Max Jury interview: From Dylan to Drake

Image: Max Jury

21 year old Max Jury is an up and coming singer song writer from Des Moines, Iowa whose eponymous debut album lands on Friday 3rd June.

First single 'Numb' got people talking with its mellow keys and gospel tinged harmonies and a limited edition 12" edition was produced for this year's Record Store Day.

The video for his latest single 'Beg And Crawl' (watch below) is a decidedly floral affair and along with 'Little Jean Jacket', is a further taste of what Jury has been cooking up.  

His sultry sounds have already seen him feature as one of NME's best new tracks, whilst his current tour tour is taking him across Europe, but what else is there to know about this new kid on the block? Henry Lewis spoke to him to find out more. 

Your first album is out June 3rd, how long have you been working on it and what has the recording process been like?

I've been working on the songs for this record for the last 2-3 years. The actually recording sessions took place in June and August of last year. One at Electric Lady in NYC and one at a home studio in the woods of North Carolina. It was a real learning experience for me, ya know?

It was my first time making a record and it took a lot of effort and patience to find the right arrangements, sounds, and performances and to make the album sound cohesive as a whole. I acted as producer for about half the record, as well, and I really enjoyed being creative in that sense.

‘Numb’ is the album’s first single, it’s a heartfelt ballad but also has some incredible blues guitar work, is this prominent throughout the entire album?

Yep! There is a blues/gospel undercurrent that I feel is constant throughout the album - which is a vibe that I've wanted to explore for the last few years. Early blues/spiritual/gospel music is a huge foundation and influence for me.

I was so fortunate to be able to work with musicians that were incredibly talented and emotive in their playing and singing and really brought what I heard inside my head out there to reality.

What have been the main influences behind the album?

Musically I wanted to make a record that represented my favourite old school styles, genres and movements while still attempting to remain firmly rooted in 2016.

I've spent a lot of time listening to Dylan and Neil Young etc. But I've spent just as much time listening to Drake. And I wanted the album to reflect that from a production standpoint.

Lyrically, the album is really just a passport to the last few years of my life - relationships, friends, growing up, moving on - nothing too ground-breaking but things in which I hope people can find comfort and common ground.

What is the story behind the album cover? Where was the picture taken? Is it a place of special relevance for you?

The album cover was taken in Downtown Los Angeles. It's not of any particular relevance to me. I just liked the words that happened to be on the T-shirts of the dudes in the background -"True Religion" and "More" - I felt like it gave the photo a coincidental sense of depth and weight.

How much did you enjoy this year’s Record Store Day? 

I had a great time at Record Store Day! I actually played a set at Rough Trade in Brooklyn and it was amazing. Some really cool bands on the bill. A NYC band named Wall were especially great.

Where is your local record store and did they have plenty of copies of the Numb 12” ? 

I don't really have a local record store, my life is a bit transient right now. But they had plenty of the Numb 12 inches at Rough Trade which was special to see. I took a few cheeky pictures for the scrapbook.

The marathon artists website gives a mention to your dog Emmy, she must be pretty important to you?

Yes, I love her! I named her after Emmylou Harris. To be honest, she's a difficult dog. A lot of sass and personality. But when she's in a good mood she's the cutest.

Where do you think you and your songs fit alongside the current musical landscape, do you expect to make a big impression when Max Jury is released? 

I don't know what to expect. I obviously want it to be as successful as possible - but i don't want to get greedy. I mean, I've been able to tour and make records for a living the last three years? How great is that? My goal is to see how long I can keep that up.

You have a headline show at the 100 Club in London on May 26th, have you ever visited London before and have you ever played to an English audience? 

I've been visiting London quite a bit since I was 18 and have toured around the UK three or four times, actually. I'm staying in Hackney as we speak - London Fields! Which was amazing last weekend. So many BBQ's - the weather was niceee.

But walking out into London Fields early Monday morning it looked a bit post apocalyptic..you could tell it was a big weekend.

Where do you foresee yourself being this time next year?

Hopefully doing this same thing with album 2! Thanks for the chat. 

Numb is released Friday 3rd June via Marathon Artists

Like this? Read our interview with Spring King 'Elton John actually asked for some vinyl and CDs'