NASHVILLE, TN (OCTOBER 29, 2021) — Maxwell Planes, the Chicago-based artist that delivers a unique blend of R&B and soul, is continuing his growth trajectory with the new smooth single, “Been A While.” Out today, the single — which marks the lead offering from his forthcoming Sacrifices EP — is penned about reflection and addresses obstacles Planes has faced, including growing up CODA (child of deaf adults). In a twist of fate, growing up CODA pointed him directly towards music and the freedom to openly explore different styles and genres without parental pressures. Planes recently opened up in a personally-penned essay about this for V13.
“This song is a statement for when you become lost and things around you start to disappear, you start to look for ways to rebuild yourself,” says Planes. “‘Been A While’ is like a moment of enlightenment.”
With his unique style of what he describes as “a fusion of soul, rap and country with a layer of smooth R&B guitar licks,” Maxwell showcases the blending across his four-song Sacrifices EP (expected December 3) — which features R&B heavy-hitters such as Melanie Faye, Ric Wilson and Kiéla Adría.
The Sacrifices EP means many things to Planes. The name ‘sacrifices’ stands for the obstacles he has overcome in his life including — but not limited to — growing up in a Deaf family, battling to keep healthy relationships alive and his musical journey.
“I was held back in some of my English classes growing up because I would pronounce words like my mom, for example, I would say “pan-a-cake” instead of pancake — stuff like that,” says Planes. “Children tend to get their accent or vernacular from the surroundings they grew up in, so I got my way of speaking — a lot of the time — from television and music. In people’s upbringings, one tends to get their musical influence from their parents. That was not an option for me.”
