Take us back to the start — what first pulled you toward making your own music?
I have been into business for about 14 years now, and during that time, I couldn’t pursue any of my interests or hobbies because of it. Daily life felt monotonous, and to get away from that feeling, I used to create beats and write random lyrics—not with the intention of creating a track or anything, just out of my love for music since childhood. I also helped a couple of my musician/DJ friends with their music. So on my 30th birthday, I decided that I would start working on my music craft more seriously. I couldn’t find many songs in recent years that matched my liking and taste, so I decided that I will make what I want to listen to and publish it for people, thinking that there must be thousands and millions like me who will feel connected after listening to my songs.
What was the very first song you recorded, and what do you remember about making it?
“Days” was the first song I made. It was a roller coaster ride for me, seriously! I only knew making beats and writing songs; I didn’t give much attention to my singing. I work alone and do everything myself—be it writing, recording, making beats, editing, etc. Only social media functioning is not handled by me. So I had no clue how to better my vocals or be in tune with the song, but eventually I learned the skills of autotune and voice modulations. It took me a good amount of time to get it right, haha! I even thought about going back and keeping things as they were because of the failed results, but eventually I got the hang of the methods and finally got the result that is now streaming on all platforms.
Who or what shaped the sound you chase today — an artist, a scene, or someone who believed in you early on?
I have been a sucker for melodies fused with atmospheric hard beats with some hint of synth, which I believe Indian music lacks. There have been a few tracks in the recent past, but we need more such music. The Weeknd and Kanye West are big influences in my life and the type of music I prefer. DHH in the past 4-5 years has been greatly influential as well.
Where did the name DeadlyMaximus come from?
It’s a funny story. This has been my gaming name since school days, and it has been relevant and in use till now. So when I started my music path, I just posted things under this name as it was already registered as a channel on YouTube. To be honest, I will be changing it soon for my music persona. If anyone has any suggestions, hit me up.
What's the story behind 'Houdini' — how did the idea for it come together?
It is a part of my debut Hindi album, “Arrival.” In that album, I kept 4 songs, each with a theme covering different situations in life. Like: 1. “Bonita” – a love song, 2. “Gang of UP78” – a flex song, 3. “Palak” – a heartbreak song, 4. “Houdini” – a heartbreaker song. And “Houdini” was the first song of the album.
What's one moment from making 'Bonita' that has stuck with you?
When I had to act being in love passionately as the song part was setting that tempo, and my friend who co-starred with me was really pissed. I mean, for me it was the first time for everything—acting, facing the camera, etc. So yeah, there were numerous such moments, but I hope people liked how it all came out in the end.
Your world is 'music for the after-hours' — what headspace were you in when you made '3 aM'?
Well, I just wanted to reach out to someone and tell unsaid things before a certain occasion. So I wrote it thinking of that person in my mind.
What's one piece of gear or software you can't make a song without?
I think my iPad. If I have that, then it’s like my portable studio.
Tell us about the song those notes became — what's it about?
Those are the lyrics I wrote for my song “Days.” I write songs with details of that particular part of the song so that I sing in a manner which fits my vision and later modulate my voice for the song accordingly.
What can you tell us about what's coming after Arrival?
Currently, video launches are lined up and “3 aM” got launched. But my next album is nearly ready. “No Love” is a tentative name for that album for now. I shared a snippet of my unreleased song called “Supernova,” which is a part of that album. I will start with podcasts soon and will go live for the first time on my website and YouTube channel for GTA-VI streaming as I am going to get it earlier than the launch, so there’s that.
When someone hears your music for the first time, what do you hope they walk away feeling?
Connected. Also, feeling at least 1% better than they did before hearing my music. If you notice, every song of mine has a section dedicated only to music and no vocals. My previous album, “SoLo,” was an LP and all instrumental. I’ll suggest you and everyone to hear “FullMoon” in that and do contact me after hearing as to how you or what you were feeling while hearing it. That track is really close and special to my heart. It also has “Game Sober” and “Mentalist,” which you guys should definitely check out as well.
What are some of your favorite visuals from your 'Houdini' music video?
Which frame from your 'Bonita' video is your favorite or a behind-the-scenes shot?
What does the cover art for your latest single '3 aM' look like?
What does the space where you make your music look like?
What do your lyrics, notes, or voice memos for a song look like?
What can you share about the teaser or snippet of something you're working on right now?
Contact and Follow
Email: artist@deadlymaximus.com
Website: www.DeadlyMaximus.com
Instagram: @deadlymaximus
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19YiRbbnMS/?mibextid=wwXIfr
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@deadlymaximus?si=ZsHXwnQSjRllpS25
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/in/artist/deadlymaximus/6798289119
