Photo: Jordan Munns

MAXINE, this week’s Independent Artist of the Week, is a fresh slice of luxurious soul.

Since debuting in late 2018 with ‘Defined‘, the singer/songwriter has gone from strength to strength with her own take on hip hop and RnB. Sultry and brooding, MAXINE’s honeyed style is skilful and emotive in equal parts, reminiscent of Sade, Lauryn Hill, and Erykah Badu.

It’s her raw subject matter, however, that really sets her sound apart. Reclaiming emotional power and strength through song and dance, she’s been able to craft a personal through-line between singles and videos, and turn heads as a result.

MAXINE was raised in a performing arts family, and has performed in musicals around Australia. In a recent interview with Up For It’s Courtney Ammenhauser, MAXINE talked about her newfound creative direction.

“When I was 21, I went to LA, and saw the confidence my music friends were working with. It made me think ‘I’m just gonna go home and do music’ and from there all the fear went away. Because doing anything artsy is a huge risk. It’s a scary thing, and having faith in it showed me that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

MAXINE’s latest release, ‘Who I Am’, reflects the strengths of women facing the hardships of a suppressive relationship. MAXINE’s vocals mimic the ups and downs of love, weaving from delicate moments to euphoric choruses of release. Velvety verses balance personal pleas for autonomy and
strength, hazing her audience in spells of self-empowerment.

“I was pushed to the dark thoughts that I had dealing with my past relationship. I battled with myself because I knew that being in that relationship wasn’t right for me and I was so conflicted towards the end. ‘Who I Am’ is my way of setting myself free of the mental chains I kept on myself.”

Watch the video for MAXINE’s ‘Who I Am’ below.

Tune in to Up For It with Courtney Ammenhauser every Monday from 6am to meet your Independent Artist of the Week!