Songwriter Interview – Maddox Jones

On The Table Read, “the best entertainment magazine in the UK“, singer-songwriter Maddox Jones talks about his music career and his new single, Beautiful Soul.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Maddox Jones about his life, what inspired his new single, Beautiful Soul, and the creative process behind his music.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

My name is Maddox Jones. I am a singer songwriter from Northampton. I was brought up in a Christian commune with no television or radio and have been writing and performing music since I was 7 years old.

I’ve been in a number of bands, most notably ‘The Departure’ with whom I had 4 top 40 hits and toured with The Killers,  supported Placebo and played Glastonbury and Reading festivals.

I took the decision to go solo in 2020 and now I am enjoying creating the most honest and heartfelt music of my career so far, life is good. 

When did you first WANT to write songs?

When I was 6 years old. I wanted to try and get a song sung in church on Sunday. It sounds very young I know, but I was brought up in a Christian commune and we didn’t have any tv or radio so being creative was something that came naturally. I’m glad of it to be fair, starting young has helped songwriting just be part of me. 

When did you take a step to start writing songs?

When I was 7 me and my best friend Mikey both started learning guitar, I was a bit of a competition which spurred us both on i think; he was always better than me to be fair. I started writing songs to try and get them sung at church on a Sunday. I’d send them to the worship leader, it would be an early version of me sending demo tapes to record labels. 

What was your first song released, and what was it about?

Ah man, I can’t remember the first song I ever released. The first song I properly released was called All Mapped Out with The Departure, it got to number 40 in the UK Charts. It’s a song about being in the moment with a bit of unrequited love thrown in. The opening line was ‘my eyes a camera my feelings film, one hour to develop into my own news reel. The chorus lyric was ‘we dance together you got me for tonight forget we ever made it in daylight’. it was influenced by Depeche Mode and Gary Numan melodically and lyrically. I wasn’t as good at having clear messages in my songs back then; rather lyrics that sounded cool. 

What was your latest song released, and what was it about?

It was called Beautiful Soul and it’s about a breakup I had a couple of years ago. It puts a positive spin on a relationship breaking down, acknowledging that there’s still love there and wishing the other person well. 

Focusing on your latest song. What were your biggest challenges with Beautiful Soul?

Well the actual lyrics and melody came easily, the challenges were finishing the production and making it sound organic. We  recorded a real piano at first but it didn’t sound right, we got there in the end.

How many songs are you working on right now?

I’m working on around 4 songs at the moment!

Do you keep to a theme with your music, or just go where the mood strikes?

I go where the mood strikes really, although I always strive to be open and honest.

What is your favourite song you’ve recorded, and what do you love about it?

Make Me Yours which is on my album. It’s a dark, sexy love song about power dynamics in a relationship and it the production is super cool. It’s darker than a lot of my other stuff and I love it. 

Do you find other people’s music inspires you? Who do you listen to most?

Yes, I love Coldplay, Depeche Mode and I listen to lots of new music on Spotify playlists. New artists like Dean Lewis and Radiohead’s new band ‘The Smile’ I’m digging at the moment. 

Do you write your own music, or do you have musicians you work with?

I write the chords and melody and then I produce the tracks with David Crawford and sometimes Louis Souyave. 

Do you play any instruments?

Yes I play piano, guitar and bass guitar. 

Do you like performing live, or does it scare you? Where can people watch you?

I love performing live. I do get nervous but I work with the adrenaline and let it seep into my performance. I’m doing a garden tour and also a schools tour and playing a number of different festivals over the summer, it’s a busy one!

Is your music available online, and where can people listen to it?

Yes, Spotify, Apple Music, deezer, tidal, Amazon, iTunes (all streaming sites basically) and then you can buy a cd as well from my bandcamp. If you head to my Instagram/itsmaddoxjones you’ll find details there. 

Are you able to make music full time, or do you have day job?

I do have a day job as well yes. 

Are your friends and family supportive of your music career?

Very much so, I have a great support network around me. 

What’s something you never expected about being a songwriter? What have you learned that surprised you?

That you get to meet cool people over zoom that live on the other side of the world and write songs with them. I’ve learnt that there are so many talented songwriters and it’s important to stay humble and always learn. 

Have you had any experiences that really stand out because of your songs?

Yes, I’ve played Wembley arena, supported scouting for girls, supported matt Goss at the palladium, my music has blessed me with lots of great experiences! 

Do you have any important events coming up we should know about?

Yes my garden tour where I play in fans back gardens. 

What is the first piece of advice you would give to anyone inspired to write songs?

Get inspired, be honest and write about your feelings; authenticity shines through. 

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

Yes of course. It’s in my blood. Music is my passion and having a body of work is just so rewarding. 

Pop all your music, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube | Twitter

Release: February 2022

Believe It by Maddox Jones

8th April 2022

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