Sheffield’s own Maximilian Tanner is making waves with the release of his 3rd single, ‘Stray Dogs.’ After ten years as the frontman for Guildford-based BlackWaters, he’s now taking full creative control—writing, producing, and shaping his music exactly how he wants it. Influenced by legends like John Maus, Depeche Mode, Molly Nilsson, and Alvvays, Maximilian’s sound brings together introspective lyrics with textured, atmospheric vibes that hook you in and keep you thinking.

At its heart, ‘Stray Dogs’ is about navigating the ups and downs of life’s unpredictability. It’s for anyone who’s felt thrown off course by sudden changes—whether good or bad—and is trying to find their footing again. Maximilian describes the song as a reflection of those moments where life shifts and leaves its mark, and you can feel that raw honesty throughout.

The song’s journey started humbly in Maximilian’s old flat in Sheffield, where it was written as an acoustic demo at his coffee table. Over time, he gave it new life, layering lush string synths and punchy drums to build something bold and immersive. That transformation is a testament to his growth as a producer, and ‘Stray Dogs’ shows just how far his skills have come.

‘‘I think the idea that I’m learning at the same time as producing my own material, it keeps it so exciting,” he explains. “I’m constantly discovering new things and no doubt will come to do so for a long time.’’

‘Stray Dogs’ perfectly blends the atmospheric depth of John Maus, the moody synth tones of Depeche Mode, the raw emotion of Molly Nilsson, and the melodic charm of Alvvays. But it’s not just about the influences—it’s how Maximilian makes those sounds uniquely his. The result is a track that feels like it could live in any era while still being unmistakably modern.

Before ‘Stray Dogs,’ Maximilian spent a decade as the lead singer of BlackWaters, a band known for their wild energy and industry collaborations. While those years were full of unforgettable experiences, this solo project is something entirely new.

So, what makes ‘Stray Dogs’ so special? For Maximilian, it’s the personal connection. You can feel the passion and care he’s poured into every lyric and note. It’s not just a song; it’s a piece of his journey, a snapshot of where he is as an artist right now.

With ‘Stray Dogs,’ Maximilian Tanner is kicking off his solo career with confidence and style. It’s more than just a debut—it’s a statement. Nostalgic yet fresh, deeply personal yet universally relatable, the track is proof that Maximilian is ready to carve out his own space in the music world.

This is just the beginning, but if ‘Stray Dogs’ is any hint, Maximilian Tanner is about to make a big impression—on his terms, in his own way.

‘Stray Dogs’ is out now on all major streaming platforms

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Listen to Maximilian Tanner and other similar artists on our Spotify Playlist ‘New Music Spotlight - Indie & Alternative’

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