A Chat with Cxl Mxck (16.03.21)
Described by Edgar Allen Poets as “an infusion of Green Day and The Prodigy”, Cxl Mxck is a UK-based artist merging emo, pop-rock and melodic metal. Following his well-received singles, Cxl Mxck has featured on several notable publications and radio stations. We speak with him about his upcoming album Me, Myself or Die, musical inspiration, future plans and phobias.
OSR: What can you tell us about your EP Me, Myself or Die?
Mxck: This EP really is a journey through my mental health of the last 12 months of my life. I went through a real-life changing thing last February and this is sort of the process of recovery. I think it’s been a really positive thing to make these songs and face the feelings head-on. This is the story of my lowest point and is very open and honest.
OSR: Did you face any challenges when writing or recording the EP?
Mxck: Well, Covid was definitely a blocker, but also sort of a new experience. I looked forward to recording this more as I’d had so much time to develop and go through the EP with a fine-tooth comb. It’s also been so hard to keep these songs as private as possible because this, I feel, is the best piece of media I have created.
OSR: What do you hope people take from this EP?
Mxck: Great question. I really hope people see the EP not as a pit of darkness that you can’t come back from as it is quite morbid in parts, but as proof that these feelings are not permanent and can be approved upon. I want people to see that you can get that low, but you can bounce back. I hope people will see hope in this record.
OSR: What is your favourite song on the EP and why?
Mxck: Wow, tough one. I mean all four are strong tracks; the work by Sam Bloor at Lower Lane Studio is always on point. ‘Prisoner’, ‘100mg’ and ‘Just A Kid’ were produced by JDMH who is an insanely talented producer. If I had to talk about the song that I’m most proud of and that really makes the feelings I’ve had as clear as I could make them, it’s got to be ‘Rucksack’. That track is the most vulnerable thing I’ve written and it hurt to write it, but looking at it now from a third-person view I’m so proud of that track.
OSR: What about the least favourite?
Mxck: That is a very hard question. ? I wouldn’t say least favourite, but I’d say ‘100mg’. Now I love that track, but when I wrote that song I was still trying to find my sound and style. It’s always going to be a stepping-stone track for me, but I think the other three tracks are much stronger and very much Cxl Mxck.
OSR: Which review to date has been your favourite?
Mxck: I had a great review on ‘100mg’ from the lovely Nicole from you guys. Nicole has been following me since ‘Mushroom Treatment’ and has really been great in helping me tell my story.
OSR: What inspires you to make music?
Mxck: I mean, there’s a lot of factors but to sum it up, I write about what I know. If I write a lyric, I’ve felt that lyric. If I’m screaming on a track I was in pain. If the song is all over the place and varying in tone, that’s how I felt. Music isn’t a job for me, it’s therapy.
OSR: If you could be a colour what colour would you be?
Mxck: Oh, that’s such a hard question. I think I’d like a pale blue – it’s quite an optimistic colour and I’d like to radiate good vibes. ?
OSR: Do you have any phobias?
Mxck: Really going to expose myself here. I’m really scared of crabs. I just don’t trust the way they move.
OSR: Do you have any future plans?
Mxck: So, this question landed at a good time. I hopefully will be pursuing a degree this year. I think this is a good place to hold the story I’ve been building for the last eight months. This isn’t my bowing down from music, but I’ve been going so hard on my music emotionally, financially and socially. I’m going to take some time to work on myself as a person, as Callum. Cxl Mxck needs a little rest.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Mxck: Yes, thank you. Thank you for all the love and support on the songs and the journey of my mental health. Thank you for letting me rant at you. I hope you interpret this in a way that will help you. You are never alone. I love you.
Thanks to Cxl Mxck for speaking with us. For more from this artist check out his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
