Getting To Know... Max Runham

Despite being born with only one arm, that hasn't stopped London-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Max Runham from fulfilling his dreams of becoming a musician as he now returns with his latest laid-back groove 'You Get What You Get'.

Lifted from his latest self-produced EP, 'You Get What You Get' manages to marry the distinct 60s pop-rock groove with a more contemporary tone. Taking influence from acts such as The Beatles, this newest delight will keep your toes tapping throughout and leave you with a firm smile across your face.

So with his new release bringing joy to many right now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him over the years.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

Piano. My Dad brought a keyboard home, when I was about 12 or 13, for him to learn and I commandeered it. It was the first time I’d ever considered being an instrumental player. It was just to accompany myself at first but it definitely ignited something that has spiralled out of control a bit now.

What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?

I’d actually say Jack Johnson. I found his music at the perfect time in my life and I think it set me onto a completely different kind of music. Before, I was into much heavier, aggressive stuff. Jack Johnson turned me into a singer-songwriter. I don’t really listen to his music a whole lot, now… But, it was a really prominent transition into that world which then led me to Amos Lee and Ray LaMontagne, which then led me back to James Taylor, Carole King, Joni Mitchell… but yeah, it all kind of started with JJ.

What kind of music did you love as a teenager?

So I guess I covered that above. But, before that turning point happened I was actually listening to a lot of Hip-hop/Rap which then switched to some heavier Alt-Rock music like Muse then yeah, I spent most of my real formative years listening to indie folk and singer-songwriters. And my Dad was heavily into his blues music so that has always had a huge influence on me. And, of course, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?

I always wanted to be a singer from when I was really young. I think that was down to Robbie Williams… so maybe ‘Angels’?? But I don’t know if that counts as me consciously deciding to pursue it. I was a bit young to think like that… Maybe ‘Shelter’ by Ray LaMontagne. I remember that song making me think “I want to do this”.

When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?

So I have a cliché ‘Morning’ playlist which is filled with some chilled relaxing music. Norah Jones, Melody Gardot, Michael Kiwanuka, The Staves. That kind of sound world has a really special place in my heart. Everyone has different music for different emotions/vibes… but I think this kind of music has always felt very close to who I am.

How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?

Interesting. I just tried to count through… Just over 20 I think. But I know I haven’t collected all of my songs together properly yet so it might be more… But, interestingly, it’s got more frequent the newer the songs are. So I’m starting to do it more. So watch out, pals.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?

Very recently. This year, I took part in the Johnny Mercer Foundation songwriters project. It was mind-blowing. Such an incredible team. Had the honour of working under Andrew Lippa, Craig Carnelia, Lindy Robbins and Stephen Bray and my colleagues on the course had an immense amount of talent. I feel like a real community has been developed and it has totally changed who I am as a writer and how I think about my craft.

Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?

Theatre. I spent most of my professional life so far as an actor in theatre. It’s what I studied in college and university and I have a tremendous amount of love for it. I thought I could balance theatre and music and maybe one day I will.. but, I reached a point last year when I knew I needed to focus my efforts. But theatre will always be very dear to me.

If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?

Well, as mentioned above, acting. But, for the sake of variation… Golf greenkeeper. That’s what my ‘job prediction’ test in secondary school served me up.

And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to start a career in music?

You have to really love it. If you don’t love it, the hardships won’t be worth it. You need to love it at whatever stage you’re at… not just when you’ve “made it”. Whatever that means. And enjoy the tough bits. Working at it makes you better. It shouldn’t be an easy ride. And don’t settle for being good. Keep working and learning. And be nice.

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Max Runham's new single 'You Get What you Get' is out now. Have a listen to it in the player below.