Interview: Angi Maxx

Multi-talented singer/songwriter/ sound engineer Angi Maxx was kind enough to take time out to talk to Staticmajorismusic.com about working with Static and about her musical career.

Big shout-out to her!!

How did you get involved in music? Which artists have you worked with?
I got involved in music at an early age, I come from a legendary musical family. My grandfather was an orginal member of the " Fairfield Four". The first black gospel quartet to be on radio. My uncles were signed to Columbia records in the 70's and my aunts are singers and I was on the road with one Regina McCrary when she was touring with Bob Dylan I was only 14.. I think that is when I knew for sure that i wanted to pursue music as a career.

Do you write your own music?
I do write most of my own music however I love to collab. It always makes things more interesting to me.

You’re also a certified sound engineer. Why did you decide to educate yourself in this field? Does this influence or help you in any way with your own music?

I went to engineer ing school to liberate myself from the never ending drama I encountered with men in the business. It helped me tremendously. It opened new doors and allows me to record and mix and produce in the moment. It also allows me to make money in different ways while still being involved with music.

Which (musical) accomplishment are you most proud of?
So far my most proud accomplishments are releasing my first CD in 08 which got nominated for an award and deveolping a music program for children that was picked up by the Preston Taylor Boys and Girls club. 2009 was our first implementation of the program and I am currently doing it again for this summer. It has opened many doors and opportunities and educated many inner city children on how to make a record.

What advice would you give to aspiring producers, song-writers, singers who want to start a career in the music business?

I would advise people to persue it with all of the passion they have. To acquire all of the knowledge they can in the field, study an instrument and to have thick skin because everybody will not like what they do but many people will.

You are the owner of ‘Sound Zon’. Could you explain what your company does and why you decided to start your own company?

Sound Zon started because someone wanted to buy and song from me and asked me to sign the publishing over to them. I didn't know what that meant so before I signed I started to ask questions and found out that the most money was made by the publisher. So, I started my own publishing company. Now, I am able to fully function as a publisher and recording studio etc... Sound Zon Music Group houses 1110 productions, Sound Zon music studio and " Angi Maxx" the first artist, also the Innercity Music Program.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

My influences are my family first and Stevie Wonder, EarthWind and Fire, Ella Fitzgerald, Coltrane, Patriece Russian, Nancy Wilson, Nina Simone, etc... I love jazz and soul music and hip hop... Really most of the music I encounter I truly absorb something from it no matter what kind it is or who the artist is. I am truly a music lover. I started taking piano lessons in the 3rd grade and studied flute until I graduated from high school so I have a true appreciation for all music.

How did your collaboration with Static Major happen? Did you know him beforehand?

Ahh, Static. I was in Atl in the 90's and met some artist/producers that I worked with as a vocalist/writer. A couple of them were eventually signed to Blackgroud/Universal and Static was the producer of the group called the " Southeraire Allstars" and they decided to record their album/CD here in Nashville. Of course when they were here they called me and asked me to come hang out. I did and they were recording at " The Sound Kitchen" in Franklin. One day and I was there and they had a preproduction set up in one of the rooms and Mathew( B-12) asked me to play some keys and build a trak with him. I did and it sounded great. The next day they asked me to come out again and told me that the trak we did the night before was being put on the album for " The Hamptons". Static had heard the trak and had written a song to it overnight. He was so cool and down to earth and he always smelled so good.

Which songs did you do with Static Major and could you share your memories about these songs and (working with) him with us?

I love mostly all of his work. To me he was brilliant songwriter and a great vocalist and producer. It is hard to pick just one song. He was really cool and laidback. He also worked constatantly. He was inspired by normal things.. he could turn anything into a beautiful melody and words to match.. his work ethic was amazing to me and also inspiring.. his hooks.. wow.. he wrote with feeling of what ever he was going thru or experiences that were just everyday things.. he could turn it into a song people could relate to and sing.

Is there anything that you learned from Static while working with him? Has he influenced you in any way and if so, how?
Infinetly inspired by my encounter with him. They were here for several weeks and the experience was priceless..

What are you currently working on, and what are your plans for the future?

I am currently working on my second CD release. I was hoping it would be ready by the early fall and that is what I am still shooting for. I am also working on the childrens project which will yeild 4 singles or an ep to benefit the Boys & Girls Club YMCA.

Do you have any websites we can visit if we wish to know more about you and your music?
You can check me out at Myspace, Revernation, Twitter, Itunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, etc... Google Me!!