After an illustrious career spanning nearly 30 years, filled with groundbreaking contributions to the ‘90s neo soul movement, a remarkable collection of gold and platinum albums and singles—such as “Pretty Wings,” “Lifetime,” and “Simply Beautiful”—and an impressive tally of three Grammys, what could possibly be next for Maxwell? For the iconic artist, the answer lies in announcing the exciting itinerary and star-studded performer lineup for the third annual Urban Hang Suite Cruise. Before diving into that, however, he enhances his artistic connection with fans through a new residency titled The Silent Serenade Ensemble.

The Silent Serenade Ensemble, inspired by Maxwell’s thrilling The Serenade 2024 tour, is a limited engagement featuring four exclusive nights at the MGM National Harbor in Washington, D.C. on September 18, 19, and 20, followed by a performance at the historic Kings Theatre, located in Brooklyn, New York, on September 28. This residency is part of the continued journey of Maxwell’s The Serenade Tour, which is set to run into 2025, culminating in October with a series of performances featuring rotating special guests, including Lucky Daye, Marsha Ambrosius, Leela James, and Kem on select dates.

Maxwell elaborates on the innovative concept behind the Silent Serenade performances, stating, “The ensemble can be anything we want it to be. It can take the form of a choir performing doo-wop styles, or it might feature a complete string section, including harps and various reeds. The potential for diverse combinations of instruments is limitless, allowing us to present and perform familiar tracks alongside deeper cuts that audiences may not have experienced before.”

For devoted Maxwell fans, this is not the first instance of the artist reimagining his music uniquely. In 2023, he captivated audiences during sold-out performances with symphony orchestras in major cities like San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Washington, D.C., showcasing his ability to blend genres and elevate his iconic tracks to new heights.

Opening for the Silent Serenade performances will be the talented singer-songwriter Yola, whom Maxwell admires greatly. He recalls, “I discovered her during the pandemic on either Jimmy Kimmel or Stephen Colbert, where she was performing a stunning country rock song. I deeply appreciate what she embodies: her cultural identity, her vast musical breadth, and her unbounded creativity.”

As Maxwell looks ahead to 2026, he plans to reunite with Lucky Daye and Kem, along with legendary acts such as The Isley Brothers and Kelly Price, for his third annual Urban Hang Suite Cruise. This luxurious cruise will embark from Miami aboard the Norwegian Joy, setting sail from February 7-12, with exciting stops in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.

During a recent break from his busy touring schedule, Billboard had the opportunity to connect with an enthusiastic Maxwell. In their engaging phone interview, he opened up about the highly anticipated residencies, the upcoming ocean cruise, and the long-awaited release of the concluding chapter in the trilogy of albums that he started in 2009.

After eight years since your last album, 2016’s blackSUMMERS’night, when can fans expect the final chapter of this trilogy to be released?

“I want to be completely honest with you, because it’s important for fans to understand the human side of what I go through, beyond just the music and performance. I have been contending with a nerve condition, a challenge that many singers and performers encounter throughout their careers. This forced me to take a step back, allowing myself the necessary time to heal and recover. It was a stressful period, especially while on tour, recording [his latest single] “Simply Beautiful,” and participating in NPR’s Tiny Desk concert, which has garnered over 5.9 million views on YouTube. I found it difficult to manage the pain while performing live, but I was committed to my shows, motivated by the people and teams working tirelessly behind the scenes.”

“If it weren’t for these challenges, I probably would have released the final album by now. However, I also needed to ensure that I was in a position to promote and celebrate it authentically in front of my audience. I didn’t want to rush the release for financial reasons or deadlines. Many people underestimate that when creating music, it’s about capturing a feeling. If you’re not well, the music won’t resonate either. I hold my craft in too high regard to treat it like a mere job; it should be a source of joy and fulfillment. I know that the music [for the next album] being created comes from a place of genuine vibes and intention.”

What additional surprises can fans anticipate during your Silent Serenade performances?

“I’m more excited about the potential of what I aim to create than the accomplishments I’ve already achieved. I hope these shows will ignite a passion in audiences and inspire them to seek out similar experiences in various locations. My goal is to showcase the evolution of Black music through all the diverse genres that we have pioneered in America, including blues, gospel, R&B, soul, rock ‘n’ roll, and jazz. It’s essential for people to understand the profound impact of our culture. I want to offer an unparalleled experience that evokes deep emotions, especially at a time when genuine human connection is becoming rare. In a world dominated by texting and emojis, we are missing true connections.”

“I believe that people no longer experience music in the same way they once did. My intention is to create an event that transports them into the essence of Black music, which represents at least 70% of all global music, without exception. From reggaetón being rooted in hip-hop to rock ‘n’ roll, which was birthed by Little Richard, and even country music, which has its roots in Black traditions. It’s my mission to represent, celebrate, and solidify our cultural contributions. Expect to hear familiar B-sides, as well as parts one and two of “’Til the Cops Come Knockin’,” a song I haven’t performed since my early days. There will also be unexpected covers and surprises that will delight the audience.”

What factors do you think have contributed to the immense popularity of your cruise, which has sold out in its first two iterations?

“I can’t take full credit for the curation of the cruise; the team handles that without my input until it’s finalized, as I tend to experience anxiety [laughs]. They know my preferences well. I’m simply thrilled to be part of an event that I wouldn’t describe as a resurrection, but rather as a moment to reintroduce people to one another. It aligns with the spirit of the Silent Serenade: celebrating the rich history of music that I cherish and fostering connections among artists and genres that have profoundly influenced our culture. This is the essence of what I aim to achieve for all music lovers.”

What future projects are on your horizon?

“It’s all coming together, but I can’t disclose the details just yet. However, when everything aligns, including the album release, it’s going to be a moment of sheer disbelief for everyone involved. That’s all I can reveal for now, except to say that I’m far from finished; you haven’t seen the last of me yet.”