Maverick Smith On the Making Of ‘CHRISTMAS’
How did everything come together?
Sometimes the universe just throws you a vibe and says, "Go with it." After the love we got for our debut album, With Friends and Imperfections, the idea for a Christmas EP hit like a snowball to the face—unexpected but kinda perfect. We rallied the troops—some familiar faces, some new—and somehow, in the middle of the chaos, magic happened. The fact that this EP also supports the non-profit Harmony Health Foundation made it even more of a no-brainer. Partnering with the Harmony Health Foundation added a meaningful dimension, as the effort goes to support their mission to improve healthcare access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
How did you approach the arrangement and composition of the music for 'CHRISTMAS?'
For me, the holidays aren’t one-size-fits-all, and we wanted the EP to reflect that. Sure, we’ve got the festive vibes with strings and sleigh bells, but “Coal for Christmas” was my love letter to the people who don’t always jingle all the way, y’know? The ones who feel a little left out when everything gets too merry and bright. Overall, the arrangements were all about balance—giving the joyful tracks a big, bold sound while letting the more introspective moments cut deep. It’s like wrapping a gift in the messiest way possible but nailing what’s inside.
What impact do you hope this EP will have on your audience?
I want people to feel seen and hopefully connect to it in a meaningful way, whether they’re decking the halls or quietly surviving the season. There’s something on this EP for everyone—joy, reflection, even a little snark. And if it inspires someone to support Harmony Health Foundation, well, that’s the best encore we could ask for. It’s about making noise for something bigger than ourselves and spreading the kind of love that actually matters.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Honestly? Because music saves. It saved me when I was a kid, and it saves me now when the world gets too loud. Joey Ramone said it best: "Punk rock is about being yourself." For me, music’s always been that sacred space where you can scream your truth and someone, somewhere, gets it. That connection, that release—it’s like nothing else.
Can you share a memorable experience from a collaboration that enriched your music?
Putting this EP together felt like herding cats on roller skates. We had less than two weeks to go from concept to finished product, which meant wrangling musicians, coordinating guest spots, and somehow organizing a string orchestra in the middle of it all. There were moments when it felt like it was all going to fall apart, and I’ll be honest—my co-producer Dan Bozek had to talk me down a few times. But we knew this wasn’t just about making music; it was about tying it to something bigger with Harmony Health Foundation. That sense of purpose kept everyone—strings, sleigh bells, and all—focused and fired up. It was chaos, sure, but it was the kind of beautiful chaos that only happens when everyone’s all in.