Conversations with MIssy: Max McNown
Conversations with Missy: Max McNown 'Leave On A Light'
Max McNown’s career has moved quickly: a headline tour, collaborations, festival stages, and a growing catalog of songs that keep circling back to family, faith, and the people who keep him grounded. Leave On A Light, due September 25, is his third studio album and his most homegrown offering yet. Max has described so many of these songs as love songs, not just romantic ones, but tributes to the people who know him outside the spotlight and give him a place to land.
I reached out to Max by email to talk about that record, the relationships that shaped it, and how he is trying to stay steady in the middle of all the momentum. What follows is our written conversation, in his words and mine.
"Hello Max! I would first like to say Thank You for allowing me the opportunity to chat with you about your upcoming album 'Leave On A Light'. You have had so much momentum in your career, including a headline tour, collaborations, and with the highly anticipated upcoming release of your new album 'Leave On A Light', I am curious to know how you manage all of this success while balancing your home life and remaining so full of gratitude? Is there something that you consciously practice to maintain that healthy balance, like a rule you have set for yourself?"
"First and foremost, I find that a team that cares makes all the difference. The ability to say no and protect your time and energy is integral to remaining grounded. When it comes to practices I use, primarily off the top of my head, I do my best to journal and read a devotional every single morning. Starting your day off with a feeling of gratitude is the healthiest way to begin."
"In our world, we see many sides of life and relationships. This new album seems to have a heavy focus on some of the relationships in your life, especially with the standout track "First Born Daughter". This is an exceptionally unique love song written for your wife, with a gentle look into the future, how did she respond when she first heard it, and how did you feel in that moment?"
"Showing my wife the song “First Born Daughter” was an extremely emotional experience for the both of us. Many of the lyrics and compliments within the song are direct references to slight insecurities she has expressed, the goal of the song was to remind her (and all eldest children) how uniquely strong and valuable each of them are."
"One of the relationships you focused on with this album is a song you wrote for your younger sister, "Selah's Song". I imagine you two have a special bond. What are some of your favorite moments together growing up, and have you been able to remain as close as you were despite the distance between you? Moving away from family can be challenging and emotional, yet sometimes bonds become tighter. This song leads me to believe your bond has become even stronger. Being able to have her out to your shows must have been quite special for the both of you."
"I thoroughly believe that having a youngest sister softened my heart and made me a better person. Our bond was always very strong, and she can be considered the most similar to me of all my siblings in many ways. When COVID hit and we all leaned upon one another as siblings, Selah and I’s bond grew even stronger. Before we knew it, most adventures we had were spent with one another. The song was foundational inspired by my longing to be a better older brother and one she could look up to. Although the distance has grown geographically, we couldn’t be closer."
"I recently saw an instagram post where you were featured as a random person on the street with a gentleman named Khann. You didn't seem to shy away at all even though your friends dipped out, and you were quick to deliver the answers to his questions with a smile. What does a moment like that mean to you? What I mean is, just being out on the street with family or friends and someone just wanting to genuinely learn more about you. You didn't hesitate one minute and complied with this stranger's request. I feel like this world needs more people like that in their lives, just someone showing they care and take interest even though they are complete strangers. You and Khann BOTH did that."
"Given my career has grown at a relatively fast pace, being recognized in my daily life is still something I’m not used to. I’ve heard stories from artists who grow weary of public recognition at random… but for me, every interaction I have with a stranger who has felt drawn to my music reminds me why I do what I do."
"With all of the experiences you have had at shows and festivals, what is it like to look out at the crowd singing your songs back to you and posting about their meet and greets with genuine love and enthusiasm? Did you ever quite imagine that you could be making such a positive mark on someone's life? You seem to handle it all with such grace and a humble heart."
"My career has already gone further than anything I could’ve hoped and prayed for. Never in my wildest dreams would I have anticipated the powerful stories I’ve heard now. In 100% honesty, I don’t feel entirely deserving of the love my fans show me, but I will continue to write from my heart and do my best to make a positive impact on those around me."
"I know I could probably ask you a million more questions because there is so much I want to talk with you about, however, I respect your time and will leave you with this last question. The country music and general music world has lost so many icons and heroes recently with the latest at this point being Dolly Parton. Those artists have left such an indelible mark on this world and would like to know what artist has left a mark on you and what mark do you in turn wish to leave on this world?"
"Dolly Parton undoubtedly set the golden standard for how to care for and love people genuinely as an artist. I’ve spent many hours watching her interviews and learning how I can become more like her. All we are as artists is the culmination of those who inspire us and my list is far too long to write out on a page. At the end of the day, my wish is simple - I truly would like to be remembered as honest and kind."
Thank you, Max, for trusting me and taking the time to answer these questions. I know how full your schedule is right now, and I appreciate you making space for this conversation about Leave On A Light, your family, and the way you are trying to stay grounded through it all. Wishing you nothing but the best with the album and everything that comes after it.
Leave On A Light is out September 25. Pre-save it, mark the date, and get ready to sit with these songs on repeat.~ Missy
Related Images
About Missy Wolf
Co-Founder, Editor, Journalist & Vice President of the American Country Music AssociationFrom an early age I knew music and entertainment were in my blood. I have always been enamored with the idea of being in this industry, though I never wanted to be a front and center "Star". Taking the audience behind the scenes for up close conversations with the artists they love is where I want to be. Life in lyrics has always been my style, so as my favorite country artist Wade Hayes sings, I am living my life and chasing my dreams! Conducting interviews, meeting talented people and sharing stories and adventure are my passion. My new favorite hashtag is #iaskyouanswer, so stay tuned for more interviews, articles and adventures!
