Richard Maxwell

Music:

Member Since: 6/24/2007
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welcome to Richard Maxwell's official MySpace page! Thanks for stopping by and checking out the music. Richard's newest EP "Karma" is available now, and his June 2008 EP, "Ties," is nearly completed and ready for release. Don't forget to grab some free tunes by clicking on the "Download FREE Richard Maxwell songs" below. Or get even more of Richard's music from iTunes, CDBaby, or any of the other international distributors of Richard's music from one of the links below. The "Gray Needs Diapers" tour rolls on as well; and coming soon...the Richard Maxwell "Virtual Tour," details to follow soon. While you're here, why not leave Richard a comment? And hey, spread the word; tell your friends to check out Richard’s music too!Leave Richard a comment...

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ABOUT RICHARD:
"Ramblings in 1st person..." So I’m a pretty lucky guy. My wife, Michele, is not only gorgeous, but incredibly talented, kind, and warm. What she sees in me is still a bit of a mystery to me; but I am not complaining. We have this amazing son, Gray, too. He is just the best person I have ever met. He was born 10 weeks early, in June of ‘07 and spent the 1st 7+ weeks of life in the hospital; but to look at him now, you’d never know it—no health or developmental problems of any kind. He’s just perfect-he always seems to be laughing. He’s so much fun to be around. And he’s already starting to bang on the drums and strum the guitars in my recording studio. How fun! In truth, he gets all of his best qualities from his mom, but I am certainly proud to be his dad. Together we make our home in Phoenix, AZ with our ever-entertaining dogs, Mika and Kodo.

I’m also blessed in that pretty much my entire life, outside of family, is consumed by music in one way or another. Though I love to be with people and, especially to perform, I am not much of a partier these days, so music is my only real vise. I don’t really have any hobbies to speak of that aren’t music related, and I am very fortunate that Michele is also very musical, so she is nothing if not encouraging. I suppose it makes me a bit one-sided; but all things being equal, I think I pretty grounded in my life. We did put a movie theatre into the new house when we moved in, so I guess that counts, too, for hobbies, I suppose.

My “day job” is even music related. I developed and run what’s called the CMAS (Contemporary Music and Sound) program at a local high school. It took a number of years to get it really up and running, but it now looks to be on track to being adopted as the model for the entire state of Arizona. I am, to say the least, very proud. The essentials of the program are to help students develop their creative process and learn to use all the technology related to both the performance and the recording of their own music. I like to think of it as a Singer/Songwriter training program. We even have these huge events about every 6 weeks or so where we turn the auditorium in to a rock venue with a 12000 watt PA (no type-o there, that’s 12K) and, thanks to my very good friend who runs the theatre program (also a fine bass player) a light show that rivals any club in the western US. I also developed and oversee what I call “affiliated” courses in Guitar and Piano, which are intended as functional instrumental studies; and a pretty comprehensive class called “Survey of Rock Music” which is like a history class where the students learn how the current music scene evolved as well as to critique what they like or dislike about the various artists discussed. (Apparently, they write more for me than in some of their English classes, but I have not been able to officially confirm that). CMAS and all it’s related elements are more than a fulltime job; but it does help to pay the bills and it’s also great fun.

Along the way, I’ve received Music degrees from Bradley University (BA), Youngstown State University (MM ABD) and the University of Arizona (MM). Lots of school, lots of debt, but also lots of experience. I’ve also played guitar and drums in more bands, at more gigs, than I can count; but again, it’s all made for great experiences.

I like to try to live my life by a few simple rules:
1. “Nothing forced endures.”
This one pretty much sums it all up for me, and goes back to my days in Tucson at the U of A, and my students sometimes like to give me a hard time about this one ‘cuz I tend to say it to them a lot, but the ones that get beyond the repetition have told me that they ultimately agree.
2. “Perception is not always the same as intent.” I’ve learned that this is much easier to say than to abide by, but it’s still a really good place to start.
3.” It should sound good and feel good.” My dear friend George likes to remind me of this as a way to do a final analysis of whatever I am currently working on. Under his guidance my standards have gone up much further than I thought possible.
4. “All you need is love.” When all is said and done, is there really anything else?

So, as for my own music, it’s an ever evolving process. I am still influenced by all my formal, classical training and I’m very lucky to have a close friendship with many wonderful musicians. I’m inspired everyday by their work, and it makes me all the better to have them with me. I guess, in truth, I just really love being on the search for the perfect hook, in the perfect, efficient arrangement. I’ve taken to recording more material more frequently lately and using the resulting EPs as a way to track my progress on the that journey. From what people tell me, I’m getting ever closer to that elusive, and some would say, ultimately unreachable goal. Kinda make sense to me—as you get better, the goal itself gets a bit more refined. I suppose that if I ever feel like I’ve “got it,” it’s probably time to stop.

Well, if you’ve gotten this far I am at a loss for what to say, except maybe, “Thanks for taking an interest.” Really. I’m kinda “aged-out” of the prime demographic for unsigned artists, so while I am ever hopeful, I am acutely aware of how rare it is for people to take the time to listen and explore what I do. I am supremely grateful and humbled. Thank you.

-MaxTHE "OFFICIAL" RICHARD MAXWELL BIO:

“...solid...impressive...a classic rock vibe. Not 'CLASSIC ROCK' but a sound that harkens back to, dare we say, a more analog time.”
-Recording Magazine

Richard Maxwell is an acclaimed musician and producer who, for more than a decade, has made a successful career out of creating his own unique style of rock music, as well as helping young and up-and-coming musicians make the most of their own musical opportunities. His music and live performances have been called “inspired,” “captivating,” and “impressive.” As a recording artist and performer, Richard has gained an international fan base, along with a reputation for supporting independent artists as both an educator and as the owner of Gray recording studios in Phoenix, Arizona. Richard lives with his wife Michele, their son Gray, and their two dogs Mika and Kodo.

From music legend George Benson: "Being a new resident in Phoenix, Arizona has given me a new environment, new ideas, and new friends. I have always been open-minded when it comes to different musical genres and I am a personal friend of many of the great rock and pop artists of our time such as Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, and Paul McCartney. Once again I have been given the privilege to pass on my experience and input to new talent. Richard Maxwell represents new ideas and a new approach to the classic Rock genre. I recommend you bend your ear in his direction and discover a new talent."

for more on Richard be sure to check out www.richardmaxwell.net