Maxilla is a young force in rock and metal whose debut album Anatomy: She has already turned heads with its bold sound and striking presence. With music driven by intensity, heavy riffs, and raw emotion, she is quickly proving herself as one of the most promising new voices in the scene. In this interview, we talk with Maxilla about her debut release, her journey as an artist, the challenges she faces, and her vision for the future.

Reuel

Hello MAXILLA! I am very excited to chat with you. How are you doing?

Maxilla

Hi Reuel! I’m doing well, and I hope you are too. I’m very excited for this interview. Thank you for this opportunity!

Reuel

You have recently released your debut album “Anatomy: She”. How are you feeling about the reaction it received?

Maxilla

I’m so pleasantly surprised by everyone’s reaction to the album! Honestly, I was afraid that it wouldn’t be taken seriously, since it’s my first ever full-length release, and I had a very small budget to work with for recording, mixing, and mastering. But, I think people are really appreciating its raw nature through those supposed imperfections.

Reuel

I found it amazing! How would you describe your album to our readers who haven’t had the chance to listen to your music yet?

Maxilla

I would describe my album as unapologetic female rage; a cathartic release of pent-up frustrations regarding love, loss, sexism, and the state of our world – all through the darkness and heaviness of hard rock/metal.

Reuel

Which song from “Anatomy: She” are your fans having the best reaction to?

Maxilla

I think fans are having the best reaction to “My Creatures,” which is the main single from this album. I’ve had fans come up to me after live shows and say how much they love this particular song. It’s definitely my favorite song from the record, too. I just feel an unmatched sense of empowerment when I perform it. I think some other close contenders for the fan-favorite song are “Half Life” and “Not Yet For You.”

Reuel

Releasing your debut album is surely a huge milestone for any musician. What was your favorite part and least favorite part of the process of releasing your debut?

Maxilla

My favorite part about this album release process was having my dad listen to the mastered tracks before anyone else. Even before my label! He was the one that got me into rock and heavy music in the first place, so it was just a real full-circle moment for the both of us. Getting to see his reaction to the songs and hearing how proud he was of me – that is something I will never forget. My least favorite part about this album release process was being so anxious about the sound. I remember going through each track with a fine tooth comb, nitpicking every minuscule inconsistency in my vocals and rhythm playing, so much so that my producer had to stop me. I’ll never forget what he said to me about this, because it is one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received. He said that the more I go through and polish, the less authentic and raw the record will sound, thus demeaning the whole point of making music, of being an artist. I live by this sentiment now.

Reuel

This moment with your dad must have been wholesome! What bands did you grow up listening to? And who would you say had the biggest influence on you to pursue a music career?

Maxilla

I grew up listening to a lot of 90s punk, grunge, and metal, because that’s what my dad listened to. His favorites to have me listen to were Green Day, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Metallica, Stone Temple Pilots, the Offspring, and Alanis Morissette, to name a few. Green Day quickly became my favorite from those; they especially fueled by teenage angst and rage! I really think it was Billie Joe Armstrong that inspired me to pick up the guitar in the first place. However, I then began to explore heavier bands on my own, like Sabbath, Maiden, and Priest. I loved the sound, but I didn’t see myself enough in them. That’s when I came across Halestorm. I was just blown away by Lzzy’s ridiculous talent, holding her own and then some in a sea of male metal musicians and fans. She was the one that inspired me and gave me the confidence to pursue a professional career in music.

Reuel

Amazing! Despite the progress made, sexism and misogyny still hold back our society. When you encounter sexism or discrimination, how do you deal with it? And as a rock star, what advice would you give young fans facing discrimination anywhere in the world?

Maxilla

Whether I’m dealing with sexism and misogyny in the context of being a musician or just in my general life, I always respond by standing taller and speaking louder, refusing to let anyone diminish who I am. This is easier said than done, I know, and it took me a long time to find the confidence in myself to act upon this. But, I believe that everyone has the capacity to stand their ground and celebrate who they are. It just takes learning how to exercise the inner strength that’s always been there! I don’t know if I’d consider myself a rock star, but the advice I’d give to young fans around the world who may be facing discrimination is this: Be frustrated, be angry; you’re valid to feel that way, and you’re not alone! Use that rage to speak your mind and find a community of people who feel the same way, because they’re out there, looking for you, too. All it takes is one person to spark the inferno of change; so, why not you?

Reuel

Great advice! Thank you so much for your time! It’s been great chatting with you. Is there anything you’d like to add?

Maxilla

It’s been great chatting with you too, thank you! I’ll just add that I hope everyone streams my debut album, Anatomy: She, available now on all listening platforms. And make sure to check out the MAXILLA Instagram page: @metalbymaxilla. There, we’ll be posting a lot of great live content and our tour schedule. Here are the official Anatomy: Tour dates (past and upcoming):
Aug 19 – The Winchester Music Tavern, Lakewood, Ohio (*supporting Arsenic Kitchen & Normundy)
Aug 28 – Mercury Music Lounge, Lakewood, Ohio (*supporting Starkill)
Sep 18 – Buzzbin, Akron, Ohio (*supporting Makes My Blood Dance)
Oct 16 – The Vortex, Akron, Ohio (*supporting Alborn)
Nov 18 – Dunlap’s Corner bar, Cleveland, Ohio (*supporting Bonnie Trash)
MORE TBD