Musician Interview With Max Ater
September 18, 2018 — We recently chatted with rising pop country star Max Ater about a number of things. Below is what he had to say:
Need406: Can you describe what it was like for you as you were recording “Small Town”?
Max: The first few weeks of recording at Anchour Studio were surreal for me. Not only because it was my first time working in a professional studio but I also got to work with Karl Anderson, an extremely talented producer. I’d have waves of gratefulness wash over me behind the mic — it was almost distracting! Karl and I developed a really productive method of recording that helped streamline the process, freeing me up to make sure the lyrics were exactly how I wanted them. That said, the making of this record was an exercise in decision-making, sometimes finding the words in the studio as we tracked.
Need406: What can you tell us about “Small Town” that you have not told anyone else yet?
Max: I took the liberty of creating the cover art to the EP. I had a really specific vision for what I wanted it to convey.
Need406: Can we get your take on what the song “Easy” is about?
Max: I think it’s a celebration of the idea that another person can be the one thing that helps you escape yourself.
Need406: Could you also give us your take on what “Stay a Little Longer” and “Summer Next To You” are about?
Max: “Stay A Little Longer” was a fun song to write. The music for it started in the studio when I was just messing around on the guitar while Karl mixed. We needed one more tune for the record and he liked what he heard. I can trace the inspiration for the lyrics back to a specific place and time in my hometown of Bath, Maine which usually doesn’t happen!
“Summer Next To You” came from a relationship that was on the rocks and simply coming to it’s natural end. It’s a love song with a dose of heartbreak.
Need406: Where can people go to buy Small Town and do you know if they’ll be able to stream it anywhere?
Max: On October 12, 2018 you can listen to the whole EP on all popular streaming services.
Need406: In what ways do you feel Light Up This Town is an anthem to life in Maine?
Max: It’s all in the name for me. Options for fun dwindle after 7PM around my hometown and I wanted a pump-up song that captured both the basic things like going downtown to the local bar or finding some place on the edge of town with the one you love. I prefer the latter!
Need406: How has being born and raised on the coast of Southern Maine helped craft you into the musician you are today?
Max: I’m very grateful to have been born and raised on the coast of Maine and I consider myself seriously connected with nature because of it. Escaping down a quiet backroad or an empty beach let’s me clear my mind and find new perspectives on myself and my songwriting. There’s also an incredible amount of gifted musicians in Maine and what I’ve learned from them has been crucial in my career so far.
Need406: Do you feel your career as a musician would be progressing as it is had you not been grand champion of Maine’s Soundoff competition in 2016?
Max: Competing and winning awards will always be a thrill and the publicity is great but I believe it’s the day-to-day grind that’s gotten me to where I am today.
Need406: What are some of your favorite concert venues to perform at in New England?
Max: One of my favorite venues so far is the Chocolate Church Arts Center in my hometown of Bath. It’s the first place I stepped in front of an audience and continue to perform there on an annual basis. I was also given the opportunity to perform a tune at the Capitol Theatre for the Arts in New Hampshire a couple years ago. It was my first experience playing in front of a such a large audience and gave me a taste of what I hope lies ahead. I probably have had the most fun performing at Bath Heritage Days which is an annual festival in my hometown. Performing for all my family, friends, and fans on an outdoor stage is a real gift.
Need406: Describe the Max Ater concert experience to us using five words or less?
Max: Fun! Sometimes ridiculous!
Need406: If you wanted to impress a lady friend what song of yours would you perform for her and why?
Max: My lady friend is my wonderful partner Julien and she always loves to hear me play Small Town. The tune is based on our relationship and whenever she’s in the crowd, we can’t help but smile about it.
Need406: At what age did you realize you wanted to be a musician?
Max: I was convinced I wanted to be a playwright until I was 15. Then I discovered was truly drove me was my love of writing anything. So when I found out I could sing, I put the two together and knew that was my calling.
Need406: If you were going to title a song based on how your day is going today what might that song title be?
Max: “NONSTOP” !
Need406: What is your overall goal as both a musician and a songwriter?
Max: It’s all about progress for me and waking up a little better an artist than I was yesterday.
Max Ater Discography:
Small Town EP (To Be Released On October 12, 2018)
MAX ATER LINKS: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM