw Wednesday perform the other day which was a good kick up the arse reminder of just how much fun a live band can be. I just love acts that write good songs and perform them with passion. Aldous Harding’s new album is another reason why she is the artist all antipodean weirdos measure themselves again, so so good. The Porches album/mixtape has been really inspiring to see an artist of his calibre going full DIY from production to release.

What’s something that you’re passionate about or something that is important for you to use your platform for - aside from music?

I think its the role of artists to remind people of the everyday life changing power of standing with a crowd of strangers and participating in art and music. The powers that be want to make us feel isolated and alone, where the only community is one accessed through your phone. In this way rocking out is a joyous act of resistance. 

What’s next?

I’m going on run of shows to celebrate the release of The Singer:

August 28th - Sydney, The Chippo Hotel
August 30th - Newcastle, The Lass O’Gowrie (free)
September 12 - Melbourne, The Tote
Tickets from dcmaxwell.rocks
‍Hope to see you there!

Listen to DC Maxwell HERE.

@d.c.maxwell