In The Green Room with… MAX RAD
MAX RAD is a multi-talented singer-songwriter, producer, and DJ.
TokenTraxx is exclusively dropping Max’s ‘Dream Big’ EP on May 25th — with 50 limited edition NFTs for each of four brand new tracks which feature in his forthcoming album ‘Joy Wonder’. Listen to and buy over at tokentraxx.com/artists/max-rad.
We sit down with Max to find out a little more about the emerging star.
Let the interview begin…
What does Web3 mean to you?
Web3 feels like it’s more about power to the people and less corporate control, and we can take more ownership over our work… which sounds good to me. I am excited at what the prospects are and finding out more about the metaverse.
If you were an app, what would you be?
If I was actually an App, I’d go for Google — then I’d know everything! Instagram and WhatsApp are the apps I probably use most, though.
TikTok is a weird and wonderful space which I am now getting to know, with its crazy algorithms. For example, I recently recorded a song on my acoustic guitar, just sitting down outside. I then uploaded it — and checked a while later — and it had 20,000 views! In about an hour! And this is without building a big following on TikTok, as yet.
What is one message you would give to people trying to get into the music industry today?
Get on TikTok — chuck up as many as ten videos a day if you can. Get an identity, experiment, find yourself, have a clear idea what you want to be.
It is difficult to make noise and stay relevant, but it’s about creating as much as possible.
What’s been a particular failure or success which you learnt the most from?
A notable failure was my first gig with an old band of mine in London, ages ago. My management at the time said that I needed to act mysterious and to go up on stage and not to say a word to the audience. I just sang my songs and left the stage and the whole experience was just shit. I like having a chat on stage and getting the crowd going. Being silent affected my performance.
What I learnt was that you should always stay true to yourself.
I have had lots of little successes which amount to a lot; from uploading a track to be released for the first time, or to being played on BBC Radio 1. BBC Introducing in the West and The South West has been really supportive, I have done a few sessions for them, one in BBC Maida Vale which was incredible to play.
What’s the most useless talent you have?
I did a juggling course when I was about 12 and it’s about the most useless talent I have got. But it’s a good party piece.
Is there a standout moment in your life?
My first guitar lesson aged around 6. My mum found a teacher who got me hooked on it. It didn’t feel like I was learning the guitar — more like songwriting sessions. I then cut my finger and wasn’t able to play the guitar for a while and that’s when I developed my singing.
… And a moment to forget?
I learnt early on, back when I was in my first band, that you shouldn’t drink too much and get too pissed before a gig as it just hampers your performance. So, I don’t do that anymore!
Do you have a favourite photo?
I have it on my phone as my screensaver. It’s by Romy Becker who photographs waves and surfers in Australia. This is taken at Bells Beach, which I’ve never been to but it just looks so nice. I just love the light and how still it is, with that incredible view towards the horizon. Every time I look at it makes me feel more calm.
Do you speak any other languages? If not, what language would you like to learn?
Yes, I speak a bit of French as I took it for A Levels and studied it at University in Bristol. I thought of a lyric in French once but haven’t managed to get it in a song yet, ‘Tu étais mon amour, mais pas encore’, not sure if it actually makes sense but it could be good!
If you weren’t in music, what would you be up to right now?
I would like to run a pub down in Cornwall! I still might do so one day!
Do you collect anything obscure?
I don’t collect anything obscure but I do like collecting vinyls of albums that I love.
What has been your proudest professional moment?
Best day was when I played at Cornwalls’ Boardmasters Festival last summer. I played a live set on stage in the afternoon which went really well and then DJ’d in the evening. That was just a great experience and topping it all off by DJ’ing in a tent rammed full of people closing the Saturday night was awesome.
Best advice you have ever been given?
“Don’t think. Feel.” A producer friend said it to me once — I think it’s originally a Bruce Lee quote.
To me it’s about not overthinking, but just doing it. It applies to everything I do from my own projects to writing songs.
My projects are like therapy to me which makes this quote very apt.
What would be the title of a song and an album about you and your life?
Chill Out and Don’t Worry.
Max Rad’s NFT collection “Dream Big” EP is available to listen to and buy on TokenTraxx, check it out over at tokentraxx.com/artists/max-rad
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