Opening with a glimpse into the eclectic journey of Everything You Know is Yesterday, the latest album from Hi/Jack, Maxwell “Max” Killion uncovers the seamless blend of musical styles and inspirations. From the upbeat fantasy of “Hello” to the hometown homage of “Milwaukee,” Max discusses the organic evolution of their sound and collaborative spirit, offering a view behind the scenes of their creative process, and more.
ATN: Everything You Know is Yesterday is a diverse album with a range of styles, from catchy rock hooks to edgy tracks like “Milwaukee.” How did you approach creating such a varied collection of songs while maintaining a cohesive sound?
MAX: In all honesty, it wasn’t even something we really thought too much about. By this point, we have so much experience performing together that we aren’t afraid to try something different on occasion. Bottom line, if it sounds good, and sounds like us, we’re happy.
ATN: “Hello” serves as the album opener, exploring a fantasy scenario inspired by seeing someone who captivates you. Was there a real life inspiration behind this track?
MAX: Not in the way you might think. This track is one I wrote while living in downtown Milwaukee while I was going through college. I think I had been given an Epiphone Strat copy, and I wanted to try my best John Mayer impersonation. That’s what came out.
ATN: “Milwaukee” features a rap from Shle Berry and delivers a positive message of hope and pride in the city. What motivated you to collaborate with Shle Berry, and how does her contribution enhance the song’s message?
MAX: It absolutely enhances the message. I was fortunate enough to have Shle as a coworker for a while, which allowed for conversations otherwise impossible to occur. She was interested in being in a rock song, so I sent her the demo and she wrote the verse. She is a staple in the Milwaukee music scene, and all of her own music is about hope and positive energy.
ATN: “Can’t Stand Up” is described as a drinking song served up Wisconsin style. What is Wisconsin style and how does this song reflect the band’s connection to your hometown of Milwaukee, and what role does it play in the overall vibe of the album?
MAX: Wisconsin style is the kind of drinking that gets us banned from being in drinking contests in other places of the world. Wisconsin, and especially Milwaukee, is a blue collar industry, working class setting. And, of course, many a beer has been brewed here. We are proud to be Wisconsinites, and this is our little love song to the good times we’ve had here.
ATN: “Armageddon” concludes the album with a high-spirited classic rock ‘n’ roll sound. Can you dive into the inspiration behind this track and its significance as the album closer?
MAX: There’s no special significance to it being the last track per se. The song itself came out of inspiration from a Les Paul Junior I have that just had that perfect snarly punk rock sound. Lyrically, it’s almost cathartic in a morbid way. The end is here, there’s nothing you can do about it.
ATN: What song(s) are you most excited for fans to hear?
MAX: “Hollow” is a pretty awesome track. Heavy in a different way. Always reminded me of Jimmy Eat World.
ATN: Are there any song(s) that you may be nervous to hear reaction to?
MAX: No, we’re pretty happy with how everything turned out.
ATN: As a two-piece band, how do you maximize your musical versatility and performance style to create a dynamic live experience for your audience?
MAX: The biggest thing is listening to each other’s playing. Because Ron hits as hard as he does, I had to adapt my guitar sound to match it. We have tried many different things over the years, refining and simplifying as much as possible. And once we’re on stage, we just kinda cut loose. It’s the one time we can just go nuts and that’s what people want to see.
ATN: With a focus on catchy hooks and technical abilities, how do you approach the songwriting process as a duo? Do you find yourselves pushing boundaries or experimenting with different musical elements?
MAX: Most songs start from a riff I have. Then I bring it to Ron, and we start fleshing it out. Sometimes things come together really quickly, like Milwaukee did, and other songs take time to get it to feel right, like “Thunder Train” or “Resolution”. And, we are always trying something new; a different rhythm pattern or chord voicing. Gotta keep it interesting for us!
ATN: What’s in store for 2024?
MAX: Playing out as much as possible, and promoting our new album. Can’t wait!
SAME 3 QUESTIONS WE ALWAYS ASK
ATN: Artist / band that you feel is the most underrated and why?
MAX: I’ve been listening to a lot of Rush lately, so they’re top of mind. They really don’t ever get name checked, like Zeppelin or The Beatles. But they should, their songs are amazing.
ATN: Artist / band that you would like to collaborate with and why?
MAX: We always thought it would be cool to collaborate with Dave Grohl. So yea, Dave, anytime you’re ready.
ATN: Artist / band that you would like to tour with and why?
MAX: I think the Foo Fighters would be cool, or Green Day. Both bands have been huge influences on us, so it would be like living a dream.
