Maddox Jones Talks New Album, His Voice And More

UK-based singer-songwriter Maddox Jones has released his sophomore album ‘Waiting For The World To Turn’ on Radikal Records. We chatted to him all about it: 

When did you begin songwriting?

I started writing songs when I was 7 years old. I was bought up without a TV in a Christian commune so creativity was encouraged.

What is your earliest musical memory?

Singing Christian songs in church. Later on it was going round my friends house from school and listening to Oasis.

Your sophomore album ‘Waiting For The World To Turn’ is out now on Radikal Records. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

It was made with complete vulnerability and honesty. I wrote and recorded a lot of it at the piano. I also worked with some great songwriters and friends on this record!

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

It was produced by Dave Crawford at Plastic Tree Studios and also with Angus Parkin, Zac Pajak, Tim Gosden and Daniel Storey at their home studios! The record is quite evenly split between Dave Crawford and Angus parkin and then there’s a couple of tracks that are produced by Zac Pajak, Tim Gosden and Dan Storey.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?

Well, there was definitely a lot of laughter throughout the record, because I laugh a lot. I think the funniest story is we didn’t have an album title until the day before the album was due to be delivered. Me and Jurgen from the label came up with it on a phone call and then I was like well I have to write the title track now. I wrote the idea on voice note and then finished it with Dave at plastic tree studios. This delayed the delivery by a week or so but it was so worth it. It’s one of my favourite tracks on the record.

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

I’m not much of a tech head but the equipment is top notch that was used. There was definitely a Les Paul guitar, a prophet synth and lots of other cool s**t used on the record. The microphone at plastic tree is worth a lot of money I know that. I’m the guy who writes the song on a beaten up old nylon guitar string and then take it the studio and work on it from there. I’ve never been that inspired by equipment but obviously it’s very necessary. I think this record has an organic sound to it that comes from mic-ing up real instruments rather than using sounds ‘In the box’ all the time.

One of your new tracks is the single ‘One Minute’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

This song is about not taking life for granted. it’s built around the idea of what if you had a minute back in a memory that you’ve photographed. It could be with a past lover or a relative. Life’s moments are precious.

Was it a difficult song to write? Did you collaborate with anyone else for the track?

It actually came together in a day and was a collab with Angus Parkin who produced and co wrote 5 tracks on The album! It was so much fun to make.

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective –

Happiest – Pineapple Salsa (what a bop) and waiting for the world to turn – Angriest – change my number – reflective – 21 and also Talk To Me !

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

To have been my true authentic and have made a genuine connection with the audience.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I like my Casio piano – it’s decent! I’m not a tech head I’m afraid. As long as it sounds good and there’s some reverb on my voice we are good to go.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Northampton – small, familiar, family, industrial, British (it’s a typical medium sized British town I feel).

How do you look after your voice?

I make sure I warm up before shows and drink lots of herbal tea.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Digital Fortress by Dan Brown is one of the best novels I’ve ever read. It explores themes of government surveillance of electronically stored information and feels very relevant still. The soundtrack could be dark and dangerous and a lot of fun to create.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Radiohead, the Beatles, Coldplay, Teddy Swims, Rag N Bone Man, Neil Young, Oasis – so many to mention. Go and listen to my good friends Great Adamz and Girlhood, both great artists!

You are given two free tickets to an artist/band that you have always wanted to see live. Who is it and why?

I really want to see the Oasis comeback shows next year but I don’t have tickets!! I think they are a generational band and the atmosphere is going to be electric.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2024/2025?

Yeah I’m supporting Will Young on his sold out UK tour in October November and December 2024!

What makes Maddox Jones happy and what makes you unhappy?

I love a good hike, a full English breakfast and an oat milk latte.