There are moments where existing has felt nearly impossible for emerging artist, Maxx Nies. Based in New York, she has embodied the resilience and grit it takes to get to a point of healing her own past traumas. Audiences can witness a small part of her journey through her single “Give Me A Reason” which was written while she was breaking free of her dependency of medications for her mental health, which is something that many people struggle with especially when starting at such a young age.

The song is packed with deep, sultry bass lines, protruding drums, and a steady beat. The solidity of her work is based on her lyrical vulnerability, which paints a picture of a rough period in her life, without dramatics or over-sharing chronicles. It’s interesting to note that Taylor Swift has been a major influence in her musical career, but understandable when it comes to the vulnerability needed in particular, moving ballads. The overall sonic world leans slightly more towards the likings of BANKS in my opinion, with the signature alt-pop grit and integrity.

It’ll be an interesting journey to see how her artistic identity develops as she proceeds to release more new music. There is great potential in terms of experimental aspects, as much as alt-pop can allow itself to be. The subtle unexpected sound design choices were noticeable halfway through the song, which propelled the song further into the complexities of her emotions.

As a whole, the darker themes discussed in this single, and in majority of her music, has served as a way to process unresolved feelings and traumas. Nies doesn’t sugar-coat but also provides a space that allows people to process their own story through her experience. Yes, at one point, existing was difficult for Nies. But the healing she has been through is enough to show that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.