A QUICK CHAT WITH MAVER

So, you’re EP is finally out in the world, Congratulations! There have been linking narratives around isolation and relationships throughout your tracks ‘Close Enough’, ‘Scratches’ and ‘In My Head’, what is the inspiration behind the EP and its tracks that weren’t released in its lead-up?

Thank you very much! I am so excited to have this music out into the world for people to listen and dance to. A majority of the EP was created in lockdown video calls over the last two years and heavily revolved around how mental health interacts with relationships, isolation and general well-being.  A big part of working on my mental health has been opening up to people and exchanging stories and own experiences to help each other with our own perspectives and I found that through creating the music on this EP. All the tracks including the ones that were released with the EP have been about my own personal experiences and how my mental health interplays in these situations. I wanted to spread some more awareness and connect with people who feel the same way and hopefully help them with their own situation.

The music video for ‘Close Enough’ and ‘Scratches’ have this alien being in them, as well as the cover art for your singles and your press shots, how does this guy fit in and does it link up with the AI creation-style surreal EP cover of ‘Dream Machine’?

The alien guy is one of my best mates! He’s a great personality at the party and is a really good dancer (as seen in the videos). As part of my CBT therapy for treating my nightmare disorder, there is a method that helps me a lot. It involves waking up from the nightmare, viewing yourself back in there and helping that version of you (or past self) by giving yourself direction and advice. The AI creation style is heavily influenced by visualizations of myself being in a nightmare state. The alien character is a representation of my past self, especially in the story behind ‘Close Enough’ being a very real experience for me. Being able to help myself in distressing situations like nightmares or any other challenges is important and that's where the alien character comes to play.

3In the time you’ve released these singles and the EP, what is the most important thing you’ve learnt as an Artist creating and distributing your work, any hot tips?

Hmmm, I’ve got to say setting some time aside to just enjoy the process and focus on yourself is really important. Trying not to get caught up in numbers and the success of your music is really difficult but being able to focus on doing what you love and enjoying the ups and downs of it all is really impactful on your mental state. I definitely have felt a bit burnt out whilst working on my work but being able to take time for friends and my mental state has been really helpful. 

4It’s nearing the end of 2022, as you look back on the year what’s been your favourite achievement outside of releasing this great EP and what would you want to work on next year?

It’s been such a fun year! I’ve just completed my degree for university which was quite a challenge and I am very pleased I was able to undertake both this EP and the degree at the same time. Aside from that, a massive achievement was being able to make my own music video set from scratch, record and edit it in my bedroom (with lots of help from my friends) and have it featured on MTV was insane. 

Finally, what’s your favourite fantasy animal?

That’s a tricky one! I’ve got to say unicorn though as I have a watch face with a unicorn on it and when I tap it, it smiles at me. In addition to that if you have seen the film ‘Cabin In The Woods’ then you’ll also know why they’re my favourite (badass) fantasy animal.