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Rising Singer-Songwriter Max McNown on Night Diving, “A Lot More Free” and more

Max McNown
Photo: Nate Griffin

Alt-country is having something of a moment right now. Led by megastars Tyler Childers and Zach Bryan, a style that has spent most of its existence on or beyond the periphery of popular consciousness is having a legitimate flirtation with the mainstream. While the sound, characterized by its fusions of folk, rock, and country, has existed in various movements and iterations over the course of the last half century, it has never had an audience as wide as it does right now.

For some fans of the genre, this newfound popularity may elicit mixed emotions-historically, “alt-country” has been a movement (or series of movements) confined mostly to the underground, a legitimate roosty alternative to whatever was coming out of Nashville at a given time. Viewed through that lens, skepticism is somewhat understandable. One thing pure skepticism overlooks, however, is one of the major positive downstream impacts of having a major cultural moment, namely, the inspiration that subsequent generations find in the music.

Just as Trailblazers and Torchbearers like Jason Isbell and John Prine inspired Tyler Childers and Zach Bryan, the latter find themselves shaping the next generation of roots songwriters in a major way. While some of these up and comers are still finding their way, many have already emerged as strong voices in country and alt-country scenes.

One of the newer young artists to enter the scene (and subsequent conversation) is Max McNown. McNown, like many of his peers, was influenced by Bryan and Childers, among others. His career started with a major bang in the form of 2023’s “A lot More Free,” a viral hit that has now been streamed over 100 million times. The success of the song, a melodic, folky americana tune, set the stage for what became a breakout 2024.

On Night Diving, his latest full-length, McNown further articulates his bid for country notoriety, building on the strengths of Wandering. Like his debut, Night Diving features a degree of polished production, but the palette remains tasteful. The single “Roses and Wolves,” a collaboration with Hailey Whitters, exemplifies this. It’s catchy but sweet and sentimental, striking a satisfying balance between folk, country, and pop. At points the record leans in different stylistic directions-a little poppier here, a little more country there- but for the most part Night Diving finds solid footing in the in-between.

McNown’s strong writing and singing coupled with his expanding catalog reflect an artist definitively on the rise. Still in his early 20’s, it remains to be seen if McNown will become a paradigm shifter to the extent of some of his inspirations. With that said, he’s experienced a lot of success very early in his career, and his future looks brighter by the day.

Max plays his first Twin Cities area headlining shows Wednesday and Thursday at the intimate 7th street entry. Having opened for Trampled By Turtles, Briscoe, and Wyatt Flores in the last year, McNown is certifiably road-tested. Fans lucky enough to have scored tickets to the sold-out shows can expect to hear plenty from Night Diving, Wandering, and the rest of the catalog. The shows also presents one of those unique opportunities to see a young artist play in a small room before they graduate to much larger venues.

Below Is a Q+A with Max McNown. The following has been edited for consistency.

Music In Minnesota: I know you’ve mentioned in interviews that Night Diving and Wandering were written around the same time. Do you follow any specific processes or approaches for writing songs? Did your approach change on Night Diving?

Max McNown: They were written several months apart however close together in the grand scheme of things. I always enter the wiring room with my own poetry and concepts because if a song isn’t honest and personal to me, it’s not worth writing. The only things that changed with Night Diving are the vulnerability I was comfortable conveying and the increased allotted experience in a writing room.

MIM: The places you’ve lived-The Pacific Northwest, Southern California, and now Nashville-are all regions with very distinct musical sounds and scenes. What have you found to be most inspiring about living and working in Nashville up to this point?

MM: The amount of talent constantly surrounding you pushes you to want to become the best musician/songwriter you can be

MIM: “A lot more free” has become a huge hit. When you wrote that song, did you expect it to resonate with people the way it did?

MM: The extent to which ALMF has impacted the world was unforeseeable. It was written following one of the most difficult experiences of my own life and to hear people tell me it saved theirs will never ever get old. 

MIM: You’ve gone from busking to opening shows to headlining your own tour very quickly. How do you feel you’ve grown as a performer over the last few years? Are there any artists or bands who were particularly Inspiring to the way you approach playing live?

MM: With every show, I’ve gotten more comfortable on stage and each show is beginning to feel more and more natural. My live presence has truly been built from the ground up and I haven’t been to enough shows to imitate other artists… I’ve learned everything I know from my band and my own experience (and singing in the shower).

MIM: 2024 was a massive year for you, with your debut album, multiple EPs, and big shows. I’m curious what you are most excited for in 2025.

MM: I’m most excited for my first festival!

Written by Aaron Williams

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