Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

My music focuses very much on telling a story, creating images and dealing with missing those around us that we don’t see much anymore, if at all. I tried to explain to someone my music and all I could come up with was "emotional folk bangers".

I guess I developed my sound mostly in the studio. Taking the songs into the recording studio as a raw acoustic song and adding more elements as the day goes on is usually the style I like to make the songs grow more naturally. It’s a very stressful way to develop songs, but it seems to work for my sound and feel.

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

My greatest source of inspiration would have to be being able to perform to an audience. I’ve always admired those that were able to captivate a crowd and have people absolutely drawn to every word, every song, every move. 

Being able to share experiences and talk about life before a song and then get to play that song is also one of the most special feelings. It’s nice to know that music and being open about the songs can be helpful in some way with people.

What can punters expect from a Jordy Maxwell live show?

A god damn rollercoaster of emotions haha... People can expect a show with a lot of energy and emotion. I’ve always focused on making my shows very special and captivating. Whether that’s through sharing open and honest stories or making shit jokes about my tyres being slashed. I want people even though life does get in the way sometimes, not to take themselves too seriously. Through all the hard times, it’s good to be able to be in a room together and dance, sing along and let it all go, even if it is just for a little while.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

‘Don’t give a shit about what anyone else thinks and just write from the heart’ - Nick Cunningham when I first met him in 2018.

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

‘Old Man Emu’ by John Williamson.

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

Jeez, get me on the red wines and I could be here for days telling you my sad songs. I’d probably play them all for you and explain why they're sad...then cry myself.

‘Go Farther in Lightness’ the Unplugged version by Gang of Youths

‘It’s Not Like You’ by The Paper Kites

‘It’s Been a Long Old Time’ by Jack Davies

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

‘Boys Light Up’ by Australian Crawl 

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

I was fortunate enough to be able to see Lime Cordiale when they were here in Perth a few weeks ago. I was taking footage, so I saw most of the show from the side of stage. It was an amazing show. Love the boys style and charisma on stage, very inspiring. And some of the nicest guys around as well.

Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.

The person that has inspired me and pushed me the most to keep writing and playing music is Michael Dunstan. We became mates back in 2017 and since then, Mike has always been there and helped me with recording, pushing me to play my own shows, listening to new songs, offering advice on tours and just being the most supportive person of my music. A very inspiring person for me no doubt. 

What are your plans for the rest of 2021?

Apart from being back on the tools as an electrician, I’m recording new songs in April, which will be good! I’m planning on playing a couple more band shows in Perth over the next couple of months. The second half of the year will hopefully involve an east coast tour (depending on border situations obviously). I manage myself and sometimes that causes me to think too much about things and not organise shows very well. So hopefully I can improve on that this year and play some beautiful shows all around the country and share my new music. I love heading east and seeing new and familiar faces