New York raised artist MAX finally returned to Seattle after four long years. Unfortunately, he had to cancel his nationwide tour due to the pandemic. That did not stop MAX from making the most of his time, since then climbing up to have almost 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. Releasing his second album Colour Vision in September 2020, including his track “Blueberry Eyes” with Suga from BTS. Also co-writing a song with BTS that was just nominated for a Grammy. I got the chance to ask MAX a few questions during his long-awaited return to Seattle.
MAX and Rikki posing with their trident tattoos
Learning More About MAX As An Artist
RMR: In the time between the release of Colour Vision and your last tour, how do you think you’ve changed as a person & how has that changed you as a musician?
MAX: Becoming a dad is definitely the biggest change in that time and it truly has created a full 180 in my life. It’s made me more present, more passionate, more vulnerable. I think all of those factors deeply effect how I make music and relate to it. So, I hope the new music I’ve been releasing reflects that. I’m having a little more fun with it all and I’m even more grateful than ever to get to do this.
What has been the most challenging aspect of recovering from your surgery?
Discipline. I had to realize that even though being a musician/singer means being an artist, it also means I have to treat myself like an athlete; I have to stay healthy, rest my voice properly, and watch my diet to make sure what I’m eating is best for my voice. Just protecting myself much more now four years later and I think I’m a healthier singer because of it for which I’m grateful.
What do you do outside of music that contributes to your creativity?
I try to go on lots of adventures and travel often does happen through music. I always try to stay in unique places with my family and friends to find inspiration and create memories to reflect on and write about. Things that feel new and fresh always get me inspired.
Diving Into MAX’s Music
What can we expect from the new album?
I’ve been experimenting with more of the soul/R&B inspiration in the sound for this album. I grew up listening to Etta James, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Billie Joel and this album has definitely been inspired by the vulnerability and true soul in the songwriting and storytelling style of those kinds of artists.
Who are your biggest musical influences as of recently?
Well besides Stevie Wonder and Etta James, I’ve been listening to the new 1975 album, LOVING FLO’s new music, and Emotional Oranges.
How much did you change “Wasabi” from playing it unfinished during last year’s tour?
Oh, great question, I tried to rewrite the verses four times but funny enough ended up keeping pretty much everything from the original that we played on tour. We just added more production spices.
Did Charlie ever get his mom’s piano back?
I’d like to think he did. The actor who played Bernie from the pawn shop just came to my show on tour in Vancouver and I’d like to think that’s a sign from the universe that everything for Charlie worked out how we all hoped it would.
Watch MAX “Wasabi” Music Video
On Collaborating with Others
You just came out with a sequel song with Illenium, do you have any plans to come out with a sequel song with Galantis?
Oh, that would be so fun! I loved working with the Galantis guys. We are all short kings so a sequel to satisfied would be epic.
What do you have planned next within Party Pupils?
I’ve been making lots of music as breathers to when I’m working on my album. Got some really cool stuff in the works. The most recent song with Kaleena Zanders is one of my favorites that my partner Ryan has ever produced.
What has been your best collaboration to date and who do you want to collaborate with next?
Oh, wow this is a tough question, especially because I feel very bonded with so many of the people I’ve gotten to collaborate with. I’ll say “Blueberry Eyes” with Suga of BTS has definitely been one of the most special and unique. Every night on tour right now hearing the crowd get so excited for that song and me doing my best to represent Suga’s rap in Korean every night. It’s been so fun to see that song come to life live in these concerts.
Reflections and Predictions
What has been the highlight for you throughout 2022 as it’s coming to a close?
Being a part of my first stadium show in Seoul, Korea was pretty spectacular. That whole week-long trip in general was a dream. Then, on the opposite end watching every “Cars” movie with my daughter 100 times in a row and seeing how much she loves it gives me a smile every time I think about it.
What is your prediction for yourself and what can we expect in 2023?
I definitely love manifesting but mostly through just opportunity and putting the effort in. So, for 2023, I hope to have an album finished that I’m truly proud of, with a visual experience that feels fresh and exciting, and I want to put on an even more spectacular show and experience for the new music.
MAX’s performance in Seattle was everything and more. His energy was off the charts, doing his high jumps and dances was making everybody go nuts. His voice filled The Showbox with a sense of warmth. It was great to hear songs I waited so long to hear live. Including one from my favorite movie that MAX stared in back when he was on Nickelodeon. He is one of the best performers I have ever seen, I always look forward to the next chance I get to be able to see him live. He’s not a show to miss.
Connect with MAX
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