Today we’d like to introduce you to Max Beal.
Hi Max, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m originally from Dover, Ohio. I started playing piano when I was 6. I was obsessed with trying to figure out songs by ear. I started writing my own songs and singing in 8th grade. By age 15 I was recording my own songs and learning how to mix and engineer for myself. I had a handful of live gigs that year, and the money from that was way better than mowing lawns.
I kept learning and writing, eventually building a studio in my parents’ basement. By the time I graduated high school, I’d written, recorded, and released 3 albums and 3 EPs. I was obsessed with progress and the idea of being prolific.
I went to college at a two-year music entrepreneurship program in Columbus, Ohio. This is where I’d learn the ins and outs of the industry, everything from music law to camera angles to analog recording. I learned all the boring business stuff, now I was ready to rock. After graduating (barely) I went back home and wrote music for 6 months, having one of the most prolific seasons of my life.
In March of 2022, two days after turning 21, I put a tub of clothes in my car and headed straight down to music city. I had a friend that had a couch and that was my chance to try Nashville.
I played on Lower Broadway for 3 years, jumping from band to band, trying to create an “undeniable” entertainer. The whole goal was to create this “larger than life” persona on stage that would captivate audiences. Eventually I would find cool shirts and even cooler shoes and that became my “thing.”
So here I am today, 4 years in Nashville. I look like no one else, I sound like no one else, I’m on this island all alone in a town where community is everything. I’ve purposely set myself apart from the crowd. I don’t wear boots or play a guitar. I don’t sing with twang. I often think “what am I doing here?” but something in my gut tells me I’ve arrived in just the right space in place and time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As smooth as a porcupine. Not only was I trying to build a whole musical empire and brand, I’ve also had to do all this while being in my early twenties and trying to build a good person in my personal life. There are so many things that have thrown my focus off course. If there’s a world record for losing momentum or “falling off the wagon” I’d be in possession of it.
Its hard to wear all the hats in a professional music career. I run on constant burnout. But I learned I work best under pressure.
Even in failure I look at it as a successful learning experience.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a songwriter who writes for this character called Max Beal. He’s usually wearing some type of blazer or silk collared shirt and always the white sparkle shoes. He plays the piano and charms audiences.
I look at my discography as basically a musical. There are several repeated ideas, familiar settings and always lots of drama. I use the term “theatrical pop-rock” to describe it. Imagine if Freddie Mercury and Billy Joel had a baby, and that baby was a Prince fan; that’s how I feel.
The goal is to make beautiful music that inspires the audience to feel. Some may laugh, some may be moved to tears. I’ve designed this to be an extremely entertaining character.
I don’t need to be everyone’s favorite artist. Just save me for a rainy day, and if one of my songs speaks to someone in that moment, I’ve done my job.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I haven’t been releasing music lately because of an internal budget crisis. Also, the word “drollery” perfectly describes me and my music.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://maxbeal.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/max_beal
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOilo39rVLcHQ9T3yw7O5YA
