Meet Max Madly | Singer/Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Max Madly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Max, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Listening to my gut instinct and inner self, especially if I’m feeling unsure. I know that even when I fail or make a mistake, if I stay true to myself, I’ll still be proud of any outcome. Cultivating that has helped me navigate all the highs and lows of the music industry.

I also try to keep my life as balanced as possible. I’m definitely in a grind with music right now, but I always keep myself grounded with other interests. I have the attention span of a peanut, so from a young age, I learned that multitasking actually helps me focus. Like right now, I’m doing this interview, working on 3 different paintings, finishing my website, and researching trademark stuff.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My life in music started with intense classical training and opera. That laid the groundwork for how I make music now and still influences my sound. Because I grew up practicing restraint and the technical side of voice training, my approach veered in the opposite direction as I grew as an artist. I’m very impulsive and I don’t do a lot of thinking when I write. I kind of just let it pour out.

When I moved to Los Angeles, I had a lot of work to do on my mental health and past trauma. I think that was a necessary part of my creative process because those experiences ultimately inspired all of my work. I’m most proud of how vulnerable my songwriting has become. I’m still exploring my Iranian heritage, sexuality, religion, and mental health and I think that’s reflected throughout my work. Right now, I feel like the truest expression of myself in my music, which excites me more than anything. Music has been my solace when I feel too much or not enough. If my work can give that to someone else, that would be the greatest success for me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I feel most connected to the scene in East LA. I’ve been out here for around 3 years and my favorite spots to eat and visit include: -Kitchen Mouse
-Joy (amazing Taiwanese food!)
-Echo Park Lake
-Kinship Yoga
-Exploring around Figueroa St or York Blvd (Highland Park)

Some central/westside places I love:
-Lincoln Tattoo
-Alibi Room
-Griffith Park
-Night + Market
-The Getty

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents have always believed in me from the moment I conveyed interest in music, which isn’t common in our cultural background. I’m so grateful they never discouraged me from following my dream.

I’ll never forget the time that I had a falling-out with the band I was playing with in college because that’s when I hit a major turning point. My mom was the person who pushed me to pick up a guitar for the first time, and since then, I’ve grown so much as an artist.

My producer has also supported me every step of the way. His hands are in every part of my project and he’s an integral part of making my vision coming to life.

Website: www.maxmadly.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/max.madly

Twitter: www.twitter.com/maxmadly

Facebook: www.facebook.com/maxmadlymusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-WXV7PBwmt1qmUMt6WGXlQ

Other: TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRUEgPrf

Image Credits
(Black and white live photo credit) Photo by Chris Camargo