Interview w/ Max Frost

It’s been a big year for Austin singer songwriter Max Frost. Post-SXSW buzz, his track “White Lies” became a blogosphere hit. Since then, this 21 years young musician has signed with Atlantic Records and will be touring this fall with Gary Clark Jr in support of his forthcoming debut EP, Low High Low. B3SCI writer Brian Litwin recently had the chance to catch up with the young pop star in the making to chat about his massive year, song concepts, Geddy Lee, Texas BBQ and more! Have a look at their chat below.

B3SCI: Please introduce yourself to the B3SCI audience.

MF: Hey! I’m a 21 year old singer/multi-instrumentalist/producer born and raised in Austin, Texas.

B3SCI: We are picking up some soul, funk and pop influences? Who specifically would you consider your main influences?

MF: I wouldn’t say I have a ‘main’ influence. I draw from lots of music that I’ve loved over my life that spans from Albert King to Bob Dylan to Led Zeppelin to OutKast.

B3SCI: Are there any influences of yours that may come as a surprise to fans?

MF: I’m a huge Rush fan! Haha…

B3SCI: What can we expect from your debut EP Low High Low out October 8th?

MF: Five songs that represent my musical evolution over the past few years and also give a window on the styles I’m developing for the upcoming album. The theme came from the emotional content of the songs as well as the lo-phi against hi-phi production style.

B3SCI: “White Lies” has gained critical acclaim from reputable online press outlets. It’s an extremely nice mix of radio ready dance and catchy pop music, but there is more to it. What was the catalyst that spawned White Lies?

MF: “White Lies” was created as an experiment like most of my songs. I drew the concept from experiences I’ve had in relationships and stylized the song with the idea of creating an old school song on a modern groove.

B3SCI: You recorded all the instruments on “White Lies”. What was your favorite instrument to play on this track?

MF: Playing the bass was the best part for sure. It’s really the most important part and provides the motion of the groove and keeps the song funky against the electronic vibe.

B3SCI: You go on tour with fellow Austin native, Gary Clark Jr. starting on September 26th at The Wiltern right here in LA. You have a major label deal and you are only 21. Life must be pretty crazy right now, how are you handling all of this?

MF: I’m just trying to stay focused on my work and not lose sight of the passion that got me here in the first place. The momentum is great and I’m trying to enjoy everything in stride, but what’s really important to me is continuing to create music that I really love and am proud of making.

B3SCI: What is one artist, dead or alive, that you would want to hang with?

MF: I would kill to be able to go back and just be in the room while John Lennon wrote a song.

B3SCI: The Hype Machine backing seemed to help you get noticed by the overall music world. Do you have any advice for other up and coming artist on how to get your music out there so the “right” people can hear it?

MF: Be patient. Only put out what you think is your best work. Surround yourself with people who truly love what you create. Respect everyone. Be humble.

B3SCI: Last question – Tex Mex or Texas BBQ?

MF: BBQ all day!

MAX FROST ON TOUR

All dates w/ Gary Clark Jr. except *

9/21 Utopia, TX Utopia Fest*
9/26  Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern Theatre
9/27  San Diego, CA House of Blues
10/2  Oakland, CA Fox Theater
10/5 Austin, TX Austin City Limits Music Festival*
10/10 Salt Lake City, UT The Depot
10/11 Denver, CO Ogden Theater
11/11 Boston, MA Royale
11/12 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
11/16 New York, NY Terminal 5
11/20 Minneapolis, MI First Avenue
11/22 Indianapolis, IN The Vogue Theatre
11/23 Columbia, MO The Blue Note

Max Frost (Official)

Reviewed by b3