MS MR producer Max Hershenow shares all-singing, all-dancing alexmaax solo debut “Bets Off”

The producer, songwriter and now vocalist’s first project after MS MR came to an end was the saccharine pulsing pop of Post Precious – a collaboration with singer/songwriter Alex Winston. With their single EP they headed straight for the dancefloor creating a handful of perfect sad bangers such as the explosive “Timebomb”, plus a collaborative Wolf Alice remix with Charli XCX.

Inspired by ANOHNI, Perfume Genius and The Knife, Hershenow is exploring his queerness alone, for the first time, with his own voice at the forefront of the art. “I always thought of myself as a potential vocalist. I was convinced there was this voice deep inside me that just needed to be unlocked in the right way,” he explains.

Wrought with insecurity, “Bets Off” acknowledges the complexes he created around using his voice and sees the producer make a return to what drew him to music in the first place, dance. "[For the video] I started with the idea of exploring the performance of power. I wanted to subvert the suppression of my femininity and strange voice that I've faced for years, using them as symbols of self-determination and confidence.”


The first taste of a debut EP due for release later this year, it’s clear that Hershenow is his most authentic self when he’s out on his own. No longer the other half, nor suppressing his capability to be out in front with alexmaax he’s taking control. “It's a statement of intent for a whole world of music to come.”