Behind The Sound: maybe
We speak with maybe about his journey into electronic music, the moments that shaped his sound, and working with Anjunabeats.
6 minutes read
We caught up with UK-based producer maybe to talk about his journey into electronic music, the evolution of his euphoric, melody-driven sound, and the path that led him to releasing with Anjunabeats. From club nights on the South Coast to years of quiet experimentation, maybe reflects on finding his sound, building the world around his music, and what lies ahead.
Journey & Identity
Can you take us back to the beginning, how did you first fall into electronic music,
and what eventually led to the “maybe” project?
I was always into music, but I actually wasn’t into dance music much until I went to Southampton Uni. Through my early years, it was mainly RnB/Rap, as well as learning a couple instruments.
It was at Southampton where I started going to a club called Switch and being exposed to every genre multiple times a week - techno, house, bassline, dnb, jungle, breakbeat. That 2016-2019 period really was a crazy time for dance music on the South coast.
Fortunately, one of my mates showed me Logic Pro, my other mate had some decks and I was hooked on trying to do it myself.
I produced much heavier dance music than I do now throughout Uni (my pals will remember the name Axtion) which gave some really cool memories.
However, fast forward a few years and my music tastes changed and thought it was best to put that project to bed.
I started producing much more melodic stuff and for years, I never released anything (was like over 100 demos).
At some point, I saw a quote around just putting it out into the world with no expectations.
That’s when I sent a portion of them to Anjuna and explained the vision, and (thankfully) they were onboard - and so the “maybe” project was created.
It’s important to just stay true to what you like, borrow elements from different genres and don’t over complicate the process.
- maybe
How did you start finding your sound as a producer, and what influenced that
development along the way?
Honestly that’s a question I ask myself a lot. I’m constantly trying to figure out a unique sound, which is really difficult.
I think it’s important to just stay true to what you like, borrow elements from different genres and don’t over complicate the process. People will start to hear your sound before you do.
One exercise that is good is recreating tracks as close as possible - it helps sharpen sound design skills and you get some cool ideas along the way.
How would you describe the artistic identity behind maybe, what sits at the core of what you’re trying to express?
I’ve been to a few shows where there’s been moments where that euphoric moment hits, and the crowd, the lighting, the music all line up in that moment - that’s what I’m trying to create.
Euphoric, melancholic, energetic, moody dance tunes (whatever that means!)
Sound & Evolution
Your sound feels very emotive and melodic, how has it evolved from your earliest productions to where you are now?
As mentioned above, I used to produce much heavier dance music like bassline and drum and bass. Actually even before that I was just doing RnB beats.
I think one thing that has carried across all of my productions is that melodic element. Trying to get that euphoric feeling in each of my tracks, whether it’s a moody euphoria or energy one.
There’s been moments where that euphoric moment hits, and the crowd, the lighting, the music all line up in that moment - that’s what I’m trying to create.
- maybe
What qualities or elements do you feel define your releases today?
Breaks, glitchy sounds, warm pads, analog melodies and vocal atmospheres.
What influences, musical or otherwise, have had the biggest impact on shaping your productions?
From a music standpoint, it’s been inspiration from artists across genres: Overmono, Sub Focus, Bicep, Chris Lake etc.
Going to live shows have always been hugely inspirational and I always come back wanting to make something similar.
Creative & Technical Process
When you start a new track, what usually sparks the first idea for you?
There’s really a different process dependent on what type of track I’m making. Typically I’ll start with the hook, whether that be a cool melody or vocal and then build the chords and song around that.
I wish I knew where it came from but to me, it’s just about expressing what I’m feeling at the time.
- maybe
What are the tools, techniques, plugins, or workflows that have become central to
how you produce?
There’s tons but I love U-he Diva due to the analog sound. Serum has always been a staple. Then ontop of that, all of the FabFilter Plug-ins help create such a nice sound.
How do you approach melodies and emotional themes in your music. Do they come from intuition, structure, or somewhere in between?
I wish I knew where it came from but to me, it’s just about expressing what I’m feeling at the time, and getting it made at speed. Most of it is around how it makes me feel when I’m making it, and if I feel that a certain way, I’ll usually run with it.
“9” & Anjunabeats
Your latest single, “9,” has really resonated with listeners. What inspired the track, and what was the process of bringing it to life?
This song has been one of many tracks that has stayed unreleased for a long time.
I made it about 4 years ago after hearing my mum play the song (Mariah Carey - Emotions), and wanted to flip it into a moody dance tune.
I sent it to a few people I’m very inspired by and the feedback was great, so it made me want to release it.
It took getting the vocals resung, getting publishing approval and a number of years, but I’m buzzing it’s finally out there in the world after such a long time.
I’m a big believer in surrounding yourself with talented people and learning as much as you can.
- maybe
How did the connection with Anjuna come about, and what does it mean to you to release with them?
I had about 100 unreleased demos/ideas, in which I put about 30 on a playlist and sent them to Anjuna.
The cool thing was that not all of them were genres you’d typically associate with Anjuna.
However, when I had chats with the guys, they mentioned that the goal is to release emotional, melodic, hitting dance tunes, which is exactly what I wanted to make.
Then I gave the idea of “maybe” and thankfully they were onboard.
I’ve loved listening to Anjuna for many years and some of my favourite artists released on the label over the years.
I’m very very grateful for the support they’ve given me so far!
In what ways has working with Anjunabeats influenced your development or perspective as a producer?
It’s been great to learn from those that have been in the industry for many many years.
I’m a big believer in surrounding yourself with talented people and learning as much as you can. Little things from mixdowns, to song structure but I’m definitely still learning.
The biggest goal for me is to keep enjoying the music I make, not getting wrapped up in anything else, because that’s what it’s all about.
- maybe
Looking ahead, what are your goals in the coming years, any dream collaborations, or milestones?
I’ve got a huge amount of goals and people I want to collaborate with. The optimistic one is one day playing Alexandra Palace as that’s where I’ve seen some amazing artists.
However, I think the biggest one for me is to keep enjoying the music I make, not getting wrapped up in anything else, because that’s what it’s all about.
Are there any upcoming releases or projects we can be excited for?
Lots - stay tuned!
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A big thank you to maybe for taking the time to speak with us. From discovering dance music on the South Coast to shaping a sound rooted in melody, emotion, and atmosphere, his journey reflects an artist committed to the process and the feeling behind his music. We’re very excited to see where he takes it next.
Connect with maybe and make sure to keep up with his upcoming projects.
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