This Thursday evening, R'n'B singer Maxwell will be performing together with Mary J. Blige at the Hallenstadion Zurich. We spoke to him about his work.
Why did it take you seven years to release a new album, "blackSUMMERS'night"?
I write all my own lyrics. And what I sing is true, I don't make anything up. So I had to live my life again for a while before I could say anything about it.
There are some very serious songs. They also deal with parting and death.
I went through some hard times. My cousin died during the recording of the new album, and I also had to say goodbye to other family members. That hurt and I dealt with it with songs like "Of All Kind".
You also call for resistance, singing against racism and oppression. Why did you become political for the first time?
At 43, it was about time for me to get a bit political. I've been singing about love all my life. Slowly that has worn off a bit and I'm broadening my horizons with new topics.
Recently, a tweet of yours caused a stir. You wrote "Music is the Vagina". What did you want to tell us?
(laughs) I knew it would come back to me! I have to admit that I had already had a few whiskies when I wrote that. But the vagina is the center of all creation. And from my point of view, creativity is a very feminine quality. I wanted to communicate something. But if I'm honest, I don't remember why I wrote it.
Now you are performing with Mary J. Blige at the Hallenstadion in Zurich. How did the joint tour come about?
I've admired Mary J. since the 90s. We are both New Yorkers. Over the years we've met again and again and eventually became friends. We've been talking about touring the world together for a long time. Now the time has come and I can hardly believe it.
Maxwell and Mary J. Blige are performing today, Thursday, October 13, at the Hallenstadion Zurich and tickets are still available at the box office.
MAXWELL & MARY J. BLIGE
13.10.16, Hallenstadion Zurich
TICKETS
