Interview, New Fire Music
THE STORYTELLER MUSICIAN MAX MUSCATO
Aug
Max Muscato is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer and philanthropist. As a rock artist he brings electrifying performances to every show. Over the last several years Max has gained an extensive following and has toured and opened for: Citizen Cope, Theory of a Deadman, Aaron Carter, Finger Eleven, Eric Gales, Ripe and more. He is currently working on his next singles Valarie and Toxic & Poison due out in 2022
In addition to his music career, Max is also the founder of Rock Autism Music Festival and the creator/writer of the new TV show “Setlist.” The show is the truest depiction of their family dynamic while revealing the grind it takes to make it in the music industry. Max’s powerful songs written about his brother’s struggle with Autism and addiction is a deep-rooted catalyst that drives his passion and career. Proceeds from his festival fund Rock Autism programs for individuals with Autism, connecting them to a career in music and film.
Thank you for letting us interview you! Let us in on your new music! When did you record it?
Surprisingly, I recorded my latest single Valarie in my bedroom. Today, as long as you have decent equipment, are able to get crisp sounds and recordings and the understanding of how to navigate a recording software you can pretty much replicate what you want to do in a studio – and not spend an arm and a leg.
Any writing traditions you have when you’re in that mode?
When I’m in the writing mode I don’t really have any traditions. It’s more of an obsession. When I finally hit my writing stride I become obsessed and focus on it every second of every day. In a way it’s like a drug to me and I can’t stop until I’ve “overdosed.”
Any other traditions you have when you’re in your recording process?
When I’m in the recording studio I have a few traditions or methods I follow. The first thing I do is make sure I set the vibe with my colorful LED lights, it helps me feel like I’ve just entered the arena. Next I make sure that everything is organized so I can float from one instrument to the next effortlessly. I’ve been with other musicians in their studios and I’ve noticed that it’s very chaotic with no real flow or method they follow, and it turns out to take way longer than it should. Every artist should have their rundown or method when they record.
What challenges come with recording?
There are many challenges that come with recording but the biggest one that I face is obsessing over the smallest error that literally nobody can catch. Sometimes I’ve recorded one part of a guitar solo for weeks before I nail a millisecond of a guitar solo. One of the beautiful things about music is that it has a personality or a voice to it and sometimes the imperfections give the song character – rather than a perfected robot.
Who did you collaborate with in the studio?
When I’m in the studio I collaborate with my father, who is also my drummer. I write the bones of the songs and he’ll come in and help me with some rhythms, percussive breaks and dynamics.
Any recording stories you have that you’ll remember forever from this music? Please share one with us!
A memory I’ll forever have from the recording studio is the first time I recorded Sonnyboy, a song I wrote about my autistic brother Sonny Muscato. It was myself, my father and Jerry Livingston, one of the greatest bass guitarists Buffalo, NY has ever known. Jerry and I had never met. He was referred to me by my producer, Mike Rorik, so I was a little skeptical of this guy. He walked in and looked like an old turtle who had just woken up. The man was incredibly polite and proper when we spoke and one of my favorite mannerisms he had was when he got excited he ended every sentence with a fist bump and “my man.” He had never heard my song Sonnyboy so I was nervous how the session was going to go. I played him a quick runthrough, wrote out the chords and without hesitating he said “Alright, I’m good. Let’s hit it.” My father hopped on the kit, I was in the vocal booth with my acoustic guitar and Jerry was in the mixing room with the producer. My father counted us in and we all immediately felt the energy and our chemistry was in sync. The song ended and I was speechless. I had never experienced something like that where people with such different backgrounds were all connected and in unison because of music. I turned to Jerry at the end and with a huge smile on his face he said “That’s a badass song, my man. That’s a badass song.”
What do you want fans to appreciate about your artistry when it comes to the new music?
I’d like my fans to appreciate the fact that the music I write comes from a very personal place and that I truly care so much about it. I want my fans to be able to connect in any way and have my music help them in a time of need. I’ve been told I’m a great storyteller musician, and I pride myself on that. The ability to capture the audience and have them follow me on a journey is something I love.
After the new year we typically forget about our resolutions, have you kept yours when it comes to your music making?
It’s unfortunate that people forget their New Year’s Resolutions, but I sure haven’t. This year was the year I decided to do no more waiting and take control of my career. I will grind in this industry until I’ve reached the level I want to be at!
Give us your link for the music to stream, stream, stream!
Thank you for chatting with us! Where can our audience go to follow and support your stellar music journey!