New York-based alt-pop artist Maxx Nies makes an indelible mark on modern pop with her latest single, ‘Give Me A Reason’. At just 25, Nies has already crafted a distinct voice rooted in vulnerability, resilience, and emotional honesty. Her songwriting, sparked at age seven following the passing of her great-grandmother, has long served as both a creative outlet and a means of processing life’s complexities.
Give Me A Reason is a striking snapshot of this journey. Written in just ten minutes during a period of intense personal reflection, the track pairs atmospheric production with confessional lyricism, blending the dreamy melancholy of Mazzy Star with Swift’s intimate storytelling. Its spacious, understated instrumentation amplifies the emotional weight of Nies’ vocals, creating a song that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Check out this exclusive interview with Maxx here at Music Crowns.
—
Hey Maxx, welcome to Music Crowns! How are you?
Hi! I’m doing well—thank you so much for having me!
You fully committed to music in 2018. What was the turning point that made you take that leap?
I was a very dedicated equestrian growing up and spent most of my time riding and taking care of horses. It was a huge part of my life, and I genuinely loved it. But around 2018, I started craving more and felt pulled toward music in a deeper way. I remember talking to my mom about it, and she basically told me I had to choose—because horses and music are probably two of the most expensive paths I could take. So I chose music, and I haven’t looked back since.
How has moving to New York influenced your sound or creative outlook?
Moving to New York has had a huge impact on my artistry. There’s a raw, unapologetic energy here that really encourages authenticity. It pushed me to be more honest in both my sound and my lyrics. There’s a freedom in this city that makes you feel like you can fully be yourself without overthinking, and that’s been incredibly inspiring for me creatively.
We love “Give Me A Reason.” What was the recording and writing process like for this one?
Thank you so much! This was probably my favorite writing experience so far. I was going through one of the hardest points in my withdrawal from a medication I had been prescribed as a child, which eventually became a dependency. I was dealing with intense panic attacks almost every day. One day, I was standing on a vibration plate trying to regulate my nervous system while listening to Bon Iver. Out of nowhere, I heard a melody in my head with the words “give me a reason,” and it perfectly captured how I was feeling in that moment. I quickly recorded a voice memo—it’s a little chaotic because of the vibration plate—and then ran to my room and finished writing the rest of the song within minutes. I brought it into the studio the next day and recorded it.
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned as a young artist navigating the alt-pop scene?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to stay authentic—with yourself and with your art. There’s nothing more powerful than honesty, and people can feel when something is real.
Music clearly serves as a therapeutic outlet for you. How does performing these songs live affect your emotional experience?
Each song holds a different meaning and emotional weight, so it really depends. Some songs feel incredibly therapeutic to perform—it’s like a release. Others are special because of the connection I get to share with the audience, where it feels like we’re experiencing that emotion together. And then there are songs that are just fun, where I get to step into a lighter version of myself and have fun with that.
How do you decide what to share and what to keep private in your songs?
I really just go with what feels right. If something doesn’t feel comfortable to share, I won’t—but I’ve always been a pretty open person, so a lot of my experiences naturally find their way into my music.
Can you give us a glimpse of what to expect from your upcoming album and the “Heaven or Hell” music video?
You can definitely expect honesty—I get very personal, especially when it comes to relationship experiences, both romantic and within my family / personal relationships. As for the “Heaven or Hell” video, it came out exactly how I envisioned it. The visuals are inspired by Euphoria, and I’m really proud of how we brought that concept to life.
And finally, where do you see your artistry evolving over the next few years?
However I evolve as a person, my music will evolve with me. Its very connected for me. Whatever I experience in life will naturally show up in my art because I write from experience and raw emotion. People can expect continued honesty, growth, and a constant push to develop my sound and artistry on every level.
