TOP TRAX: TAKING 2020 TO THE MAX
By DJ FR8-O | Photos by Mackenzie Freemire & Alex Tan. Provided by Full Stop Management
Now that we’ve ushered in a new decade and slammed the door on 2019’s ass, it’s hard not to think about what the next 12 months will bring. Will we stick to our resolutions to lose weight, delete toxic people from our lives and become better versions of ourselves? Or have we already fallen back into old habits? Well, if you do find yourself skipping the gym for the third time this week or texting your ex again, at least you’ll have some brand new music to do it to. With a new year comes a new batch of musicians just waiting to fill our ears with their fresh voices. One artist, in particular, has been shaking up the indie scene for a while now, but over the last few months has been making even bigger waves than before. His name is MAX and with a new album in the works, he’s giving our ears something to look forward to in 2020.
The spotlight is nothing new for this multi-talented New Yorker. From modeling for D&G alongside Madonna herself, to small-screen acting roles, to writing for other artists, MAX has dipped his toes in every pool the entertainment industry has to offer; but it seems he’s found a permanent home in the music realm. In 2016, he unveiled his breakout album Hell’s Kitchen Angel with resounding success thanks to the smash hit “Lights Down Low,” and he’s ready to do it again on his next one. “What people loved about ‘Lights Down Low’ was the story,” he explains. “I’d never been more honest. It just clicked. I only scratched the surface on Hell’s Kitchen Angel, though. I’m taking even more risks on my next album. I want to be as authentic as possible whether it is about losing people in my life or just who I am as a person.”
While the new album isn’t set to drop till later this year, the 27-year-old LGBTQ ally hasn’t let that slow his momentum down one bit. In between tour dates and the occasional late-night talk show appearances, MAX has been keeping his fans satiated with a steady drip of singles like “Acid Dreams” featuring rapper Felly, two versions of “Love Me Less” (one with Quin XCII and another with Kim Petras) and his latest earworm, “Checklist,” featuring Chromeo. The videos for each track – all of which are saturated in yellow and blue – are as bright and colorful as the songs themselves, with a little cheekiness thrown in for good measure.
To say that MAX’s sound is unique would be the understatement of the new decade. A touch of R&B, a splash of pop and a dash of hip-hop blended with his soulful vocals and simmered to perfection, serve up a delicious dish fit for even the pickiest palette. MAX credits his success to following his gut, even when the powers that be try to convince him otherwise. Maybe that’s what makes his music stand out in a sea of white noise those “powers” try to feed us every time we turn around. If 2019 was any indication of what MAX has in store for us in the new year, then we’re all in for a beautiful buffet of addictive music, eye-popping videos and more of what makes him so tasty!
If you’re a recording artist, producer or musician and would like your work featured in TOP TRAX, hit me up at abarrios@wiremag.com.
This was originally published in Wire Magazine Issue 2.2020