Max Graham Interview July 2008
Max Graham has been making quite a name for himself over the past few years with literally numerous remixes and productions. Hailing from the UK, Max has been playing in pretty much all renowned clubs and festival the world over, exposing his trademarked sound that is best be described as intense progressive. In 2000, Max moved to Vancouver to begin his professional production career.
There he created his first hits Airtight and Tell You, which propelled Max onto the international music scene. Airtight proved to be a landmark in Max's career, earning airtime on Pete Tong's Essential Mix on Radio 1 and receiving a nomination for a Juno Award - the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy. 2006 saw the broadcast of Max's long overdue first Essential Mix for BBC Radio 1 and welcomed the launch of Max's second label, Re*brand Records, so called as a tongue in cheek reference to the constant evolution of dance music and Max's own undefineable style. The new label saw early success in 2007 with releases from relative newcomers Tim Davison and Patch Park. Despite his heavy touring schedule, Max continues to work tirelessly in the studio. In April 2008, Max partnered with Armin Van Buuren's comprehensive record label, Armada Music to distribute his Re*brand record label worldwide. 365Mag sat down with Max for an update.
Max, I look forward to your new album Cycles due to be released on July 14th! The track list is really impressive. Is there anything that you would like to share with us about the album?
Well, I'm just happy to be back., I've done a couple of single CD's but to really stretch your legs over a double is a good feeling. Singles never tell the right story, but I have Armada to thank for the backing to do this double.
What sound were you going for as your were selecting the tracks for your new album Cycles?
Well I've only ever gone for what I love, I think the only way to maintain any consistency in your career for the people who follow you is to play stuff you love. I play a few different styles of house, some techno, some trance even, but it always has something that appeals to me. Friends and supporters of mine know what this is, it's nothing you can describe but, people always send me tracks saying “this has max written all over it” and they are usually right!. So the CD is just a reflection of just that, me, my gigs, my sets, and so forth.
Is there any particular reason why you named your new album “Cycles”; what is the meaning behind it?
Haha Yes indeed, dance music is SO cyclical, my career goes in cycles, our seasons, the sun, the moon. I know it sounds cheesy but cycles are around us in so many way, I felt my career has gone through ups and downs, trying to find that right balance of what works, what makes you happy. The name really fits with house music too as different styles cycles in, and out of the mainstream. Big vocals always cycles back in a different form ten years later. Makes total sense to me.
Which tracks on the new album do you feel will have the greatest influence and impact on the scene?
Great question, melody is coming back, tracks like the EDX ones that have lovely chords in them you have not heard so much in the scene lately… Hopefully these will influence more people to make them.
How large is your vinyl and disc collection?
Vinly is very large, half in Toronto and half here in Montreal, the classics are with me, but I have all my old promos in Toronto in a friends basement. I have two 500 gig hard drives filled with digital stuff also.
Have you ever played a highly requested track so frequently to a point where the record or disc became physically damaged? If so, what track was it?
It was not highly requested, but I ran through two copies of Underworld's Kittens… amazing track.
Would you say that your taste in track selection has changed significantly over the years?
Not really, its slowed dow., I mean I just look for what turns me on, and obviously the music in the scene has changed a lot, but I'm still looking for stuff with emotion, energy, rollercaster vibes to them…
Which one of your productions would you say that you are most proud of?
Airtight, because it's had the most impact on people, Tiësto still plays it regularly.
Can you explain the difference's between a Max Graham Remix, and a Sidechain Remix, if there is one?
There is a Max Graham Club Mix, and a Max Graham Sidechain Mix… it was when I was using a really heavy sidechained bass-line sound for a while. Owner Of A Lonely Heart had it.
Do you ever bring friends to accompany you when you travel to perform in other cities?
I try to all the time, it makes the experience that much better.
You have traveled to many parts of the world. What country would you say is the home of the most energetic party-goers?
Ireland, they are nuts!...Israel was always amazing but I have not played there in a couple of years.
Are there any cities that you have not yet had a chance to perform in?
None, I can think of…wait, Cape Town!
Can you describe the sensation of vibing off of the crowd in order to play to them?
It's key for me. I don't play the same set everywhere I go. I have to feel the crowd and feed off them, you just feel the room as if you were on the dance floor, you just know what's working and what's not.
Have there been any changes or improvements to your Re*Brand label since you joined with Armada earlier this year?
Yes of course, its allowed me to focus more on music and Armada takes care of the business. We did new artwork and a fresh approach., I'm happy.
Contrary to many other artists in the scene you have chosen not to have a zillion aliases, and you have stayed true to the Max Graham name and sound. What was your reasoning behind this decision?
I just always felt that my sound was my sound. I don't really produce anything drastically different that needed an alias to avoid confusion.
I know that you are a member of some Electronic Music forums such as TrancEaddict. Do you feel that it is essential for artists to have a direct interaction with their fans? If so, in what ways do you feel that it can beneficial to both the artist and the fan?
I don't think it's essential, it's actually hard to have good communication with your fans because there are so many negative people out there who take what you say and twist it. It's easy of them, they don't have a reputation that is attached to their livelihood. For a lot of DJ's this forces us to shy away from forums, and public arenas where we could actually quite easily interact with fans… I try to through Myspace, and Facebook. I pretty much answer everyone. It can be beneficial but I know some big DJ's who are doing very well who have almost no contact with their fans. What ever works for you best, and everyone is different.
You have quite a sense of humor. Do you have any advice that you can give to those, which are not as light hearted as yourself when faced with trials and tribulations?
Hahaha When life gives you lemons make lemonade… no I'm no counselor.
It's been a pleasure! On behalf of 365 Magazine I would like to thank you for sparing some time to speak with us. We wish you great success with the album!
And thank you!
