Maximilian Unveils Expansive New Single “Long Time Gone”

A bold sonic shift sees the Brighton artist embracing experimentation and emotional depth.

Brighton-based artist Maximilian returns with Long Time Gone, an ambitious and introspective new single released 20 May via independent label Crafting Room Recordings. Marking a new chapter in his creative evolution, the track showcases a more expansive sound, weaving together synths, harmonica, and layered instrumentation all performed by Maximilian himself.

Known for his stripped-back songwriting and raw lyricism, Maximilian first caught attention with his self-produced debut Surrender and a Green Man Rising nomination. With Long Time Gone, he moves into broader territory, pairing 90s alt-rock textures with delicate, experimental flourishes. The track was engineered by Bobby Smyth (Hutch, Van Zon, Fliptop Head) and mixed by Yuri Shibuichi (Honeyglaze, Tapir!, Mary in the Junkyard), whose work adds to the track’s immersive feel.

“This song is quite experimental for me,” says Maximilian. “It’s long and strange structure differs a lot from most songs I've written previously. Using synths and a harmonica for the first time was really fun and feels very new. I’m really proud to say I played every instrument on this recording. It’s something I used to try and do, but would always wind up banging my head against the wall in frustration, and I found recording with friends more fun than that, so I stopped. So now, this is my little magnum opus. I’ve had the song for a while, it’s very symbolic to a pivotal time in my life, and it’s really turned out well. I can’t wait to share it.”