About
Max grew up in a fragmented musical environment picking up pieces wherever he could find them, on the radio, his grandparents piano, his older brothers record collection – no wonder early influences range from JS Bach, through Thin Lizzy to Barbara Streisand, and although it was probably Angus Young who first inspired him to pick up a guitar it was the discovery of the Motown sound and soul legends such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Curtis Mayfield that provided the most profound direction.
While studying for his music degree (1st class!) he co-founded MAP – acoustic guitar duo, and in the process created MAP Records, releasing and distributing their music around the world. He’s worked with artists and producers ranging from John Leckie to Lily Allen (for whom he received a platinum disc for his work on the album ‘Alright Still’), and DJ Format to Prince Fatty. He’s been a teacher, examiner, a lecturer, a mastering engineer, arranger, musical director, producer and session musician working with artists ranging from Mattafix, Natty, Manu Chao, Da Twinz (Uganda), Bushwalla (US), Ashley Slater (Freak Power), Manu Larrouy (France), Lizzy Parks, Robin Scott(M), etc.
Max’s music reflects a wealth of influences but is always 100% Max. A compact blues infused rock sound, considered at times poetic lyrics delivered with a voice reminiscent of Lenny Kravitz, Steve Winwood and hints of early Bowie. His performing career has seen him share stages with Eddie Reader, Sixpence None the Richer, Eliza Carthy, Katherine Williams, Boo Hewardine, Brian Kennedy, Thomas Dolby, Carina Round, Ocean Colour Scene, Nerina Pallot etc. He performs both solo (acoustic) and with his stellar 4 piece electric band.
His writing collaborations include Craig Pruess (Bend it Like Beckham), Liz Lenten (Auburn), Marlon Roudette (Mattafix), Lou Mullen (De Souza), Prince Fatty, and he also is one of the writing team for Mission Music. His work has been broadcast around the world with syncs from Greys Anatomy to Gardeners World(!). Max’s debut Album ‘Walk In This Direction’ is scheduled for release on Scarlet Records in the summer of this year.
