After what has been an exceptional run of releases these last few years, fast-rising artist Maximilien Gault aka Bloody Cigarettes continues to shine across his emotive new single ‘It’s Only Music’.
Exploring another heady dose of riveting indie-rock aesthetics for his latest outing, ‘It’s Only Music’ continues to cement him as one of the more dazzling names on the rise right now. So we caught up with him to discuss what has been inspiring him and where he is heading next.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
I’ve always loved music since I was a kid, with my earliest memories shaped by the music my dad introduced me to. He listened to a lot of rock, and our time spent together slowly built my music taste and instilled a deep appreciation for the genre. I started playing guitar at 13, inspired by those early influences, and by 15, I was singing and experimenting with my own compositions. By 17, I began writing music, often drawing from personal experiences like my first heartbreaks. My first live performances came while I was at university, where I discovered the thrill of connecting with an audience. After the lockdowns in 2022, I decided it was time to officially launch my music project. With a collection of songs I had written over the years, I connected with a local studio, built a relationship with the sound engineer, and that’s how my journey began.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
My musical influences have evolved significantly over the years, reflecting changes in both my taste and the genres I gravitated towards. In my childhood, I was drawn to the melodic pop-rock and soft rock of The Beatles, Air, Coldplay, James Blunt, and Jason Mraz. Their music instilled in me an appreciation for catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
As I entered my teenage years, my taste shifted towards more alternative and indie rock, influenced by bands like Cage the Elephant, Vampire Weekend, and Franz Ferdinand. This period marked a transition to more upbeat and experimental sounds, blending rock with a more energetic and eclectic style.
During my university years, I was heavily influenced by the gritty, garage rock of The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys, as well as the laid-back, genre-blending vibes of Easy Life. These artists contributed to a more mature, complex sound in my music, with a balance of raw energy and introspective lyrics.
Currently, my influences have shifted again towards more melancholic and emotionally intense music, inspired by artists like Ekkstacy, Current Joys, and Re6ce. This latest phase has added a darker, more introspective edge to my sound, reflecting a deeper exploration of mood and atmosphere.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
The turning point came during my first major concert at university, where I performed at a campus party for about 400 people. Seeing the crowd sing, dance, and connect with my music was exhilarating. The exchange of energy between my performance and the audience was electrifying, and it made me realise the profound connection that music can create. That experience solidified my desire to pursue music seriously.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
I start by creating a guitar pattern for each section of the song (verse, chorus, hook, etc.). I then mumble vocals based on my imagination until I come up with a compelling line. From there, I build the song around that line, developing a full storyline. The theme or mood usually stems from the chord progression, but sometimes ideas pop up spontaneously during the composition. I then record demo vocals along with the guitar progression in preparation for the full studio recording sessions.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
I often find inspiration in books and movies, which provide rich themes and narratives that ignite my creativity. However, the majority of my ideas are rooted in personal experiences. I take the emotions and moments from my life, whether joyful, painful, or reflective, and weave them into stories that I hope will resonate with others. By channelling my own experiences into my music, I strive to create songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable, inviting listeners to connect with the emotions and stories I share.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I like to explore the balance between joy and sadness in life, drawn to the contrast of upbeat songs with sad stories and vice versa because it captures the complexity of the human experience. My focus is on themes of relatability, emotions, and messages of hope, love, and dealing with grief. The goal of it all is to help people and to connect with them on an emotional level, just as the songs of my favourite artists have done for me.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
Reaching a broader audience and managing all aspects of the project on my own has been challenging. Beyond just creating songs, I have to handle everything from recording and practice sessions to booking and organising live shows. This includes managing merch, marketing, and social media, all while trying to build meaningful connections in the industry. Staying consistent on social media and maintaining momentum in such a multifaceted role can be overwhelming at times, but it’s essential to keep the project moving forward. Balancing these responsibilities while striving to grow my audience and make an impact is an ongoing struggle, but one that I’m committed to overcoming.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
I’ve learned a lot about music production and the industry, but the real highlight has been the people I’ve met, both in the industry and among fans. Hearing from those who say my music has touched them is incredibly meaningful. It reminds me why I started this project, to express my emotions and connect with others. The fulfilment I’ve felt from knowing my work has positively impacted someone’s life is something I truly cherish.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
Staying true to yourself means believing in your work and your ideas. While it’s important to have a variety of influences and to appreciate the opinions of others, you shouldn’t compromise or change your music just because someone else prefers it a certain way. Criticism is part of the process, but it’s crucial to trust yourself, be proud of your work, and love what you create.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
I plan to release another song this year alongside my first EP. After that, I’ll be playing shows across my hometown of Paris, France. I’m still working out the logistics, particularly whether to perform solo or with a band. I also plan to release my first EP on vinyl, which feels like a significant milestone for me. Additionally, I’m hoping to create a music video to accompany the EP. After that, there are more songs in the works, but details on that will come later.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
In five years, I’d love to be working on my music project full-time, focusing on composing, touring, and performing. Right now, I’m balancing my music with other responsibilities, but ideally, I would have released another EP, maybe even a debut album, and started touring across Europe and beyond, fully immersed in living for music.
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Listen To Bloody Cigarettes’ new single ‘It’s Only Music’ below.
