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Photo – Nate Griffin

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Interview with
MAX McNOWN
– Depth, Drive, and the
Making of a Modern Troubadour

(14th May 2025)

Interview by Dave Bruce

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Watch the full interview below

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“I’m here, I’m talking to a young superstar of the future—or maybe of the present—who knows?”

That’s how I kicked off my chat with Max McNown, and after half an hour of stories, insight, laughter, and a good Shoey anecdote, I’d wager it’s the present. Max McNown is one of those rare emerging voices in modern music—equal parts vulnerable, grounded, and electric. At just 23, he’s already caught the industry’s eye as Billboard’s Country Rookie of the Month and a featured artist on multiple “next big thing” lists. But make no mistake—this success has been anything but overnight.

A Voice Shaped by Family and Faith

While his debut track Freezing in November only dropped when he was 21, Max’s connection to music runs much deeper. Growing up in a household where singing was as normal as conversation, McNown’s early memories are filled with harmonizing siblings and his dad’s acoustic lullabies.

“My dad never played professionally,” Max says, “but his guitar and his voice were the soundtrack of my childhood.”

He even still uses his dad’s old guitar strap on stage—a small but meaningful token of the authenticity that threads through his music and life. Raised around music and faith, his grounding comes from more than just melodies.

“My grandpa—who was a pastor—lived across the street growing up. He’s one of the wisest men I know, and he’s going to have his voice featured on my next album.”

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Forum, Melbourne, 13th May 2025 / Photo – @cambrownvisuals

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A Journey Through Addiction, Authenticity, and Artistry

Max’s recent album Night Diving is more than a collection of tracks—it’s a raw, soul-baring piece of art. At the heart of it is a battle with addiction, and his desire to bring silence into sound.

“The worst part of addiction is staying silent,” he shares. “Night Diving is about screaming into that silence.”

From the introspective Better Me For You to the overlooked gem Hotel Bible, his lyrics are steeped in self-reflection, honesty, and a humble acceptance of his past.

“I’ve made a lot of mistakes. But that’s where my humility comes from. It’s not hard for me to remember how often I’ve messed up—and that keeps me grounded.”

A Career Built in Small Steps

Don’t let the buzzwords fool you—Max’s rise hasn’t been meteoric, but rather a determined, deliberate climb.

“It’s been a bunch of small steps that add up. From busking in Southern California to making the bold choice to move to Bend, Oregon instead of Nashville—each decision mattered.”

Only after building a solid foundation online and through grassroots support did he move to Nashville, where he could bring his already-formed identity into a saturated scene.

“If I’d gone to Nashville first, I think I would’ve quit music,” he admits. “Everyone there is so good. But they’re not me. And what makes me ‘me’ is my roots.”

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Forum, Melbourne, 13th May 2025 / Photo – @cambrownvisuals

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Soundtrack of a Generation (Blending Genres with Heart)

When asked to describe his music, Max lands somewhere between country and folk-pop.

“There’s a line from country to folk-pop, and I sit on it. Depends on the song. Some sound like Zac Brown Band, others are more Noah Kahan.”

Influenced by artists like Ray LaMontagne, Amos Lee, Zach Bryan, and Tyler Childers, his sound is heartfelt and expansive, always rooted in story.

Live Energy, Real Emotion – Touring Australia

Currently on his debut Australian tour, Max is bringing his stories and sound down under—and loving it.

“You can expect energy, authenticity, and a whole lot of heart on stage,” he promises. “A lot from Night Diving, and some from Wandering too.”

And in true Aussie fashion, he’s already nailed a rite of passage: a Shoey in front of 2,000 people in Brisbane—out of someone else’s boot, no less.

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Forum, Melbourne, 13th May 2025 / Photo – @cambrownvisuals

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Quickfire With Max – The Man Behind the Music
Craziest thing he’s done? Shoey in Brisbane. And cliff camping. His mum’s thrilled.
Can talk for hours about? Social media (“A devil, but a necessary one.”)
Favourite album? You Get What You Give – Zac Brown Band
Favourite artist? Noah Kahan
Favourite movie? Hacksaw Ridge (“The most miraculous story ever.”)
Favourite drink? Tea with lemon and honey
Favourite person in history (besides me lol)? His grandpa… and Tim Tebow
Tattoos? None yet—but he’s promised his drummer one if he ever sold out in New Zealand and visited the Shire (check and check!)

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Forum, Melbourne, 13th May 2025 / Photo – @cambrownvisuals

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Final Thoughts

In a world where social media numbers often outweigh soul, Max McNown is a refreshing blend of both. He’s savvy enough to navigate the modern industry but wise enough to stay true to his roots. Whether you’re discovering him for the first time or have been following his journey since Freezing in November, Max is an artist with something to say—and the heart to say it with grace.

“There’s so much more to life than awards and numbers. I just want to light people’s paths.”

You’re doing that already, Max.

Catch Max McNown on tour in Australia now, and stream Night Diving wherever you get your music.

For more interviews like this, visit www.amnplify.com.au.

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Check out Cam Brown’s (@cambrownvisuals) full gallery of this event HERE

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Forum, Melbourne, 13th May 2025 / Photo – @cambrownvisuals

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Follow MAX McNOWN: 
​Website – Facebook – Instagram – TikTok
YouTube – Spotify – Apple Music  

frontiertouring.com/maxmcnown | facebook.com/frontiertouring  
​instagram.com/frontiertouring | x.com/frontiertouring 

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Forum, Melbourne, 13th May 2025 / Photo – @cambrownvisuals

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Watch the full interview below

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Press Release 5th February 2025 (below) HERE

Introducing rising
U.S. music star
MAX McNOWN

– Touring Australia in
May 2025

Stream Night Diving album  HERE

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AMNPLIFY – DB