Following a string of singles, British singer/songwriter Maddox Jones celebrated the release of his debut solo EP, Headspace last month. While he is no stranger to fronting a band, Headspace is unique in the sense that it is a direct reflection of who Jones is as a person. Free from any restrictions or expectations, Jones had a clean slate on this EP to develop a vulnerable body of work while exploring a more diverse sound palette. The result is a collection of five strong songs that he is incredibly proud of.
With Headpsace, Maddox Jones proves that he’s capable of anything, and he’s not showing any signs of slowing down any time soon (he even has plans to write and release another EP before the year comes to an end). Listen to Headspace and read what he had to say about the EP now below.
Prelude Press: You’ve just released your debut solo EP, Headspace last month! What are you most excited for fans to hear on the EP?
Maddox Jones: This EP is a collection of 5 songs that tell a story of where I’m at in 2020. I’m just really excited that everyone gets to hear all 5 of the songs as a body of work. I think I’m most proud of the honesty in the lyrics. I had a real breakthrough in terms of songwriting this year, where I was like; I’m just going to talk about what I know and how I’m feeling. It’s been pretty cathartic and people seem to be connecting with it!
Headspace marks your first release as a solo artist, but you’re no stranger to releasing music with Born Stranger. Do you feel that it is more daunting or revealing to release music as a solo artist?
This is a good point. It was a bit daunting but that idea quickly faded into the distance when I started writing these songs that were really true to me and also just great songs. I am feeling really confident right now in what I’m doing as a solo artist. There’s a saying that I love “…everything worth having is on the other side of fear.” Sometimes you’ve just got to go for it, be vulnerable and have faith, positive action always pays off!
Sonically, was there anything you wanted to explore with this EP that you haven’t had the chance to experiment with past projects?
Born Stranger was quite a production led project. Even though it’s always been about the songwriting for me essentially, I feel like my new solo stuff I can experiment with sound and rhythm. Not everything has been made for the dance floor now. I much prefer doing what’s right for the song.
“Headspace” is a song about being there for someone when they’re going through something hard, I wanted the song to have a meditative, healing vibe. It was inspired by my relationship ending and me going through a period of self development. The verse lyrics take the listener through a guided meditation and the chorus offers comfort. A little fun fact about the song that i haven’t shared before is that the middle 8 was written a little after the rest of the track. I thought it was finished as it was and didn’t want to add anything and risk spoiling the simplicity of it, but then after I’d written the middle 8 it made perfect sense. I played it to a friend without the middle 8 and he told me it ended too quickly. I’m glad he gave me that advice.
How do you feel you’ve grown or evolved with the writing and recording of Headspace? Have you learned anything about yourself during the process?
I feel I’ve grown a lot actually. I’ve learnt to be more honest and open in my writing and it’s actually really refreshing.
What would you like for fans – whether they’re hearing you for the first time or are long-time listeners – to take away from the EP?
I want you to relate to the songs and get a feel for Maddox Jones. I’m a genuine, down to earth guy who just wants to bring joy and understanding through my music. I love what I do and I love it when other people listen to my music and love it too.
Do you have any other big goals for 2020? Any other projects in the works?
I want to write and release another EP by the end of the year and reach as many new fans as possible! I also want to build my live stream platform and experiment with different ways of sharing content with you guys!
Thank you for taking the time to talk with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thanks for the opportunity to share a bit of my story with you. I make music to connect with people and share a bit of myself. You guys at Prelude Press are awesome.
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