A conversation with Maxinne.
To close out the year, Someone From Berlin has pulled a true tech house DJ’s DJ booking for us. Hailing from the UK, Maxinne is at the top of her game across the globe, having played Studio 338 and Ministry of Sound in London to Lost Beach Ecuador and across all of North America. With massive releases on labels including Knee Deep In Sound, Circus Recordings, Saved Records, and Toolroom, you’re sure to recognize her work from some of your favorite nights on the dance floor. UltraMaroon welcomes Maxinne to our house this Sunday, Dec 3, at Blue Midtown.
DXD: Your debut single featuring Niki Darling, “Something in Our Life,” was such a powerful entry as a producer. What did you want that track to say to the world about your perspective on dance music?
M: I wanted to make a track that felt empowering and uplifting and the words really resonated with a lot of people as it’s about determination and having purpose in life.
DXD: You went from starting to DJ in 2014 to holding a residency in Ibiza for Toolroom at Eden in 2019. How would you best describe the time period working your way to that point?
M: It was 100% dedication to music since 2014 that got me to that point. My love for what I do gives me the drive to want to work on something everyday and I think this is what led to me having the opportunity like the Eden residency in 2019.
DXD: What do you feel is the magic of Ibiza to be such a hub of music excellence?
M: There’s such a long history of really important moments in dance music that have happened in Ibiza which is what makes it so iconic and gives it the excellence that it has today. There’s a real feeling of togetherness when you’re on the island, people are there for the music and the DJs, you meet so many like minded people.
DXD: Your debut album, “Red Alert,” released with Toolroom Records in 2021 was certainly a milestone in your career. Did your approach to producing the album change from when you started to its official release?
M: The meaning of the album stayed the same from the beginning until it was completed; however, I did add a couple more tracks in there towards the end. The process with producing each track was quite different, but the key was always to make music that came from the heart that would have a positive impact on people. Injecting soulfulness and groove into my tracks is the foundation of all my music which comes from my influences growing up listening to hip-hop, R&B, and garage.
DXD: You studied dance at university in London. How does your dance background influence the way you approach productions and sets?
M: Having an understanding of musical structure and rhythm from a very young age gave me the ability to know how to build a song and what to implement into production to make people dance so I think this side of things has come more naturally to me from early.
DXD: Your talents have taken you across the globe. How have your travels influenced your work as you continue growing as an artist?
M: Travelling always influences me massively – I make a lot of my initial ideas for my production on the planes actually. It’s nice to be able to disconnect from the internet on a flight and get into a zone without any distractions. I love learning about culture and traveling as a DJ, this is how I get inspired, from being in the clubs and being immersed in the scene.
DXD: As our third guest from the UK this year, what do you feel makes the UK such a strong tastemaker in the global dance community?
M: In the UK, there are some of the world’s most iconic venues and parties along with DJs playing there week in and week out, so I think this is why it’s an important country for the global dance community. Like Ibiza, the UK has had a lot of iconic moments throughout the history of electronic music; therefore, it holds a lot of significance within the community.
DXD: You’ve played across the US, including your recent September tour. Will UltraMaroon be your first queer-focused event in the states to play?
M: It will be and I cannot wait!
DXD: Is there a recent track you’ve produced that holds special meaning for you?
M: My remix for DEFEX feat. BLONDEWEARINGBLACK, “We Are The Beat.”
DXD: Who is another artist that has been inspiring you lately?
M: There’s some really nice music coming from Ammo Avenue recently and Josh Kalker is always making great tunes as well.
DXD: What can we look forward to next from Maxinne?
M: I have loads of new music coming next year on my favorite record labels. I am launching my own label soon and lots of exciting shows coming up including Italy and South America.
DXD: What are you looking forward to most about your upcoming Sunday at UltraMaroon?
M: I’ve been to HE.SHE.THEY events before and what I love about the inclusive events is everybody is letting go, expressing themselves, being free, and you can tell there’s no sense of judgment on the dancefloor. I think it will be very like this on Sunday and I can’t wait!
Thank you Maxinne! Keep up with her on Instagram and Soundcloud. Come be part of this extraordinary evening at UltraMaroon on Sunday, Dec 3, along with resident Someone From Berlin and an opening set by Anthony Velez. Get your tickets here. Doors open at 5pm at Blue Midtown.
Xx,
DavidXDaisy