The Multi-Influenced Artist: Amir Maxx
Q: What got you into the type of music that you work on?
A: When I first started recording music at 15, I was very focused on trying to make the best song possible, but it was never anything too deep for the most part. Just simply rapping about how I am better and real and confident. 8 years later, I am now more driven to make real music about the things that I have been through. Along with this, I began to add more melodies to my vocals as I feel it has helped me express the message I am getting across. Playing guitar and listening to rap, r&b, rock, and EDM throughout my life have also helped greatly with how I make my music. I try to take all the elements from these genres and make it into my own sound.
Q: What does success mean to you?
A: I feel that success is being happy with what you do for a living and being happy about the position that you are in. I feel that success is being able to provide for those around you as well.
Q: What do you like about being an up and coming artist in your city?
A: I have been able to meet so many other great artists in the city who are also on the grind too. Having that in common with them has helped me make friends with some very smart and focused individuals. Along with being an up and coming artist, I love the hustle and going out to prove yourself.
Q: When did you decide to take music into an actual career?
A: I have been putting out music since 2011, but truly was not until last year that I decided that I wanted to turn this into an actual career. After I graduated from college with a psychology degree, I asked myself if I would go to grad school or focus fully on my music career. I thought about what my true passion was, and ever since I was 10 years old, it was making music.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: When I am not at work, making music, or working on my podcast, I like to work out as well. Nothing crazy, just 3 times a week. I also like to watch a good movie or keep up with whatever TV show I’m watching on Netflix or HBO. Every now and then I like to play some video games, whether that be FIFA or Mortal Kombat. But I don't play video games nearly as much as I used to. On the weekends when I have time, I like to go out with friends too.
Q: How did you learn how to play guitar?
A: I first started to play the guitar when I was ten. That is what began my passion for music. I started out trying to teach myself and looking up tutorials on YouTube. It was not until I was thirteen when I decided to take guitar lessons with a teacher. That is when I really started to learn more as well. Nowadays, I try to learn as many songs as possible. Along with this, I try to teach myself scales and more chords to improve my skills.
Q: If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
A: I guess I would say super speed, like the Flash. That way I could travel more for no cost, and be able to meet people around the world easier and quicker.
Q: What is your favorite song of 2019?
A: My favorite song of 2019 would have to be RNP by YBN Cordae ft. Anderson .Paak. That song is just too groovy with the dope melody on the chorus, to the flows that YBN Cordae and Anderson .Paak hit.
Q: How does your podcast go? Who does it feature? What are the topics?
A: On the TempahZone Podcast, I preferably like to have on rappers, singers, producers, bands, and DJ’s on the show. Anyone that is involved in music whose content and personality I like are the people I have on the show. Every now and then, I will have on people who may not be involved in music, but who I feel are very interesting people. We essentially talk about the person’s content, what got them into doing it, and everything that it is with being involved in the music industry. Along with that, we discuss other big artists in the industry as well as some recent events in music news.
Q: Do you produce your own music?
A: I produce some of my own beats on Logic Pro X. When I first started making music I only wanted to release original songs that I produced, for the most part. As of recently I have been working with producers that I have found from YouTube and Instagram. In the future I want to release more songs that I have produced, as I have been working on getting better with making beats.