Today we’d like to introduce you to Ian Maksin.
Ian, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia and fell in love with the sound of the cello when I was fiver years old when I heard an old record with cello music. I have been playing it ever since. I came to New York City as a teenager and have been living in the USA since. I have developed my own musical voice by blending many genres and styles of music together: classical, jazz, ethnic music from different corners of the world, rock and blues. I travel performing for people all over the globe. This year only I will have played on five continents including Australia! I love collaborating with local musicians in every country I go to. I have worked with musicians from Cuba, Pakistan, Iran, Argentina, Morocco, Far East Russia, Azerbaijan, Serbia, Romania and India, just to name a few and every time I do such a collaboration, it is an enriching experience for me as an artist and an act of bringing cultures together through music.
I moved to Chicago about 10 years ago and it has truly become a home to me. Living just across from Lake Michigan and Lincoln Park, I draw huge amounts of inspiration from the city, its beautiful landscape, vibrant culture and diverse community. Whenever I am not on tour, I try to stay very active in Chicago’s musical life. Some of my favorite venues to perform are City Winery Chicago, Old Town School of Folk Music, Jazz Showcase and the House of Blues. I also thrive to be active in outreach work and have partnered with several Chicago organizations including Ravinia Festival to provide exposure to live music and music education to kids in diverse communities. Living in Chicago has been an inspiring and fulfilling experience!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It certainly hasn’t been always smooth. There were several instances when I was ready to quit. Financial struggles of being an artist and also lack of interest in classical music from the general public (back in the days when I made a living playing mainly classical music) were some of the main challenges. However, love for music, feeling of purpose, and desire to succeed no matter what, have helped me get through the rocky times. And today I am probably one of the happiest men on earth realizing that I am able to make a living doing what I love, making difference in people’s lives.
Ian Maksin – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As I said earlier, I play the cello, I compose music, and I sing. My latest album is a very eclectic compilation of music from all over the world: from Iran to the Balkans and from Caucasus to French pop and American R&B, as well as my original music, all tied together by the theme of the cello. I believe that my musical style is very different from anything you will hear out there, and I know that my music resonates with many people. I receive mail from people all over the world in many languages saying that my music makes them feel a certain way, brings feelings of peace and love like no other medication or therapy can. That’s the most fulfilling part of my job.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Sharing stage with great artists like Sting, Andrea Bocelli and Mstislav Rostropovich for example. But really all of it right now: being able to travel all over the world and share my music with people.
Pricing:
- I try to keep ticket prices to my performances as affordable as possible: usually within $15-25 range – not more than an average lunch. Also offer discounts to students and seniors.
- You can find my music anywhere online: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and all other major platforms
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ianmaksin.com
- Email: ibmak@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ianmaksin
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/cellomaxx
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/ianmaksin
- Other: www.youtube.com/ianmaksin
Image Credit:
Carlos Rodolfo Chinchilla, Jerry Rodriguez, Ksenia Poulber, Metra Rumba, courtesy Ravinia Festival and Choose Chicago
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