Maxwell Unveils 'The Silent Serenade Ensemble' in Exclusive Interview

Maxwell He still hasn't seen his Tiny Desk performance, which premiered back in August. "I'm known for not watching things [because] I occasionally don't want to see myself," he says to Rated R&B during a hot summer day.

In his 30-minute performance, which has accumulated almost six million views, the "Lifetime" artist admitted he felt anxious about taking the stage. "I haven't gotten any sleep at all last night. I'm being completely honest with you. I've been awake because I was so nervous," he shared with the audience. "For me, this is one of the greatest stages around. It’s a place where genuine music cannot hide. Thanks for turning this anxiety into gratitude, warmth, and reassurance right now."

Back then, Maxwell was secretly managing a health problem, making him question whether he would be able to sing all the correct tones. "I felt anxious because I wasn't sure how I'd sound, particularly after everything I had been through," he explains.

I found myself really struggling for three months, from around April 2024 until July. A week before I headed into the studio to record 'Simply Beautiful,' I was still in bed, and I wasn't able to let anyone know. Serenade Tour had already been reserved. I said, "I hope I recover enough for this."

This "amazing change as an individual," according to Maxwell's description, provided him with more insight into his perspective on life. "Fitness is essential just to be present," he states. "When I wasn’t at my best, it helped me realize what truly makes life wonderful. I was fortunate enough to rise again and accomplish those tasks afterward. I looked at it with deep gratitude and a straightforward attitude."

It comes as no surprise that Maxwell defeated his opponent. Tiny Desk concert performing classic tracks such as "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)" and "Pretty Wings." The close-up show, together with his Serenade Tour , helped inspire The Silent Serenade Ensemble his short-term performances scheduled for this autumn in Washington, D.C., and his home city, Brooklyn.

Every show will take audience members into a different realm of Maxwell's classic tracks and cherished hidden gems, revitalized with live drumming and a string quartet. "The group changes every time, but the playlist remains consistent," Maxwell hints. He and featured guest Yola will perform for three consecutive evenings at MGM National Harbor September 18–20, then ending with Kings Theatre on September 28th in Brooklyn

I'm simply seeking fresh methods to feel enthusiastic about performing music live and sharing it with audiences in an original manner, ideally something innovative," he says. "We'll find out. I still have more work ahead.

Before Maxwell hosts The Silent Serenade Ensemble The Grammy award recipient will proceed with the second part of the tour. The Serenade Tour All through the summer. He began the first part last autumn, featuring guest performers. Jazmine Sullivan and October London soon after he released his charming rendition of Al Green's " Simply Beautiful which topped the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart.

In an exclusive conversation with Maxwell for Rated R&B, the iconic artist looks back on a fresh phase of his career, expresses his affection for Washington, D.C., and offers a glimpse into what's coming next. The Silent Serenade Ensemble and turns attention toward 2026.

Thanks for spending some time talking with Rated R&B right now.

It's a privilege for me since you all recognize the genre I'm deeply passionate about and have solely aimed to work within. I have no desire to move into different areas. I'm not looking to attract a pop fanbase. I adore R&B, and that's the kind of music I've consistently enjoyed making, so I'm content where I am right now. I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you all. I keep up with every single thing you accomplish.

Are you currently touring and have you been traveling constantly over the last few years — leading extensive tour series and playing at music events? How are you managing right now?

I'm feeling great. It feels as though I am moving through a fresh chapter—a new artistic journey—that I hadn't anticipated experiencing with The Serenade Tour Last year alongside the amazing Jazmine Sullivan and October London. I had never seen such a mix of different generations gathered together. I'm referring to individuals who were born in the 2000s, '90s, '80s, '70s, '60s, '50s, and '40s. It truly amazed me how people from various eras could come together and relate to what was happening that evening.

You recently announced the Silent Serenade Ensemble What inspired you when creating these programs?

Frankly, when we did the Tiny Desk performance. By the way, even now, I've never actually watched it. I'm well-known for not viewing my own work because I occasionally don't want to see myself. However, I was truly impressed by how much people appreciated that style of show. I have always enjoyed the Tiny Desk performances. Alex Isley Just completed something amazing. So many individuals take the stage and excel brilliantly. It's that aspect of live performance you often long for, as much of today's content feels overly produced, and I'm not saying this negatively. Occasionally, it's refreshing to experience it raw and authentic. I aim to recreate that feeling in some upcoming performances, hoping we can continue doing so.

While performing at the Tiny Desk, you talked about feeling anxious. What thoughts were running through your head during that moment?

I was facing a health problem. There was a time when I was really struggling, perhaps for three months, starting around April 2024 until July, just a week before I went to the studio to record "Simply Beautiful." I was confined to my bed and couldn't let anyone know because the [ Serenade Tour It was already reserved. I thought, "I hope I feel better for this." I was hoping, yet I experienced a remarkable change as a person. I began to view the world in a new way because health is essential to being present. When I wasn't at my best, it helped me realize what truly makes life wonderful. Therefore, I was fortunate enough to rise again and accomplish these things later.

I felt anxious because I wasn't sure how I would come across, particularly after everything I'd been through. I wondered if I'd be able to meet others' expectations. This is typically my worry: Will I evoke the emotions people desire, perhaps leading them somewhere they hadn't imagined during the show? That fear pushed me forward. Still, I went with it.

When you announced The Silent Serenade Ensemble , you mentioned, "Brooklyn shaped me, D.C. welcomed me." What do you enjoy most about D.C.?

There exists a remarkable cultural environment centered around Black heritage. I'm continually impressed by how it has impacted me and the feelings it instilled within me—my confidence and identity. Sometimes people tell me, "Your music affected me." They aren’t aware of the influence they had on me. They helped me discover value in myself, direction, and motivation to be present, which is truly meaningful. I am simply thankful to be returning. This is why our journey must begin in Washington, D.C., as it holds such significance! We're starting with Brooklyn, and if things take off—and I'll put everything into making them do so—we plan to expand to various locations and bring this experience there.

Without giving away too many details, what can supporters look forward to when they come? The Silent Serenade Ensemble ?

It will be quite distinct each time. At times, it might feature reeds, at others, string instruments—such as harps or violins—and occasionally, it could simply involve a choir and a drummer. The group composition constantly changes, yet the playlist remains consistent. Therefore, the task lies in organizing it so that it elicits an emotional response and creates a bond with the listeners. This is what draws me to undertake this project.

It was somewhat inspired by an idea from one of my colleagues. He's also a business partner, but we're close friends too. He suggested this concept, and I responded, "Sure thing." We went ahead and did it. [MTV] Unplugged ; we did [VH1] Storytellers I said, "Hey, what if we created a show with a really soft, acoustic vibe, but also included unusual instruments that aren't typically paired together to make this sound?" For me, it's all about finding fresh methods to get thrilled about performing music live and sharing it with audiences in an original and potentially innovative manner.

What comes first when you're putting together a playlist?

I don't focus on the individual tracks or their sequence. Instead, I concentrate on the overall experience. I'm considering how to start it off and where I'd like it to lead. My aim is for them to grasp every layer and progression within Black music and recognize how deeply intertwined so many genres are with it. Globally, a significant portion of music—ranging from hip-hop, country, blues, clearly R&B and soul, as well as rock and roll—is rooted in Black heritage. Therefore, my thought process revolves around: "How can I guide everyone through this remarkable musical journey spanning the African diaspora?" That's what I strive to achieve.

It’s a very big ask in some ways, but I like to think as big as I can because even if I don’t reach it, at least it was bigger than not. We are putting it together. Again, the ensemble changes so much. I don’t think you’ve ever seen these instruments played together in this type of way. That’s what’s going to make it exciting. It’s going to be unique in that way in front of people. We call it Silent Serenade Because it has a more natural sound. It isn't as strong with the electric vibe, but there is some rhythmic element to it.

What kind of emotion would you like to evoke in the viewers?

My objective is to achieve the highest level of musical authenticity regarding my emotional expression and our synergy as a collective, both as a band and an ensemble. I desire for them to experience whatever emotions they wish to feel; whatever they reach or journey towards is what I aim for them to encounter. Individuals often have their distinct narratives explaining why particular songs resonate with them. I am uncertain about the reasons myself. In fact, I believe I shouldn't necessarily need to understand it. My role is simply to provide them with the means to arrive at that state. Naturally, I hope it leads to a positive place, yet regardless of where it ultimately takes them, that must be where they require it to be.

How do you want to experience when you're on the Silent Serenade Ensemble stage?

Sometimes I sense that I'm performing well when I step outside of myself slightly. The passage of time seems to pause or accelerate—sometimes both at once. Recently, we had a concert in Houston, and I became completely immersed in the atmosphere. It was the first time I ever felt capable of achieving such remarkable levels. That moment stood out as truly meaningful for me. My main focus wasn't necessarily on what I wanted others to experience emotionally. Instead, I wished for them to grasp something from my expression, my act, and the song itself.

As a musician, I'm fortunate to collaborate with amazing individuals. I want to take a moment to express my appreciation. My musical director, Shedrick Mitchell, is a brilliant organ player. Then there's Hod David, my creative partner. Together, we've created songs like "...Till the Cops Come Knockin'," "Lake By the Ocean," "Pretty Wings," and "Lifetime." We've worked together on many recordings. Darryl "Lil Man" Howell plays drums, Darrell "Free" Freeman handles bass, Travis Sayles provides keyboard support, and LaTina Webb adds her beautiful voice. This is my music family. People can sense our genuine passion for what we're doing. It's not about ego; it's more like, "Let's get this done. Let's enjoy ourselves." After all, life and the world are going through tough times these days.

Aside from The Silent Serenade Ensemble , the third annual Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite: The Cruise Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite Voyage The Cruise from Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite Urban Hang Suite Cruise by Maxwell Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite – The Cruise Cruise Edition of Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite: A Cruise Journey Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite – Cruise Version The Cruise Featuring Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite Comes to Cruise Sets out in February 2026. The roster is amazing.

This one is wild because it's like The Isley Brothers So, listen, even before releasing my first album, I used to listen to The Isley Brothers daily, both during the day and at night. It felt like a masterclass in... Urban Hang Suite to some extent. There were numerous factors that contributed to that debut album, as well as the manner in which they produced the tracks, and clearly [Ronald Isley’s] voice and his high-pitched vocals, along with their incorporation of rock elements and smooth ballads, was remarkable.

This brings us back to the point I was making—that Black music essentially defines today's music. I'm not aiming to exclude anyone or downplay the contributions of others to music. What I believe is most important right now is to honor and appreciate Black excellence, Black music, and Black culture as fully as possible. That's where I stand. It doesn't imply that I don't care for others; quite the opposite, it means I truly do care for everyone, since embracing oneself and one's roots fosters the ability to genuinely love others.

2026 also signifies the 30th anniversary of Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite and the 10th year since your final album was released, blackSUMMERS’night .

I appreciate you mentioning that. I wasn't aware of these upcoming milestones. It's going to be an intense year, so I'll have to start making some arrangements, huh? (laughs). Still, I'm really impressed, dude. My main aim was to create something enduring, something that wouldn't fit into a specific genre. I hoped the culture would embrace it. A lot of people doubted that would occur, but the fans proved otherwise.

A lot of our background influences us in ways that can often lead to being overlooked or concentrated within specific categories. I think it's fascinating how individuals approach creating Black music, their efforts to promote it, and which forms of Black music receive significant investment. It's wonderful to witness numerous talented people excelling in musical genres that aren't always mainstream. I'm pleased to be involved in this movement.

I don't truly pay attention to myself. When I look in the mirror, I don't perceive everything others might see. I'm constantly beginning things that aren't perfect and striving to turn them into something worthwhile. Often, these creations only reach their full potential once the audience gives them new life. I've never been certain how my songs will ultimately shape up. I wasn't aware "Pretty Wings" would resonate as deeply as it did. At first, I simply composed it and considered it decent. However, it was the listeners who recognized its true value, declaring it far better than okay—or expressing various emotions toward different kinds of music. I feel incredibly fortunate to pursue what I love passionately. Many individuals lack such an opportunity. Recognizing this gift, I strive to give 100% effort, hoping it becomes evident.

Maxwell's Silent Serenade Ensemble tickets are available for purchase right now at musze.com .