27 concerts in a row sounds pretty exhausting. What can you tell us about your preparation process before each concert?
I’ve learned a lot about my voice from being on the road like this and taking care of myself. That’s a big part of being on the road. Singing my ass off and giving 100% every night, leaving it all on the stage takes a lot out of you. It’s important to keep your immune system up, stay healthy and eat well. I really had to learn how to consider my voice as an instrument and to really take care of it. You got a baby and you need to take care of it… my voice is no different and that is like my livelihood. That was a tough transition for me because I’m used to just not giving a fuck. I really had to step back and learn how to take care of myself. That’s one of the big things that I learned about preparation for shows out here and it’s important. We do vocal warm ups every night and we are not just playing songs but actually preparing. This not a concert, this is a show, we’re really giving everything into each performance. The hardwork translates into hours of rehearsals everyday. We make it our goal to make sure that nobody leaves disappointed. Everybody who comes to see a Mayer Hawthorne show, they leave like “Got damn, that was the greatest show that I ever saw in my live!”
What are your thoughts on the current situation of the music industry?
People complain about the music industry all the time. It’s been going for a hundred years. To me it’s the same as it always has been. There’s a lot of garbage out there and there’s some great music out there too. Especially with the power of the Internet connecting everybody and everything. The whole world is becoming so small. As an example, I am finding about dope artists in Sweden and Norway every day. I think it’s easier than ever to find great music that’s out there. I’m really positive about the current state of the music business. I have so much great music to listen to and it’s better than ever. I am really excited for music right now.
We believe that your music is not only an ode to past times. It could show established and upcoming artists a new direction. What is your advice to them?
My number one advice for people that try to make it in music is be original, be creative and don’t try to do what other people are doing. Do your own thing! That’s the most important thing as far as being an artist is concerned.
What’s in-store for you in the next twelve months and ten years?
Ten years? Hopefully I’m still making music for a living. That’s my main goal. Make a comfortable living through music and not to have to sit behind the desk doing something that isn’t so much fun. I am constantly working on new music and I’m releasing as much as I can, as fast I can. I’m the kind of guy that just wants to get it out there. Be on the lookout for a lot more new music from me in the next few weeks and years. It’s gonna be an exciting run.
