Yodelice Explores the Trap of Social Media in His New Album What’s The Cure?

“What’s The Cure? talks about the era and social media, their algorithms that reinforce our ideas and trap us in a kind of new communitarianism, and we’re not even aware of it,” says Yodelice, whose real name is Maxim Nucci and who has been reinventing himself under this stage name since 2009. Admittedly, I’ve only now begun to explore the idea of communitarianism (not to be confused with communism), and while it might seem positive at first glance, without careful balance, it can lead to oppression, exclusion, or stagnation. I love it when art conveys a message or shakes me up, and after my interview with Maxime, I’m listening to the album again—an album that had already moved me from the very first moment with its unique and strong sound where electronic textures merge with analog tones and Sixties guitars—now with fresh ears.

In 2009, he released his debut album, Tree of Life, for the first time under his stage name, followed by Cardioid in 2010 and Square Eyes in 2013. After spending nearly a decade collaborating with artists like Johnny Hallyday and Jain, Yodelice returned in 2022 with his reflective and poetic fourth album, The Circle.

With What’s The Cure?, Yodelice’s musical journey takes another exciting step forward—while at the same time leading listeners on a nostalgic trip back to the era of cool guitar riffs and post-70s Manchester vibes. And in between, lyrics that awaken: “Did you see the news on social media? Poison spreading like a fire on a windy day. We drive a thousand miles in an hour, racing to the fall.”

We spoke to the fascinating artist about his time at the London Music School at 16, when he considers a song to be finished, and how important it is for him to convey a message through his music.

Photography by Yann Orhan

Hey dear Maxim, I am just listening to your upcoming album “What’s the Cure?” It has a really cool, exciting sound—I’m feeling a bit transported back to my London days from years ago. What meaning lies behind the album title?

What’s The Cure? Talks about the era and social media, their algorithms that reinforce our ideas and trap us in a kind of new communitarianism, and we’re not even aware of it.

Right now, “Ghostly Affair” is playing. It’s truly a beautiful track. I also love those guitar parts in between. You learned guitar at 6, and by 15, you were already at the London Music School for two years and even taught older students. How did you experience that time back then? You were still very young. What do you remember most fondly? And what wasn’t so easy for you?

At the time, there were live bands in all the pubs in London. It was quite exceptional because there was always a friend performing somewhere. I was living in a shared house in Walthamstow, in the suburbs of London. It was quite far from the school, which was located in Wapping.

When I arrived in London, I spoke very little English. I was 16 and far from home. There were definitely moments of homesickness. But being surrounded by students from all over the world, sharing the same passion as me, in a city like London, was very enjoyable.

“What’s The Cure? Talks about the era and social media, their algorithms that reinforce our ideas and trap us in a kind of new communitarianism, and we’re not even aware of it.”

Did you already know back then that you wanted to pursue a career in the music business, or were there other options for you?

Yes, there has never been any other perspective than music for me. To be honest, I’m not good at much else; I only know how to do this.

What advice would you give yourself with your current experience regarding your beginnings?

Never compromise

If I counted right, this is your 5th album. How long did you work on it, and how quickly do you feel satisfied with a song?

This is perhaps the fastest album I’ve ever made in my career. It took about seven months, I believe. I’m learning to let go when it comes to the end of the production process. There are so many different ways and sounds to orchestrate a piece of music, that I think a song is finished when the person who made it decides it is.

“My advice to myself when I started out: Never compromise.”

How was the collaboration with Gesaffelstein? Did he co-produce the album or…?

Gesaffelstein is a friend and a fantastic artist and producer. We wrote the song What’s the Cure? together.

In the song “Let Us Never Hit The Ground,” it’s about love, right? What does love mean to you?

Like a warm bath on a freezing winter evening.

Is it important for you to convey a message with your lyrics/songs, or is the focus more on poetry and creating a good song?

It depends on the song, its style, its arrangements. Sometimes the message is what’s most important, and sometimes I just let myself go with the sounds.

Which song on the album is your favourite? And which one the most personal?

My favorite is Cutting Like Knife, but people like What’s the Cure and Muse in Motion more. All the songs are personal.