Exclusive Interview: MAX Talks Touring and New Music

Singer-Songwriter Heads To Charlotte Tomorrow

Musician Max Schneider, known in the industry by his mononym MAX, is currently out on his North America Tour 2022 and headed to the Queen City for a performance tomorrow evening at The Underground. It’s been a busy year, as usual, for the accomplished artist who despite his age has a long resume as a singer, songwriter, model, and actor. His latest single “It’s You” is a wonderful collaboration with Keshi and is available now on all streaming platforms.

Click Here To Stream “It’s You”!

On the cusp of his Charlotte tour stop, Shutter 16 had the opportunity to ask MAX a few questions and catch up with all that he has going on. Read our Q&A below to get all the details on the tour, new music, and how he got started.

Shutter 16: I read that you were raised in the iconic town of Woodstock, NY, surely a music mecca for many. When did you first become interested in pursuing music?

MAX: The passion for music came pretty naturally at an early age. I had a really special music and drumming teacher named Mimo. He was one of my first true inspirations and connections to music. I still carry his spirit and passion with me in every show I do.

Shutter 16: How did your early years working with Disney and Nickolodeon help shape the rest of your career?

MAX: I showed up to my audition for the Nickelodeon movie “Rags” with my little ukulele that everyone told me I shouldn’t be taking to all of my auditions especially this one because it was a “hip hop musical”. I didn’t listen and Nickelodeon ended up loving the ukulele and writing it into the movie to combine the character with my own personality which was really special. I appreciate how much they embraced me and my own passions and I’ve tried to carry that same love for staying authentic into all of my music and journey even if sometimes people don’t think it’s gonna work or make sense. I try to follow my gut and energy more than what might be deemed to be “right” path to success.

Shutter 16: Tell us a little about your latest release “It’s You (feat. Keshi).” What or who was the inspiration behind the song? What was your experience like working with Keshi?

MAX: Keshi and I got together in my little cozy back studio at my parents house and just truly bonded over our journeys and own relationships with our significant others. We just kept it vulnerable and honest about the little moments in between the gran gestures that we both felt really described how love feels with your best friend.

Shutter 16: What is your approach/method to songwriting?

MAX: I try to start with a story, a feeling, and title and go from there. Usually melody comes next over a simple bed of music and lyrics pour out after that to fill it all in but honestly no 2 songs are ever written the same. I think any songwriter just receives whatever the universe gives them in the room and when something special comes along everyone writing the song can feel it and knows it right away. It does truly feel like magic when the perfect idea hits.

Shutter 16: Are you working on any new music right now? If so, when can fans expect to hear something?

MAX: Oh yeah so much new music. It’s been a different process while I’m touring but on off days I’ve been writing for 1 artist in particular I can’t say much about now but also writing little ideas for my next album as well. I’ve had a lot of the next album mostly done but this tour has really inspired me to put the cherry on top of the next concept and world. They’ll be hearing new music sooner then they think and if they come to the shows they’ve been hearing stuff in advance too 😉

Shutter 16: You’re currently out on the road touring North America and will be making a stop here later this month in Charlotte, NC. What can fans expect from your live show?

MAX: Very excited I haven’t been back to charlotte in so long. I try to leave fans with an experience they’ll never forget and an energy that feels communal, magical, and exciting. Every night I want to feel like it’s own completely unique experience which is why it’s always really cool when we have fans come to a lot of different shows on tour. Someone new crowd surfs every show in our crew. I’m excited to see what unique thing unfolds in Charlotte.

Shutter 16: What are your favorite and least favorite parts of being on tour?

MAX: I miss my bed and my home of course but I love the adventure. I love eating different foods that cities are known for, finding cute local coffee shops, exploring with our crew and my family, and of course getting to give love to the fans in all of these cities. It’s such a cool reminder that there are so many wonderful real and dedicated fans out there that I’m honored to have care about the music and world we try to create with it.

Shutter 16: How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it?

MAX: It’s definitely pop music, but hopefully the kind you like. Some spicy songs, some funky soulful songs, whole lot of love songs I can’t deny it

Shutter 16: You’ve already done so much in music and the entertainment field. Is there something that you haven’t done yet that you would like to pursue?

MAX: I’m so grateful to just keep creating new albums and experiences in live performance. I’d love to help evolve and be a part of other artist and songwriter careers. I look up to the journeys or Dr. Dre and Jay Z who have such an incredible eye for talent. It’s exciting to believe in an artist or project early on and watch as the world starts to see it too. There’s a lot of love and pride

Shutter 16: Where do you see yourself in 2023 and beyond?

MAX: I think we’ll be touring a lot of new places in the world, with a lot of new music, and with whole lot of surprises unfolding. I love some good surprises