Interviews
Pumping Metal: Maddox Jones Discusses Health and How He Stays Fit
Hot off the release of his full-length ‘Believe It’ (Radikal Records), Maddox Jones joins us for a Pumping Metal interview to discuss his active lifestyle, fitness and Huel.
It’s been a quick rise for Maddox Jones, not so much as a musician, but as a solo artist. After years of being a member of various bands, and a whole lot of collaborative efforts, the British singer-songwriter decided to make 2020 his solo career coming out party with the release of his very fine debut EP, Headspace. The record had a very warm reception from fans and critics, and it was followed up with the single “Can’t Wait for the Summer” last year, which likewise had a highly positive reaction.
Jones has now returned with his full-length debut record, Believe It, which arrived last month on Radikal Records. The album was previewed with the first single “Ready To Be Better,” an up-tempo, enthusiastic track about digging in and finding that desire within yourself to be better all around. In its entirety, Believe It is Jones exploring within himself to discover who he is, and who he wants to be. It’s cathartic in a sense, an artist finding his moment, rising above addiction, and finding love within his own life.
We recently caught up with Jones for a new edition of Pumping Metal. Aside from music, Jones loves to maintain an active fit lifestyle and we discussed that with him, and how good health contributes to him realizing his creative potential.
Why and when did you get into fitness in the first place?
Maddox Jones: “I got into fitness properly in 2018 when I hired an online personal trainer.”
What about exercise, health and fitness makes you take it seriously?
“It’s great for mindset and looking and feeling great. I don’t want to be massively buff or anything. I do it more to feel good.”
Describe your weekly routine and/or an average workout for you?
“I walk every day and go to the gym two or three times a week.”
What music gets you extra pumped when you’re exercising?
“I listen to dance music usually, something with a 4 4 beat that helps me get in a rhythm.”
Do you ever listen to your own band’s music when working out?
“Yes (laughs). I was going to say that on that last question. I listen to new demos as I find I have good clarity when working out.”
Being a touring musician, how do you stay fit on the road?
“Well, it’s tough, to be fair, just try not to eat service station food as it’s loaded with carbs, and not drink too much.”
Some people go vegetarian and vegan while others slam steaks, whole poultry farms, and a kitchen sink in regimented 6-meal sittings. Where does your diet sit?
“I try to eat eggs for breakfast, chicken for dinner, and have healthy snacks in between. Steak is good as well, maybe once a week. I go through phases where I’m stricter than others. Meal planning is definitely worthwhile.”
Supplements, yay or nay, and why/why not?
“I take vitamins to be sure that I get my daily allowance as it’s hard to monitor that in food intake every day.”
Morning, noon, evening, night… When do you like to exercise? Does it even matter?
“Evening probably, just because I have to get on with work when I wake up, evening is good for me, but it doesn’t really matter, no.”
How do you find your healthy lifestyle impacts your music and/or live performance?
“I find the healthier I am, the more productive I am, and better on stage for sure! My songwriting is probably better the healthier I am.”
Do you balance the “rockstar” lifestyle with being fit/healthy? Or is it one or the other for you?
“Well, hmm good question. Being on the road is definitely harder to maintain good habits. I’d say it’s not or the other, but I do have to be mindful when on the road. It’s all about being organized, I guess.”
-
Hardcore/Punk5 days ago
Lust For Life Pay Raucous Tribute to a Punk Rock Classic at Manchester’s O2 Ritz [Photos]
-
Metal9 hours ago
While She Sleeps: “We never wanted to be a band that finds our sound and just sits with that. We’ve always wanted to push the boundaries…”
-
Hardcore/Punk1 week ago
Comeback Kid: “I just loved the hardcore message and I loved that it was about community and looking out for other people”
-
Metal7 days ago
Polaris (w/Silent Planet, Thornhill, Paledusk) Headline Emotional Night at Manchester O2 Ritz [Photos]
-
Hardcore/Punk1 week ago
Knocked Loose (w/Deafheaven, Headbussa) Incite Mayhem at Manchester Academy [Photos]
-
Alternative/Rock4 days ago
The V13 Fix #007 w/ While She Sleeps, Cory Wells, Kid Kapichi and more
-
Alternative/Rock2 weeks ago
The V13 Fix #006 w/ Midnight, Ashes of Billy, Norah Jones and more
-
Culture2 weeks ago
Fender Celebrates 70 Years of the Iconic Stratocaster