Philadelphia-area songwriter, producer and trained saxophonist Max Swan has always approached music with the mentality of a builder. It's a particularly fitting description for an artist who divides his time between creating emotionally expansive music and working as a plumber, and whose latest single emerged during the painstaking process of rebuilding his own home.
‘LMK’ is one of his most intimate recordings to date. Centred around piano and voice, with subtle contributions from EWI, saxophone, cello and bass, the song explores what it means to actively show up for the people we love. Its story became intertwined with Swan's own life after a devastating 2021 flood left him rebuilding his home for five years and temporarily separated him from music.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Sax, it was the first instrument I ever played. My mom got me started early and though the first few years were a struggle as a constantly-distracted young kid, I grew to identify with it.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Stevie, SNL Band, Ohio Players, Red Hot Chili Peppers (the old stuff), Stevie Ray Vaughan.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Talking Book. Still listen to it. For some reason I also remember Sysco’s debut album floating between houses in the neighborhood when one of my friends bought it.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Dying to Live
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I turn a box fan on and sit in front of it until the ideas start popping into my mind through the white noise. Sounds cliche but it works.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
James Blake, Kaleem Taylor, Armando Young, Donny Hathaway, Mk.Gee, and the Gap Band.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Any of the current names on my favorites list. Just depends on if it’s a good fit. Chemistry backstage is really important.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Having the opportunity to hear how people connect with the things I’ve made. All of my music comes from real experience, and because I write with a good bit of vagueness, everyone has a different way of how it hits them.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Organization. I’ve been doing shows and events for years, and to be honest, an extra touch of accountability could help every single person out there to get where they want to go.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I took a few lessons with Lenny Pickett years back, and one of the first things he taught me is this: “Find your own way”.
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Max Swan's new single 'LMK' is out now. Check out the new video for it in the player below.