Delivering the ultimate self-isolation groove, Max Peston (formerly known as Trevor Harley Halliwell) releases “Doing Business” his first single under his new moniker. Exploring hedonism and megalomania in his own life, the self produced singer/songwriter asks himself the question; am I too grown up to dream? While laying down his soon to be signature “bin funk” sound. “Doing Business” is out now with the album “No Gimmicks” due to drop April 15th. We caught up with Peston to get his Five Things /
What was the moment that changed your world ?
I was 15 and playing in bands when my mum died. I was already very serious about music and became even more so. In a way, that situation proved to be a great motivator. I work hard and take life seriously. That way, I can be extra silly when it’s time for fun.
Close friends, colleagues and family change my world all the time. Mostly with humour. It’s sad we cant spend more physical time with the ones we love right now.
Where in the world is your physical and spiritual home ?
All my childhood memories take place somewhere on the W3 bus route (Wood Green to Finsbury Park.) Currently, I live in Camden. I don’t like Camden. It’s very convenient for my day job though. I wait tables, come home and cut records.
Spiritual home… The studio? The stage? The Simpsons? All great answers.
I used to spend a lot of time in Aberystwyth (Ceredigion, Wales) because my Mum loved it there. Nowadays, the band “Mellt” (Welsh Album of the Year winners) look after me when I'm out there. Being with them reminds me of where I came from.
What does the world need now ?
I feel like no one works hard on entertainment anymore. We need more funny people! Where are all the great comedians? Where’s the new Bernie Mac or Harry Hill? The whole world has become even more about money and fame. Troublesome times! Everything is very uncertain. It’s interesting to be a young person right now. So where are all the selfless entertainers?
Who and what rocks your world ?
Prince, Bryan Ferry, Louis Prima, David Sylvian and George Clinton inspire me all the time. Their ethics and approach [to music] have my full respect. I listen to a lot of different stuff, but those guys won’t leave me alone! George and Bryan have been touring (non-stop) for the best part of 50 years. It’s so heartening to go and see them live because they’re still at the top of their game.
I love Mel Brooks’ movies. Tim Heidecker (Tim & Eric) is a genius, “Mister America” is my favourite film of the year. An antiques expert called Anita Manning sometimes hosts Bargain Hunt- she really makes it a great show.
How do you use the world to inspire your creative process?
A couple of years ago, I took a really inspiring trip to Warsaw. It was freezing cold, I was on my own and didn’t have much money. My family comes from Poland and I was there to learn more about who I am. It was a pretty messed up time in my life and the experience was really transformative. I still fantasise about running away there, doing my music remotely & returning to London for shows. It’s possible I will live there with Nathaniel Mackie (fashion designer) one day. London is not grounded in reality. Warsaw is.
More recently, the boys in my band “Sticky” have really inspired me. We’re about to make a comeback after a long hiatus and rehearsals have been brilliant. Everyone is happy to be with each other again after achieving so much during the break. I’ve known Archie (lead guitarist) for 19 years and we’ve been playing together for 12 of them. That relationship is a source of constant inspiration to me. No matter how much I push for forward momentum, the Sticky boys, Ivan Ooze and Shreddah.OTV will always be there, whether in the music or not.
Max Peston
Photography / Edward Black