20 Questions with Lawrence Maxwell

Country music singer-songwriter Lawrence Maxwell is getting into the holiday spirit with his new single Christmas Morning Coffee.

He’s a two-time Music P.E.I. award winner and an East Coast Music Awards nominee.

His music video for Back to Cape Breton was a finalist in the Canadian Independent Music Video Awards and his song Better You was selected in the top 100 for Cbc/toyota Searchlight in 2022.

Maxwell’s latest album is Ballad of Miles.

We asked him 20 Questions.

Responses may have been edited slightly for length and clarity.

1 . What is your full name? Lawrence Maxwell Harry Koughan

2 . Where were you born and where do you live today?

I was born at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown and now I live in Clyde River.

3 . What is one thing you would like people to know about you?

I’m in the process of putting together a book of original poems.

4 . What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I was a AAA rugby all-star and provincial champion in high school.

5 . What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

Digging myself out of a mental rut and training to run three marathons.

6 . Can you describe one experience that changed your life?

There was one night during my time in the Navy when we were sailing back from an operation in the Caribbean Sea. We’d just gotten through a big storm and had finally reached calm water. The only light we could see was from the moon and stars. It was a beautiful night that made me appreciate the people in my life and the opportunities that were ahead of me. It was truly a magical experience that changed the direction of my life. 7 . What is your greatest indulgence?

Lime frozen yogurt from Goji’s with strawberries, tapioca pearls and gummy worms.

8 . What is your favourite book?

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

9 . What is your favourite movie?

Anchorman

10 . What music do you like to listen to?

I love older country music (Merle Haggard, George Jones); ’70s R&B (Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin); folk (John Prine, Jackson Browne); classic rock (Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones); alt-country (Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell) and rap/r&b (Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean). That really only scratches the surface.

11 . How do you like to relax?

Searching for sea glass on a quiet beach.

12 . What are you reading or watching right now?

I’m currently watching classic Christmas movies and every Toronto Maple Leafs game that I can. I’m reading The Myth of Normal by Dr. Gabor Maté, though I always have a collection of poetry books that I’m thumbing through.

13 . What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear is not being able to conquer fear … and sharks.

14 . What is your greatest joy?

Being able to pursue music as a career and having the love and support of my family.

15 . What is your most treasured possession? Whatever is in the fridge.

16 . What’s the best advice you got from a parent or mentor?

Love everyone and tell the truth.

17 . What would you say is your best quality, and what would you say is your worst quality?

My best quality is kindness. It’s not always easy to practise, but I think I’m pretty good at finding it for people and things.

My worst quality is sometimes getting caught up in my own little world and forgetting the bigger picture.

18 . Where is your favourite place in the world?

The recording studio. It’s such a magical place where creativity is at its peak.

19 . Who do you follow on social media?

Friends, family, athletes, musicians, comedians and anyone who I want to keep tabs on.

20 . Which three people would join you for your dream dinner party?

Leonard Cohen, Anthony Bourdain and Milton Acorn.