Heard It Here First

San Diego native Everen Maxwell, best known for his “music for travelers,” delivered his latest single, “Winter,” out now on SLANDER’s Heaven Sent label. This track is a thought-provoking, delicate masterpiece exhibiting his vulnerability and the profound impact of losing his mother at a young age. 

“Winter” marks Maxwell’s debut on Heaven Sent, a label founded in 2020 by the impassioned bass duo SLANDER. The label serves as a platform for artists to unveil their alluring and ethereal discography, traversing future bass, dubstep, and drum and bass. Maxwell is a fitting addition to the champion roster of producers on Heaven Sent, which includes releases from IMANU, HEKLER, Au5, Chime, and many more talented artists.

Everen Maxwell shines in an industry where artists must balance originality and what’s trending and popular. He draws much of his artistry from fantasy literature, folk tales, and nomadic journeys to create his signature sound, which he has successfully dubbed “music for travelers.” His style is remarkably unique, creating soundscapes that are lavish and paradisical. Don’t worry though, he can still hang amongst the heavy hitters when he wants to turn up the bass.

“Winter” marks Everen Maxwell’s first release of 2024. You’re introduced to a soothing piano melody before his compelling vocals delineate the heart-breaking loss of his mother. As the vocals give way, you are guided into a powerful and entrancing buildup. Its glitchy breaks and hard bass line soon fade letting the raw emotions come pouring out again. As the track builds back into the zealous tempo, you get the sense that it’s indicative of his pursuit of growth since her passing and gives hope for the future. The disparity between the tragic depth behind his vehement lyrics and the vibrancy of the rich animated beat deliver such an evocative feeling as it resonates with the listener. Here is what Everen Maxwell had to say about the creation of “Winter”:

“I wrote ‘Winter’ after the last time I visited my mother’s grave. I wanted to encapsulate the emotions of losing my mother as a child and the wish that she could’ve watched me grow into the man I am today… Winter often represents a loss of warmth and joy, but it is also a beautiful season, and many amazing things have their beginnings in winter. I have experienced so much pain and sorrow since the loss of my mom, but it was because of that loss that my father placed me in music therapy, where I began chasing a dream to tell my story through music. In a way, this song brings that story full circle. But just as Winter beckons Spring, my story isn’t nearly over, and no matter what season it takes me through, I will always carry Winter with me.” – Everen Maxwell

What did you think of Everen Maxwell’s emotive new single, “Winter,” out now on SLANDER’s label Heaven Sent? Let us know in the comments below or on our socials!

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