SoCal-born artist Maxo will be returning with his first project in four years, Even God Has A Sense of Humor. As the follow-up to 2019’s Big Man, Maxo’s latest effort marks a development from his unique lo-fi style.
On the new record, he leans into jazzy, nimble experimentation. On each track the artist muses on both the blessings and hardships of the past few years. The album features an accomplished roster of musical contributors, including Pink Siifu, LastNameDavid, Madlib, GrayMatter, Karriem Riggins, Beat Butcha and Lance Skiiiwalker, along with executive production from Mount Kimbie’s Dom Maker.
For the cover of EGHASOH, Maxo was cast by artist John Ahearn to create three sculptures, which were then photographed by Steven Traylor. The image was created before Maxo began working on music for the album and he used it as a guiding force in determining the record’s aura and aesthetic. Maxo said the casting took 20 minutes of total stillness, as well as practice breathwork to avoid cracking it during the process.
“I had to go to a space where I was just not there,” he said. “By the time it hardened, it seemed like the sculpture had risen to be 20 feet above where it was first — almost like it grew tall.”
Growing tall acts as a metaphor on the LP, symbolizing Maxo’s spiritual evolution. Listeners got a taste of these themes on “Free!,” the first release from EGHASOH.
Stream Maxo’s new single “Free!” everywhere now. Even God Has A Sense of Humor is out in full on February 22.
In other music news, Hit-Boy revealed there’s an alternate, “extended” version of his famed “SICKO MODE” beat.
