Sarah Rennix interviews MC Maxim Reality from The Prodigy…

no tea and buns | band politics | a finger in every pie

No tea and buns
Ok, I admit, I was a bit hesitant about meeting the Prodigy’s snake eyed MC Maxim Reality. He has quite a reputation for being an awkward and unpredictable interviewee but in the end it was easy as pie. Ok, I chickened out and rang him. It was neither big nor clever but it was easier, dammit! So, no small talk about the weather over tea and buns for me and just as well because Maxim is a no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point sort of guy.

When I asked about his new solo album, Fallen Angel, he answered “It is a collection of short songs, which comprise of guitars, electronic noises and eclectic beats.” Simple as that. He may be a man of few words but several things impress me about this manic MC. Firstly, Maxim was clearly not disillusioned by the lukewarm response to his debut album Hells Kitchen. After heavy touring commitments in 2003 Prodigy took a well deserved rest throughout 2004. Maxim of course could not simply sit back and enjoy his group’s success; he headed straight back into the studio to record the follow up. Although it has taken him five years to return to his solo projects, his attitude to the whole thing is very refreshing. “I just felt ready to go back in the studio and work on fresh ideas. It’s not about commercial success for me, it’s about creating something different and also achieving something for myself, which was finishing an album that I was happy with. If other people like it it’s a bonus! My main commitment is to the band and I write solo stuff when I have the time.”

Band politics
Maxim followers may have questioned the absence of his distinctive vocals on the most recent Prodigy album Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned but this was a blessing in disguise as it allowed Maxim to focus on his own music. “Both Keith and I were cool about it. What people don’t understand is that we went into the studio as Liam was writing. As he was using more guest vocals as samples it gave me a chance to work on my solo album. So you could say Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned is 80% Liam, 20% Prodigy, but it is definitely an album that had to happen so we could progress to where we are now. It took the pressure off us so we can now write as a band again.”

Maxim’s new album is different in many ways to his debut. For one thing the vocals focus on singing rather than rapping. “I am into singers at the minute. I doubt I will work with MC’s on my next album but if I could work with anyone it would be NAS or Guru.” The influences on the album are quite eclectic too as he claims to be influenced by…ahem…“everything”. It should make for an interesting album…expect the unexpected!

A finger in every pie
I said earlier that I was impressed by this man. Not content with being a member of one of Britain’s most successful hard-line electronica bands and a solo artist in his own right, Maxim has dipped his finger into a few other creative projects. He is now the proud owner of his own fashion range Purple Wear and has shown a keen interest in production. As we speak, Maxim is behind the production desk on up and coming RnB star Porsha’s debut album. “I did the production of Fallen Angel with the help of a friend. Porsha is a really good vocalist and I am really enjoying doing the production on her album as I have more experience now.” No rest for the wicked. There is of course a down side to being such a busy musical fashionista extraordinaire. As Maxim is currently performing throughout the UK with the Prodigy on their Greatest Hits tour fans will have to wait for a any live shows to accompany the new album. “There are no tour or gig plans at the moment as the Prodigy are in full flow touring. If I do get the opportunity to take this album on the road I would just do small 300 capacity shows for a more intimate vibe with a full band.”

If you can’t wait until then, get yourself a ticket to see the Prodigy in action. They play Newcastle Metro Arena on 22nd November and it’s sure to be one hell of a show. Maxim’s new album Fallen Angel is on the shelves now so there’s no excuse not to run out and buy a copy and make your own mind up!