Words by Rachel June
Ni Maxine’s beautifully rich vocals feature in her first ever EP ‘MOTHERS ARMS’ out on May 8th. Intricate jazz sounds scatter around Ni’s drizzling honey-like vocals. Her music is described as neo-jazz/soul, and her musical diet growing up consisted of legends like Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott. Her voice is reminiscent of Amy Winehouse, but has this unique and soothing flair to it. It sounds like soft beachy waves on a summer evening. She is currently on tour with Lynda Dawn, an artist who has already inspired her. Actually, she has Lynda’s ‘Do You Dream’ on repeat right now. Ni and I spoke about her healing journey through music and how it’s enriched and shaped her life.
Ni has always loved music. She reminisced, “I have always enjoyed singing with my friends, in choirs, and at church. My nanny, Christine, looked after us a lot, and we went to church together, rain or shine.” Inspired by the voices that beamed through the church crowds in her hometown of Bristol, she remembers seeing the beauty and power in worship vocals. Growing up in Bristol was wonderful, full of rich culture and diverse music, and she now lives in Liverpool, a place she loves deeply and enjoys performing live.
Ni Maxine’s music is therapeutic. Listen to her lyrics to hear her processing and healing. Her soothing voice speaks truths over herself, and this is Ni letting out what’s inside. “I’ll fly, take back my time”, lyrics heard in the song ‘TIME’. At her live shows, Ni creates a space for people to feel. She explains, “Space and community are so important. I want to create a space where people can come as they are and leave feeling better.” She values the importance of following your heart, which isn’t always easy. But she wisely expresses, “Regardless of how expensive it is to live, if you are in an environment that is unhealthy for you, then it’s so important to take a step back. What’s more important is taking time out for yourself.”
Ni knows what it’s like to be without, having struggled financially growing up. She advises that, “Sometimes you might have to make sacrifices, but in the long run it’ll be worth it. When you let go of things that aren’t serving you, you make room for a life that does”. Her advice is to follow your passion and do what you love. Ni thanks her partner for being “super supportive” in her journey, and a huge part of feeling cared for and encouraged.
Stay tuned for more of Ni Maxine, she plans to attend jazz festivals this summer and continue to sing live and share her sound. Experience the beauty of her voice in real life and leave feeling strengthened and changed!
Ni Maxine live dates coming up:
Saturday 3rd May 2025: Cheltenham Jazz Festival at Jazz Arena, Cheltenham, Thursday 8th May 2025: Late Night Jazz with Ni Maxine at Elgar Room, Royal Albert Hall, London, Sunday 11th May 2025: Headline show at LEAF, Liverpool, Saturday 17th May 2025: Supporting Ebi Soda at Norwich Arts Centre, Norwich, Friday 23rd May 2025 – Leeds Jazz Festival, Welcome To Leeds Stage
