BACK HOME
(Release: 11/27/2020)

An emotional glimpse into yesterday, between contemplation and a gentle optimism – the new Christmas song »Back Home« by MKSM

Nostalgia is an odd feeling. On the one hand it can mean an escape from the present and transfigure some things, but on the other hand it can also be the foundation of valuable memories – memories of one’s own past, family, and being together during special times like Christmas. In his new single »Back Home«, MKSM dedicates himself to these memories and meets them with both emotional and honest vocals, condensed using organic vocoder and guitar, accompanied by gentle piano chords. It’s a minimalist song between hope and melancholy, which, with reduced resources, develops a contemplative but at the same time warm Christmas mood – rarely does this balancing act succeed so delicately. In the harmonies that come flowing in an echo of the past can be heard – feelings towards home and the long personal journey that lies behind you. But also the empowering certainty that the view is finally unobstructed and a self-determined life with all its surprises now forms the broad horizon far from past uncertainties.

In the music video for the song, the two selves of a young man meet, in this case played by LGBTQ Youtuber Tommy Toalingling with whom Maksim shot the video. Tommy has been inspiring people for years with his humorous yet sensitive videos about homosexuality, coming out, and hate-speech – and how people can deal confidently with all of this. The video for “Back Home” makes this thematic sensitivity tangible throughout. In lifelike images, the past self from the old homeland has just turned 15 and is reconciled at a family reunion with a new, changed self that has found its way and is now leading a new life. Tolerance for other perspectives and mindful togetherness are universal core messages of the song but also fit perfectly into the festive Christmas season. After all, it is the ability to empathize, that deep humanity that unites us over and over again especially these days. “Back Home” reminds you of what really matters: accepting our fellow human beings exactly as they are – and thus ourselves

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MKSMsees himself as a voice for all people who do not feel they belong. The singer, songwriter, and violinist himself has many identities within him: As an openly gay late resettler, he came to Germany to find his language – he stuttered heavily in the past – and to study classical violin to then become a pop musician in the end.This is precisely why MKSM as a songwriter repeatedly deals with topics such as acceptance, equality, love, and the search for yourself. In 2019, the young artist won the British “LGBTQ Music Award” as “Newcomer of the Year” and his pride hymn ‘Original Self – Enough is Enough’ was recognized as “Song of the Year”, this song supported Germany’s largest LGBTQ organization.This year he was one of the very few European music acts to perform this song on the European Highlights Stage at the virtual “Global Pride 2020” in front of more than 10 million viewers. The GLOBAL PRIDE was supported by queer icons such as Elton John, Adam Lambert and Conchita Wurst.MKSM also released his first Christmas song in 2019! CHOSEN FAMILY – the first queer Christmas song made in Germany. The timeless Christmas song draws attention to people who are still socially discriminated against for their sexual identity.

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„Jede Liebe ist wertvoll“

queer.de

Versöhnung mit der Familie

Mannschaft Magazin

«Collide» – Sich lieben und gemeinsam Altwerden

One last drink against the upcoming disappointment: KNOW YOUR LOVE describes one of many online dates that’s exclusively meant to serve as a desperate attempt to numb the throbbing loneliness – but this time the strange suddenly feels familiar …

“How come you’re just a stranger

Somehow I know your love ”

The low baritone carried by the gentle melancholic sounds of the string orchestra give KNOW YOUR LOVE something that you won’t forget. They make the song grow. Gloomy, hollow hopelessness rears up and threatens to gain the upper hand. But then reverby indie guitar chords and subtle percussion elements come in and accompany MKSM’s voice in the chorus as it jumps up over two octaves. A small masterpiece in building tension. Ingrained disappointment turns into hopeful confidence.

The cinematic ‘CHAMBER POP’ number produced by Maxi Menot, appears as part of the LISTEN TO BERLIN compilation and shows MKSM, detached from the tracks of his debut EP (which he recorded with Wolfgang Stach at Maarwegstudio2 in Cologne), within a very short period of time from another, completely new side. MKSM illustrates how many facets and moods alternative indie pop can have even within the same debut.

Like a fresh summer breeze: Energetic 70s disco strings and 80s bass lines combined in a queer-pop dance anthem to all the teenage minds. A fusion that makes everyone take to the floor. This is MKSM’s new single ‘BE ALRIGHT’. Pumping bass lines reminiscent of the 80s. Summery 70s disco strings and his energetic violin that shimmer through the song. Effortless lightness. ‘Then’ meets ‘now’ in the best possible manner.

The memorable lyrics deliberately awaken sweet memories of carefree times full of euphoria, new impressions, and a light, airy feeling.

“Dance with our issues

Won’t try to fix them

Trusting we’ll be alright “

For quite some time, MKSM wasn’t sure whether he would release ‘Be Alright’. With his Cologne based producers from the Maarwegstudio2 the song eventually found its way back “simply because it fits the general mood of many people these days. It’s about appreciating

yourself and all the beautiful things that happen around you. Even if reality is tough at times. It’s about the fact that you shouldn’t worry constantly, but accept life with its ups and downs. And just go along with it.”

“Lost those memories in our grown up fights

Why don‘t we just bring them back to life?

Why don’t we…”

In 2017, MKSM moved to London along with a strong desire for freedom and the trust in new beginnings. He learnt: You are allowed to make mistakes without punishing yourself! This youthful light-heartedness is the basic building block for ‘Be Alright’

With SIRENS MKSM continues where he left off with TIPSY IN LOVE Merging string and vocal melodies combined with urban beats – creating a unique sound with a message: The song describes an escape – a liberation from outdated social norms – WE HEAR THE SIRENS CALLING – FLASHING LIGHTS FADING FROM OUR SYSTEMS – while following your own path – LET’S STAY AWAY FROM THIS BEATEN TRACK.

CHOSEN FAMILY draws attention to people who are still socially discriminated against for their sexual identity, and sometimes even are rejected by their own families. This Christmas song is the perfect soundtrack for you and your loved ones – and you get to choose your loved ones – YOUR CHOSEN FAMILY

With his song “Tipsy in Love“, the singer describes a state that many probably know: “You get to know someone and you are in a state of uncertainty and insecurity. Contrary to ‘drunk in love‘, you are just tipsy: You have the feeling that you’ve gone either too far or not far enough. Is it too early or too late? Will I get hurt or could it lead to something serious? Your consciousness is clouded and things seem unclear.“

AIDSHILFE Stuttgart Gala

5. February 2021

HAFENGAYBURTSTAG

7. May 2021

CSD Bielefeld

12. June 2021

CSD Augsburg

19. June 2021

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LGBTIQ+

With the Charity Pride anthem “Original Self – Enough is Enough“, MKSM became “Newcomer of the Year 2018“ and won the “Song of the Year“ award. With this song MKSM – at that time still Maksim – went on a Pride tour across Germany (Leipzig, Berlin, Mannheim, Schwerin among others) .The song also made it to number 14 in the LGBT Music Charts. “Original Self – Enough is Enough“ was also presented at COSMO Radio with MKSM‘s first ever Russian interview.

In 2019, MKSM is supporting another charity project: For the “Project 100% HUMAN“ he wrote and recorded the Pride song “Say Something“, and will perform it at several Prides 2019 with many other (LGBTQ) artists.

MKSM‘s first releases in 2017 generated considerable airplay successes – his song “WASTED“ made it to the newcomer airplay charts (airplays on WDR4 among others including interview and live performance)..

Original Self

Say Something