POINT OF VIEW INTERVIEW #63

PRODUCER/DJ: MAXO

Max Coburn, aka Maxo, is an eccentric producer from Brooklyn, New York who constructs music that doesn't just remain in one certain style or category. His animated sound and the 8-bit personality he gives his music makes him out of the ordinary from what you may usually hear. Tracks like "Battle! Bug Type Expert," "Plushlined," or his recent collab with Ehirorobo, "Bedside," add dynamic jazz elements with quirky chimes and drum patterns. Combining beats and melodies you might find in a Nintendo game, every track Maxo releases in an adventure for your ears to go on. With a new EP in the works, this rhymic artist has released past successful projects such as Chordslayer, a bubbly vocal chopped EP. Making productions that undeniably standout, it is no surprise Maxo catches the notice of prominent media platforms like Nest HQ, BRAINFEEDER, The FADER, and plenty more! With much excitement, check out our interview with the incredible Maxo below and see what inspiration he acquires to create his music.

Also keep an eye out for Maxo's upcoming EP, Skyriser, releasing off of TREKKIE TRAX on October 11th!

Follow Maxo on:
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Photo by: @SonyaMeesh

Question 1: What got you into making music? 

Listening to music! My dad's a musician as well, and I was exposed to a lot very early on. I started playing the piano when I was 5 and spent a lot of time trying to learn what I loved by ear. This fascination with music turned into a love for composition, and I started making originals as soon as I had the resources. I owe a ton to my supportive parents!

Question 2: What people intrigue you or inspire you to pursue music?

My pursuit of music is very self-driven, but I've been lucky to have friends and other influences to push me even further. While there are probably too many important people to name in one place, I'm always amazed by artists who seem to exist in their own world. Tapping into something vast and boundless while keeping a sense of individuality has been an artistic goal for me, and I'm inspired by anyone who strives for something similar.

Question 3: How would you define your style of music?

I get this question a lot actually haha.. Some weird hybrid of jazz fusion, pop and club music maybe? I love dabbling in different styles, so I have a tough time pinning myself to any set range of sounds.

Question 4: Could you give us an idea of how your creative process starts for a track or project?

Writing from scratch has always been difficult for me. I often need at least an idea or concept to get the ball rolling. Even something like a title or a combination of colors can provide a more workable starting point. It's because of this that I tend to work more quickly on commissions or remixes than I do on Maxo originals.

Question 5: What is your favorite track that you have produced so far?

This is a really tough question. My opinion of my own work changes really quickly, and I tend to lose interest in it if I hear it too much. I have a bunch of tracks I feel good about, but usually, nothing sounds better than a track that's still fresh in (or out of) my head. While I'm definitely over-exposed to it by now, I still feel really proud of the work I put into my forthcoming EP, Skyriser.

Question 6: Any goals or plans in mind for you as an artist in the future? Anyone who you would love to work with?

I've been spending a lot of time trying to build myself up more like a game composer. I've been lucky to work on some cool mobile games in the last couple years, and I wanna go even further! It would be amazing to score any kind of major console release... I guess that's my big personal goal right now. I don't plan to turn my back on any of my other projects though! There are always tons of friends I wanna work with, so as long as I stay inspired, I'll be doing everything I can, however I can.