“EVOLUTION IS ESSENTIAL” – PAUL SMITH ON THE EMOTIONAL CRAFTING OF MAXIMO PARKS ‘STREAM OF LIFE’

This week, I had the distinct honour of delving into the mind of Paul Smith, the charismatic frontman of Maxïmo Park. Since their formation in Newcastle upon Tyne in 2000, Maxïmo Park has carved out a unique niche in the music world, captivating audiences with their electrifying performances and intellectually stimulating lyrics. Their debut album, ‘A Certain Trigger,’ released in 2005, not only garnered critical acclaim but also earned a prestigious Mercury Prize nomination, setting the stage for a remarkable musical journey.

Over the years, Maxïmo Park has continually evolved, seamlessly blending the raw energy of post-punk revival with the nuanced textures of indie rock. Their sound, characterised by its dynamic range and emotional depth, has resonated with fans across the globe, establishing them as a formidable force in contemporary music. With each album, the band has pushed the boundaries of their artistry, exploring new sonic landscapes while maintaining a distinct identity that is unmistakably their own.

Their latest offering, ‘Stream of Life,’ is a testament to this relentless pursuit of artistic growth. The album delves into profound themes with a deeply immersive quality, reflecting the band’s maturity and the rich tapestry of influences that have shaped their sound. Paul Smith’s lyrics masterfully explore the intricacies of human emotions. He seamlessly intertwines personal insights with wider reflections, moving fluidly between deeply personal experiences and thoughtful philosophical reflections. Recorded with a fresh approach and featuring collaborations with notable musicians, ‘Stream of Life’ stands as a bold statement of Maxïmo Park’s enduring relevance and creative vitality.

So let’s dive into the intricate process that brought this album to life and discuss the artistic milestones that have defined Maxïmo Park’s illustrious career.

Maximo Parks lyrics often evoke a strong sense of place and emotion. The new album ‘Stream of Life’ has a deeply immersive quality. Can you share insights into the creative process behind crafting this album and how it might differ from your previous works?

As a lyricist, I wanted to see if I could go a bit deeper while retaining the ‘pop’ sensibility that the band has always had. There are works of literature that have that same immersive quality, by authors like Clarice Lispector and Elizabeth Hardwick, to name only two, and they made me feel a bit braver about doing that. Now that we’re older, family takes precedence, so after a long period of writing at home, I spent a few days alone in Edinburgh, which helped me think more about some of the themes on the record. As usual, Dunc came up with the bulk of the music and I would sing my words and melodies over the top until we were happy. However, on Doppelgänger Eyes, he wanted me to send my words to him first, which is a bit of a different approach. He wrote the song using a stream of consciousness text that I wrote, and I then adapted what he’d written until it made sense to me. Recording in Atlanta was exciting and new to us, which feeds into the sound, as does working with Jemma and Andrew from our live band, who appear on two songs we recorded in Byker, Newcastle. Although we recorded the bulk of the record with the same producer as the last album, this one was recorded with the band in the same room and that makes it quite different to my ears. It’s leaner and more economical, which is neither better nor worse, just different!

Maxïmo Park’s sound has evolved over the years while still retaining a distinct identity. Who have been some of your major musical influences for this new album, and how have they shaped your artistic direction?

At this late stage, we look at our own past work and see how we can evolve – are there things we wanted to do that we haven’t done yet? There are no overarching outside influences, although being close to Athens, GA encouraged us to listen to bands from that area, like R.E.M, The B52s, and Pylon, who we’ve all loved for a while. We’re very lucky to have Vanessa from Pylon on the album! Those bands are very groovy, especially the latter two, and R.E.M. are the template for alternative rock, in many ways – always interesting, mysterious even, but very melodic and accessible at the same time. Not a bad influence to have! In terms of experiences, I try to write about my life and the things that I know or feel. 

Many of your songs explore themes of love, loss, and identity. How do you approach these themes to ensure they resonate with your audience?

Leading on from my last answer, since I write ‘from life’ it makes sense that the songs resonate with people. As long as the lyrics are genuine, I think there’ll be something to latch onto. However, the listener needs to be open to the possibility of connection – I can imagine a lot of people feeling it was too emotional for their tastes. I always look for a balance between what I’m trying to express and the needs of the listener.

“The songs need to function as songs rather than just being cathartic vehicles for my own interests. They should elevate ‘the everyday’ rather than just describe it.”

It’s fascinating how music can resonate so deeply with personal experiences. I always find that each of your albums captures exactly what I’m going through or have experienced. Unless we’re mirroring each other’s lives! I’d love to know how you place yourself inside another person’s perspective. How do you manage to tap into emotions and experiences that feel so universally relatable?

All of the themes you’ve mentioned are universal, as far as I can see, so it makes sense that people recognise their own experiences in the songs. It’s certainly the case that I hear my own experiences in other people’s songs regardless of their time and place – that’s the transcendent nature of great art! But, since I’ve tried to reflect my own experience in our songs, they now chart my own progress through life over a twenty-year period, which allows a broader perspective on life than if we’d tried to replicate our first album again and again. If you’re from a similar background (or even the same country) you’ll possibly relate to the songs on a few extra levels, but those same reference points could add a layer of mystery and interest to the songs that enhance them to people from another walk of life. The context surrounding any great song is a rich source of interest, and I hope that’s the case with our songs, too.

Your live performances are known for their high energy and engaging presence. Has this always come naturally and what do you aim to convey to the audience during your performances?

Although naturally more of an introvert than an extrovert, that side of me has always been in there, which is what drew the band to ask me to be the frontman in the first place. I see it as an integral role within the band, and the key to bringing an audience towards our music. If I didn’t believe in the music so fervently, it would be impossible to give the same kind of performance. I’m a physical conduit for the songs! I’m aware that it isn’t for everyone, but it is a natural projection of the song’s emotions, meant for a stage, and it feels right. I’m always thinking about what each song, or even each individual stage might require from me as a performer, and I will adjust accordingly.

Over the years, how do you feel you have evolved as an artist, both in terms of your music and your personal growth?

I hope there’s been evolution, but I’m not sure I’m the best person to judge! It feels like we (and I) have done different things as time has passed, and I think our solo albums have shown other sides to us, regardless of how many people have actually heard them. The two collaborative albums I’ve made, with Peter Brewis and Rachel Unthank respectively, are two of my proudest achievements, for example.

What does ‘Stream of Life’ mean to you as artists? How do you feel about the journey you’ve taken in creating this album?

I feel the album shows us at the peak of our powers as songwriters (whatever that means!). It took a while to take form, which I found frustrating, but the end result is very satisfying. So many bands diminish as time goes on, and I want to defy that by getting better at what I do.

Out of all the tracks on ‘Stream of Life,’ which one stands out to you the most, and why does it hold a special place in your heart?

The title song, Stream Of Life, feels very personal and I love the sound we got, which our producer Ben Allen suggested to us by strumming the song on an acoustic guitar in the studio.

You are often being seen wearing T-shirts advocating for a ceasefire and ‘No War’. How do you feel about using your platform as artists with such a significant fan base to speak out on these important issues? Do you find it challenging to balance your advocacy with your music career, and how do you navigate any potential backlash?

In life, you have to stand up for what you believe in. Some of the most powerful art has a political message, and we’ve always integrated political viewpoints into our music, so wearing sloganeering t-shirts doesn’t feel incongruous. I’m not entirely sure how to articulate my feelings on these big issues, most of the time, but I think saying nothing isn’t an option. We live in an increasingly divisive society so I wouldn’t expect everyone to agree with me.

Looking forward, are there any new directions or projects you’re excited to explore with Maxïmo Park?

There are lots of new things I’d like to try but it’s not my band! We’ll get together and work out what we all feel is the right next step, collectively, as we always do. Evolution is essential!

“Stream Of Life” and all Maximo Park future tour dates are available at the website below…

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