Maxx Nies ‘Give Me a Reason’ - A Ten-Minute Emotional Breakthrough

Floating through the sonic world of “Give Me a Reason”, it’s hard not to be fully immersed in its haunting narrative. Maxx Neis states that it took her a mere 10 minutes to write this song, acting as a complete emotional release for the emerging alt-pop singer-songwriter. “This song came right from my heart onto paper… It was like it was itching out of me, as if it needed to be released.”

Born in NJ and now currently based in NYC, Nies seems to have found her footing in the city by garnering more of a fanbase in person through live shows. Surely, she has benefited from the creative drive and the hustle and bustle of the city, but a huge part of what motivates her to create music is the emotional healing that comes from her striking honesty.

Nies’ voice shines through “Give Me a Reason” and emulates a feeling similar to the melancholic effects of Mazzy Star. “And I feel I don’t belong anywhere / That’s what I hear in my head anyway” is a lyric that encapsulates the feelings of numbness and turmoil while withdrawing from a medication that once served her, especially in her childhood. Sometimes you have to wonder what the source of the hurt is, and where exactly you feel these heavy emotions. The single tackles the haunting feeling of being numb. But which is worse? Being numb on medication or numb from the overwhelm of emotions?

For Nies, it’s less of answering the question of what is worse and more of, “how do I get to the point where I am able to find purpose again?” Though this song feels both melancholic and dark, it shows the start of her realizing that there has to be more to her life than just temporary coping mechanisms and hiding behind her own fears and doubts.

Maxx Nies is on a journey towards self-discovery and healing and provides a safe space for those who wish to do the same.